Whitewater paddle advice?

[cathyfoley]

I'm 5-8 in height. Any advice on what WW paddle length would be a correct fit for someone my height paddling a WW boat in the surf?

[sings_evil_twin]

though long boaters tend to be used to much longer paddles. I would say 191 cm (you can even go shorter). I went from 194 cm to 191 to 180 and 185. For dedicated surf, I am fine with the the 180. For ww, the 185 gives me just a tad more reach to pull myself into an eddy in fast water.

Surfing, you need to sprint to get past the break zone and to catch a wave. High cadence, high angle strokes, from toes to hips, right next to the boat. Once on the wave, it's all hip action and stern rudders for directional control (other strokes to turn around and get back out after a ride). Anyway, shorter paddle gives more control and less drag. Remember you surf boat is short and rockered. You don't need long lever to sweep and turn.

You're welcome to try my 191 before you buy. My 194, unfortunately, is up in Maine. Surf is up this Saturday. Has the potential to be big early in the AM. Will diminish but remain for most of the day. Afternoon will be a good time for newbies to get out on the Lynn side of Nahant (away from swimmers and lifeguards) to play some gentle surf. Expect a couple of boardies there but no hassle at all with so much beach.

sing