About Kayak Paddles

Braca Shaft Options

The stiffness of the shaft can impact the paddle’s performance. Some paddlers prefer a stiffer shaft for maximum power and efficiency, while others may prefer a bit more flexibility for distance and comfort.

The recommended approach is to use stiff, well-made blades (such as Braca!) along with shafts that then provide the necessary flexibility.
To purchase your paddle you will select:

• Shaft Stiffness – the K number
• Shaft Connector – metal or plastic
• Shaft Length – 5 or 10 cm range

Since some shafts have a range of deflection we use the #K number for ordering.

For example you might order: Braca XI 735 with a 19K shaft, plastic connector, and pick 210 – 220 for the length.

Shaft Stiffness Choice by Sport

Sprinters – 02k to 17k

Surfski – 19k, 21k — always with plastic locker for salt water

Marathon, Distance – 19k

Fitness – 17k, 19k, 21k — mostly 19k with plastic locker

Downriver – Down River blades use an 18K shaft with metal locker, specifically designed for down river conditions.

Shaft Choices by Stiffness Rating

Sprint shafts, 5 cm of adjustment, and metal lockers.

Stiffer

02K: Stiffness = 2.5 to 2.6 mm of deflection

03K: Stiffness = 2.7 to 2.8 mm of deflection

04K: Stiffness = 2.9 to 3.0 mm of deflection

06K: Stiffness = 3.1 to 3.2 mm of deflection

17K: Stiffness = 3.3 to 3.4 mm of deflection

Softer

Distance, Surfski, Fitness shafts with 10 cm of adjustment, and plastic/metal (19k) or only plastic locker (21k)

Stiffer

19K: Stiffness = Medium 3.2 – 3.6 mm of deflection

19K: Stiffness = Soft 4.5 -4.7 mm of deflection — ** This is the most selected shaft

21K: Stiffness = Medium 5.2 – 5.4 mm of deflection

21K Stiffness = Soft 6.1 – 6.3 mm of deflection (Smaller 28mm diameter)

Softer

Custom Paddle Length

All Braca paddles are custom-built to order by FastPaddler. Stiffer shafts offer a 5 cm adjustment range, while more flexible shafts provide a 10 cm range. For example, if you want your paddle’s minimum length to be 210 cm, you would select either 210-215 cm or 210-220 cm, depending on the shaft you choose. Check out this FAQ- Entering Shaft Lengths for even more info.

The 210 cm is just an example—you can choose any minimum length, such as 203 cm, 210 cm, or 217 cm, to suit your needs!

Hand Control

Select Right Hand or Left Hand

We can assemble your paddle for either right-handed or left-handed lever use, ensuring easier adjustments and improved visibility of the markings. This setup refers to the orientation of the lever and does not affect performance or require you to be right- or left-handed. A right-handed assembly positions the lever for convenient length adjustments using your right hand, especially when on the water.

Braca shafts are round, perfectly balanced, and can be built in either orientation. In the diagram below with green arrows, the paddle is configured for right-handed use; a left-handed setup simply involves flipping the shaft 180 degrees.