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HOW TO USE KAYAK PADDLE GRIPS – INTRO
Kayak paddle grips allow you to use kayak paddles without getting your hands burned by the scorching heat of the sun! These type of grips also protect your hands from developing any blisters or calluses, especially during periods of rigorous paddling! With so many benefits, you certainly need to know how to use kayak paddle grips correctly, and we are going to show you how!
Not familiar with Kayak Paddle Grips? You can quickly familiarize yourself with them by checking out our Ultimate Guide!
How to Use Kayak Paddle Grips – Overview:
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I’ve created this post to ensure that it has all the information that you need to learn to know how to use kayak paddle grips – the right way!
To make things easier for you to follow and digest, I’ve fragmented this post into several subsections. Doing so will ensure that all the information remains easy to follow and scan. This will allow you to read it quickly and to get out on the water sooner!
I’ve included a subsection on the basics associated with how to use kayak paddle grips – you’ll learn what they are, what they are made of, how most kayak fishermen elect to use them, and a TON of other great background information!
In addition to that, there is a section on how to use kayak paddle grips. I’ve also included a list of important features that you need to consider before buying kayak paddle grips. Memorizing and applying this list will ensure that you are happy with whatever kayak paddle grips you do decide to buy (and trust me – I think you’ll be wise to buy them)!
After that, I’ll provide you with the link to my favorite kayak paddle grips. Now, these aren’t the ONLY great models of kayak paddle grip on the market – but they have performed quite well for me and I bet they will serve the same benefit to you as well!
And in the following text, the section I can “My Experience”, you’ll read my review and recommendation. I even list some Pros and Cons for your convenience!
Parts of a Kayak Fishing Paddle
How to Use Kayak Paddle Grips – Basics:
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Shortcut to the Best Kayak Paddle Grips Review
Kayak paddle grips are one of the most important kayak accessories – especially for kayak fishermen! These grips go on your kayak paddle shaft, and they keep your hands safeguarded against any calluses, blisters, or other aches and pains! They also protect your hands from exposure to hot and cold through the shaft.
As mentioned above, these grips are particularly useful for the kayak fishermen. As a kayak fisherman, you have to stay in the water for a long time – if you want to catch a meaningful number of fish, that is! Sometimes you have to cover a lot of ground (or water)! Your hands might get fatigued or blistered, especially with feverous paddling! These paddle grips will make sure that your hands remain protected!!
The best part is that installing these grips on your paddle is not a big deal! As there are two different types of paddles available: 1-piece and 2-piece, you can buy a kayak paddle grip according to the design of your kayak paddle (which is a VERY important consideration to keep in mind – but more on that later)!
You don’t need to have any experience to use these paddle grips, either. Just go through the instruction manual that comes with your purchase, and it will suffice. Even if you are using these grips for the first time, you will get it done without any issue. Of course, this wouldn’t be much of a guide if we didn’t include some of our own pointers, which you’ll find below!!
How to Use Kayak Paddle Grips?
Here is the list of steps that you need to take to ensure that you are using your kayak paddle grips with proper technique:
- Unbox the kayak paddle grips.
- Identify different items present within the packing.
- In most cases, you will only find one or two grips according to the number that you have ordered, and there will be a small instructional guide.
- Go through the guide carefully.
- Now follow these steps and install the grips on the shaft of your paddle.
- One of these groups comes with Velcro, while others come with another sticking adhesive that requires moisture and force to stick to the shaft.
- You will have to disassemble a 2-piece paddle to get these grips on.
- If you have a 1-piece paddle, install it on that end which doesn’t have the paddle head.
- Try it out on the dry land once you have got the grips on the shaft.
- After being comfortable, it’s time to take the paddle out on the water.
- When you return, just allow your grip to air dry.
- Air drying is an important step, especially prior to storing your grips for an extended period of time (as it helps to keep mildew or mold from forming).
Please Note: If you liked this “how to” checklist, you might also like learning How to Use Kayak Outriggers, How to Use a Kayak Paddle Holder, or How to Install a Kayak Rack for Dock!
Best Kayak Paddle Grips – Important Features:
Materials
Considering the material of the kayak paddle grips is one of the most important steps in the evaluation process. Different manufacturers use different types of materials. But the best one for this purpose is neoprene. This material is very lightweight (like a Lightweight Kayak Paddle), and it also has moisture-wicking properties. Therefore, the paddle grip air dries pretty quickly (remember, you learned the importance of this in the section above).
You will also find gel-like materials for this purpose, but the gel is not very durable and can sometimes breakdown and become quite sticky, even after just a few uses!
Most grips come either with Velcro straps or some kind of adhesive to stick onto the paddle shaft.
Ergonomics
Some kayak paddle grips come with ergonomic designs. They are very comfortable to use and provide a solid grip.
However, such grips can be expensive, and they don’t offer much insulation either. You can certainly be happy with a non-ergonomic grip, as many times it is already built with an acceptable amount of comfort and a user friendly design!
Weight
You have to choose a pair of kayak paddle grips that are lightweight in nature. They must not add weight to your paddle. It is important if you don’t want to get fatigued while paddling.
Again the neoprene materials are best for this purpose because they’re lightweight.
Easy Installation
Velcro is by far the easiest of all closing mechanisms. You can also find several other adhesive based mechanisms too, and they are very simple to use.
But you will need to go through the instructional content for installing it. Thankfully, the installation process is not very difficult to follow.
Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
The kayak paddle grips that you are considering should be very easy to clean and maintain. The best option here for you to consider is machine washable material.
And again, neoprene checks the box because you can conveniently throw your grips into a standard washing machine and take them out when they are clean and as good as new!
Colors
It is the last feature, but not the least. A bright color will help you to locate your paddle easily. If you care a lot about matching your gear with your kayak, this feature comes in handy.
Go for a brand that provides you with a lot of color options to suit your needs. An added bonus? A brightly colored selection will hep you stand out to become more visible to other boaters on the water, increasing their safety and that of your own!
Buy the Best Kayak Paddle Grips:
Two Piece Kayak Paddle
Solid Shaft Kayak Paddle
The best kayak paddle grips, at least in the humble opinion of your host, are the ones that I have linked to above. These grips are made of neoprene, and they are available in different colors. They come with adhesive closure, and you will have to apply force and moisture to stick to the shaft.
The manufacturer has used high-quality neoprene in the construction of these grips. They are straightforward to install and offer a good grip. These grips are also effortless to clean and maintain. You can throw them directly into the machine for a quick wash. Just make sure you allow them to air dry before putting them away for storage (helps protect against mold and mildew).
Neoprene is very light, so applying these grips on your paddle’s shaft won’t add to its weight. It will also keep your hands safe from developing any calluses or blisters. There are different colors to pick from as well; I used bright yellow and bright red because most of my gear has this pattern – and, more importantly, because it helps me stand out better on the water!
My Experience
I had a great experience with these kayak paddle grips. First of all, I began my search by looking for red and yellow patterns. I’m always on the lookout for these colors due to my gear being the same and because I like to match! I considered buying this brand primarily because of this coloration. But when I used them, I began to realize that these grips are durable and pretty dang comfortable too!
They are super easy to install on the shaft whether or not you are using a 1-piece or 2-piece paddle. The manufacturer has used high-quality neoprene in the construction of these grips. Therefore, they can last, and you can expect good performance from them.
I noticed that my hands during kayak fishing remained very comfortable, even during hot summer days where there is plenty of rubbing and sweat that would otherwise cause blisters! The continued, blister-free comfort is a HUGE plus.
Apart from that, cleaning these grips is a breeze. It is mentioned in the instructions that you can machine wash them. I did the same, and the result was very positive. These groups are very easy to clean, and you just need to throw them in your washing machine. They will come out as good as if you have just bought them from the store. Make sure to let them air dry!
These grips are made of neoprene, and there is no Velcro used, they are super lightweight. So if you’re worried about the point that these will add to the overall weight of your paddle, then I must assure you that it is not going to be the case.
But people who have short hands should avoid these grips, however, because they are very broad and might take up more room on the shaft than you need!
Pros
- Very soft and comfortable (even in the summer time).
- Great for both 1-piece and 2-piece paddles (just make sure to pick the right model, as outlined above).
- The grips will keep your hands safe from blisters or calluses.
- Better hand grip (you can really get a good “squeeze” of the shaft without feeling the hard material of the shaft).
- Reduce stress and fatigue on the hands (great bonus during kayak fishing tournaments).
Cons
- Very broad for short hands (might be better off by choosing a more narrow brand if you have small hands).
Conclusion
I hope that my post on how to use kayak paddle grips has proved to be informative and useful! I can’t think of anything else that you need to know!! I’ve made sure that the post provides you with all the information you need on how to use kayak paddle grips!
If you are looking for the best product in this regard, then it has to be kayak paddle grips that I have linked to above, especially when paired with the Best Kayak Paddle! These grips are made of neoprene and are extremely lightweight. Due to their lightweight nature, these grips are moisture-wicking, and you can easily wash them in your machine – how’s that for convenience, baby!?
They will keep your hands well-protected against blisters and calluses, and you can speed as much time as possible on the water. These grips are available in different colors as well (remember to consider getting brightly colored ones, like red, orange or yellow – safety first)!
Kayak paddle grips might seem very humble as you don’t have to consider several features when buying them. But they do have a significant contribution to make when it comes to protecting your hands. So you should take them seriously and remember to look for the important features, just like you have learned above!
Comments
So what about you? Did you know how to use kayak paddle grips before you read this article? Perhaps you’d seen other kayak fishermen use them while out on the water but weren’t sure if they were using the properly? Perhaps you even have personal experience using kayak paddles grips like the kind that we showcased this post?
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