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Even if you are well-trained and your kayaking skills are god-like, you can never escape the soreness that comes from paddling for long periods. Paddle grips are designed to give you more comfort and control so you can paddle more effectively and for longer. It’s all fun and games until you lose your grip on the paddle somewhere in the middle of the water and lose control. We’ve reviewed our favorite products and provided the necessary assistance you need to find the right paddle grips so that it never happens to you. If you need some further assistance after going through our reviews, we have put together a guide that answers all your questions about the highest-rated kayak paddle grips of 2024 to enable you to make an informed decision.
No matter the adventure, this product by Yakgrips can sit reliably on your paddles, conforming perfectly to the contours of your hand to reduce pressure and improve comfort. These grips are also highly functional and made to be durable. They are also a breeze to install. You only have to wet the inside and slide it on. With these features, your paddling will be efficient, helping you keep up with your competition.
This deserves the best overall award because it is made to be incredibly comfortable and easy to use without having to sacrifice quality.
If you’re looking for paddle grips made from materials that are not harmful to the environment while staying efficient, this product is perfect for you. The climate-friendly silicone is comfy, slip-proof, and weather-resistant, so it remains functional. It also means the grips are long-lasting, so you won’t need to replace them for many years to come. The spiral design of the grips and their texture is easy on your hands, eliminating discomfort even during long treks. You will also find that it is easy to install and comes with a comprehensive instruction manual.
You get six rolls of tape with the Hornet Watersports silicone grip tape, and with each roll being two meters long, the set is sufficient to produce grips for up to eighteen kayak paddles making it perfect for groups. You can also use them on paddles used in other water sports, such as dragon boat racing and canoeing.
These grip tapes improve your grip significantly without leaving any sticky residue and are a great addition to any bare paddle. The tape does not need any extra glue or adhesive as it is self-adhesive. Despite its simplicity, it comes with easy-to-follow instructions to guide you quickly.
The unique fixed style of the VNVM kayak makes sure its grips stay in place without sliding even with vigorous paddling, ensuring you can make the most of your adventure with optimal comfort. The kayak paddle grips are specially designed to protect your hands as the wear-resistant butadiene and acrylonitrile materials make them soft and help prevent the development of calluses or blisters. This means kayaking will remain pain-free even in the long term.
Finding the right kayak paddle grip that serves all your needs and ticks all your boxes can be challenging. Individual preferences are significant in pursuing the best choice. It always comes down to those unique features and needs, or the problems you are facing with your paddling that you are trying to solve. Some people focus on materials and design, while others are more about functionality and comfort. The key is finding the right balance between all your desired features. This section discusses all the elements you need to consider before choosing a suitable kayak paddle grip.
Above all else, do you even have to utilize kayak paddle grips? Well, they fulfill a couple of needs. The first is that they assist you with grasping the oar. Indeed, even the top kayak paddles can get dangerous, particularly when wet; thus, a grip can help you paddle more efficiently. Also, the tedious movements of rowing for long periods can frequently result in rankles, bruises, and calluses. Grips help keep them under control.
The cold can be unbearable if you kayak in chilly climates with a paddle with a metal shaft. A paddle grip can give you that warm, delicate touch that you so desire, helping you keep your hands on the paddle for longer without bites from the cold.
Kayak paddle grips come in two forms: the first made for take-apart paddles and the other for solid shaft paddles. The difference between them is that grips for the latter have velcro, so you can fold it over the oar’s shaft to keep the paddle grip firm and tight. Paddle grips that are made for take-apart paddles are not constructed with velcro, and they are intended to slide onto the kayak paddle in two parts.
Finally, here we highlight and discuss the main features you need to consider when picking a suitable grip. You must keep your rowing style in mind when choosing a paddle grip before you begin to take note of the following:
How the grip stays firmly on your paddle is something essential to search for, as certain covers may only be appropriate for paddles that can be dismantled. Assuming you have a one-piece paddle, you might need to search for a style that folds over the shaft. Fit will likewise be significant regarding the breadth of your paddle stick, so knowing what exactly that is ahead of buying grips is the most intelligent move. Many grips will offer an all-inclusive fit, yet others may just be for specific kayak paddle diameters.
Paddle grips can be made from various materials, giving you more room to experiment. It is normal to want to get material based on your personal preferences, but don’t let that get in the way of considering functionality. If you want a paddle grip that will last a long time and if you intend to utilize the grips more often, you should consider a material that you can wash easily.
You should always consider materials for what they offer. For example, neoprene, which is a manufactured elastic, can assist with giving more protection to keep your hands hotter in chilly climates. It is one of the most used materials for paddle grips because of its weather protection properties. Another thing to think about is the level of padding the material has. If you need the cushion, then get a thick paddle grip. If you only want a grip, then you can get one with little padding or grip tape.
You may want to be able to take your paddle grip off the paddle when it’s not in use. Many paddle grips are designed so that they are easy to remove, while some are designed to stay on the paddle more permanently. You may find having the option to remove your paddle grip after every rowing session more helpful. Also, removable kayak paddle pads are more flexible because you can easily use them on other paddles like a boat or cane paddles.
Weighty paddle grips give you a sturdier feel and are firmer. Still, they can dial you back when you are rowing in the water for extended periods. Opting for a more lightweight version will ensure that you have magnificent mobility and simultaneously shield your hand from rankles.
You could regard design as something insignificant, but a grip with an excellent design will set you apart and make you feel more confident. Attempt to pick a brilliantly styled and designed kayak paddle grip that makes a statement even from afar.
Cost is most certainly a conclusive variable that you should not overlook. Nobody likes to spend huge amounts on a product only to find that the competition has something cheaper with the same functions. Always decide based on a paddle grip that offers you value for your cash.
One of the options in contrast to utilizing paddle grips is kayaking gloves. Like paddle grips, they can assist you with a firm grip on the paddle and give you better control while rowing, and they help fight against rankles. However, one advantage gloves have over paddle grips is that they will keep your hands significantly hotter. Assuming that you are going kayaking in colder and more extreme weather patterns, you would like to utilize gloves.
You could try utilizing scouring liquor on the centers of your hands to help strengthen your skin. Or, on the other hand, you could have a go at wearing rowing gloves to assist with lessening grating between your hands and the kayak paddle.
Rowing gloves can be worn as opposed to utilizing paddle grips. Then again, you could utilize pogies.
Rowing gloves can be worn as opposed to utilizing paddle grips. Then again, you could utilize pogies.
Shaft design is important as it can influence the way your grip fits on the paddle. Some kayak paddles have a straight shaft, while others may be crooked or bent. Research your paddle and make a selection based on your personal equipment.
SAIL Magazine Review Team reports on best-selling products in sailing and boating. The SAIL Magazine editorial staff is not involved in the creation of this content. SAIL Magazine is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The SAIL Review Team is composed of authors, editors, and sailors. Artificial Intelligence (large language models) may have been used in the research and creation of the content.
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