While the lightest kayak paddles weigh as little as 16.25 ounces (461 grams, or about a pound), the cheaper and heavier kayak paddles weigh about 48 ounces (1361 grams, or about 3 pounds).
Any kayak paddle under two pounds, or 32 ounces, is considered a lightweight paddle, especially for a recreational paddler. While the very lightest paddles on the market cost between $400 and $600, you can still get a lightweight paddle for an affordable price.
For under $200 there are three great paddles that are perfect for recreational paddlers wanting a lightweight affordable kayak paddle:
- 28.25 oz (801 g) Werner Skagit CF Recreational Paddle $185
- 28.8 oz (816 g) Aquabound Stingray Carbon 2-piece Paddle $199
- 29.5 oz (835 g) Aquabound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece Paddle $199
The Skagit Carbon Fiber Recreational Paddle – the least expense lightweight kayak paddle
- This is the lightest paddle that Werner has for the recreational paddler
- Built for relaxed low-angle paddling
- Mid-sized blade works well for the widest range of paddlers and paddling
- Carbon fiber reinforced nylon injection molded blades for strength, durability, and stiffness with a light swing weight
- Designed for smooth stable strokes and easier paddling
- Dihedral blade reduces flutter and enables smooth forward strokes
- Hi-end ferrule system with internal gears to adjust feathering angle
- $185 and free shipping
The Stingray Carbon 2-Piece Paddle – low-angle and lightweight all-around paddle
- One of only light flatwater injection-molded kayak paddle under $200
- 100% carbon fiber shaft with an ovalized grip and ribbed shaft
- Carbon-reinforced blades provide extra strength and stiffness compared to fiberglass only blades
- Medium/low angle paddle
- The medium-sized blade is efficient, yet not fatiguing
- Best for touring, sea kayaking and fitness paddling
- Built for medium/fast paddling on 4+ hour trips
- Able to adjust feathering by 15-degree angles
- Secure, no-wobble, easy to connect 2-piece paddle
- $199 and free shipping
The Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece Paddle – high-angle large paddle built for a strong paddler
- A high-angle, medium/large sized dihedral shaped blade is designed for a powerful stroke
- The Manta Ray paddle is intended for touring, fishing and fitness paddling
- The Shaft is built with 7-layers of carbon steel making the shaft strong and lightweight
- Nylon blades are reinforced with carbon steel for a stiff blade that balances weight, strength, durability, and affordability
- The perfect paddle for long trips (5 hours +), wide, heavy or fully-loaded boats
- Built for strong paddlers with a powerful stroke who are looking for a paddle with a low swing weight.
- Ovalized grip and a ribbed shaft for no-slip paddling
- $199 and free shipping
More information on light kayak paddles:
List of All Kayak Paddles By Weight
List of Top Ten Lightest Kayak Paddles
List of Lightest Kayak Paddles under $300