Paddles are the most underappreciated aspect of boating, at least until you’ve had to use one for more than five minutes. 

In fact, while one of our favorite ways to spend the work day is drooling over the kayaks and canoes in our warehouse, paddles deserve just as much attention. They’re the most direct link between a paddler and the water, and they can mean the difference between a good or bad day in your rig. 

Not all paddles are created equal, though, and they’re certainly not one size fits all. Weight, material, length, blade angle and shape…all are factors that can have a huge impact on how much of your physical effort converts into the energy that propels your boat. We’ve had paddlers tell us they’re not in love with their kayak (or even the sport), only to find out they’ve been using a paddle that’s low quality or a poor match for their technique or biomechanics. 

This holiday season, if the kayaker in your life (or just you!) already has a small fleet of boats, consider upgrading paddles. It could breathe new life into their next excursion and spark a newfound love for the sport. The options are near limitless, and we’ve compiled a list of the best kayak paddles, canoe paddles, SUP paddles and more. We’re always available to chat if you have any questions or want more suggestions. Better yet, pay us a visit and try some out for yourself! 

Buy Once, Cry Once: Aqua Bound Aerial Major Carbon

If you’re serious about performance on whitewater, the Aqua Bound Aerial Major Carbon is the way to go. This paddle is engineered specifically for strong paddlers in excellent paddling shape who need superior responsiveness with every stroke. Strengthened by 33 feet of Aqua Bound’s Lam-Lok technology, it’s an exceptionally well-balanced and well-constructed piece of gear that’s built to last, even under persistent use in challenging conditions. Aqua Bound has dialed in every aspect here from the 45.5-centimeter by 12.2-centimeter blades to the full-length carbon shaft. The result will have you bending the water to your will. This is definitely a whitewater kayak paddle where you get what you pay for. 

Value Pick (Kayak): Werner Tybee Hooked Paddle

Looking for the best kayak paddle for fishing? Known for high-quality fishing kayak paddles, Werner put together the Tybee Hooked model for the more budget-conscious angler. With features comparable to more expensive Werner paddles, the Tybee Hooked has fiberglass-reinforced, nylon-injection molded blades known for their durability. Those blades are designed after Werner’s Premium Performance line, meaning you’ll get a similarly smooth catch and stability.

Bending Branches Expedition Plus Canoe Paddle

For the canoers among us, consider the Bending Branches Expedition Plus, the best canoe paddle around. It starts at the top with a power T-grip that sits comfortably in hands of all sizes, and it ends with a reinforced 8.2-inch by 19-inch blade that boasts Bending Branch’s Rockgard edge protection. It’s also a beautifully made piece of artwork with stripes of red alder, basswood and roasted basswood, which enhance its durability. Note that this paddle isn’t recommended for Class IV or V whitewater, so it’s more appropriate for those wanting a step up from entry-level canoe paddles. 

Bending Branches Angler Navigator Hybrid 

The Bending Branches Angler Navigator Hybrid paddle will have you turning heads with every stroke. In addition to its features — which are many — it’s really one of the most beautiful kayak paddles on the market, thanks to Bending Branch’s signature designs of striped red alder and basswood. It’s not all about the looks though. The shaft is 100% carbon, keeping it lightweight at 28 ounces and built to last. That durability extends to the hardwood blades as well, which are wrapped in fiberglass and bolstered by Bending Branch’s patented Rockgard edge protection. The three-hole, snap-button ferrule allows for adjustable feather angles, giving you flexibility to dial it in from 0 to 60 degrees. 

Aqua Bound Freedom SUP 76/86

And for the best SUP paddle? The Aqua Bound Freedom SUP is one of our most popular SUP paddles for a reason. Designed for comfort and efficiency, the Freedom is meant for cruising on flatwater and engineered for good vibes. A fully carbon shaft connects a contoured palm grip to a 7.5-inch by 14.5-inch dihedral blade whose surface area covers a general 85 square inches. That and the feather-like 23.5-ounce weight allows SUPers to take a higher-cadence approach without fatiguing quickly. 

Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid

If you’re looking for the power to move more water, check out the Aqua Bound Manta Ray Hybrid kayak paddle. It packs an oversized 102.5-square-inch, dihedral blade for quick maneuverability and enough horsepower to keep you and your gear — all your gear — moving. To offset the size of the blade, Aqua Bound attached a tightly woven carbon shaft to keep the weight at a manageable 31 ounces and ensure you don’t peter out on long trips. Paddlers can also adjust the blade degree on the fly thanks to the Posi-Lok ferrule that allows for 15-degree adjustments when conditions necessitate it. 

Paddles are to kayaks and canoes what tires are to cars. They’re the last link in the kinetic chain that moves your boat, and they’re one of the most important factors in how a kayak handles and how you perform as a paddler. 

Luckily, paddlers today have a wealth of choices, and our team at Appomattox River Company has tried nearly all of them. We hope this 2024 holiday gift guide helped you hone in on the best paddle for your next adventure on the water.

Check out our website or give us a call if you have any questions, need more recommendations or just want to talk paddling!