Kayak paddles are items that seem like they'd be pretty simple and generally all the same. But when you start shopping for kayak paddles, you quickly realize this is not really the case. There are many different types and styles of kayak paddles. And knowing which ones to consider buying becomes a lot easier when you understand the following terminology.

Blade

The blade is the end of the paddle — the part you insert into the water. Kayak paddles have one blade at each end. This enables you to paddle in the alternate sides method, which is standard in a kayak.

Shaft

The shaft is the part of the kayak paddle between the blades. You'll see paddles listed with various shaft lengths. The taller you are, the longer your kayak paddle shaft should be.

Bent-Shaft

If you see a kayak paddle described as a bent-shaft paddle, that means the shaft is not straight. Rather, it has a bow in the middle. This is not really a necessary feature for most kayakers, but it does make it so that you don't have to bend your wrists as much as you paddle. So, it can be beneficial if you have carpal tunnel syndrome or other wrist pain.

Control Hand Grip

If a paddle is advertised as having a control hand grip, that means it has two padded areas on the shaft. These pads are placed where you grip the shaft. They may provide some comfort on longer excursions when you're likely to develop blisters.

Throat

The throat of the paddle is the area where the blade and shaft meet. You might see a paddle advertised as having a reinforced throat, which just means this section is stronger to help prevent breakage. This is an important feature if you'll be paddling in shallow water where your paddle may hit the bottom sometimes.

Asymmetric

A paddle that is asymmetric has blades that are wider on one side than the other. This helps the blades slide through the water more easily, which will make it easier for you to paddle. You may not notice a difference on shorter ventures, but on a longer kayaking trip, using a paddle with asymmetric blades will save you from fatigue.

Hopefully understanding these terms makes it easier for you to shop for a kayak paddle. There are a lot of options out there, and it all comes down to finding one that works for you.