Picking up my first nice paddle from a small manufacturer, decided on a beavertail shape to be the most versatile. I'm stuck deciding between a 60" (35" shaft, 25" blade), and a 63" (37" shaft, 26" blade). Sizing based on shaft length. Mostly currently paddling the stern of an old Grumman 17, with potential to paddle other boats in the future.
I'm over 6' tall, with a seated chair to nose measurement of 32.5", and seated chair to hairline measurement of about 37". Standing up, my floor to chin measurement is 64". I've been reading all sorts of sizing guides online, and am pretty split between the two sizes based on trying as many guides as I've found. Following the 90 degree elbow method holding the paddle on top of my head at the top grip and throat, the 37" shaft gets me there, with the 35" being a little narrower than 90. Seated in a chair with the paddle upside down in front my torso, the throat of the 35" gets to my eyebrows, 37" gets to my hairline. Bending Branches sizes me at 37", Grey Owl sizes me at 35" for two examples.
Based on the measurements and examples I gave, would you have any advice on which one to go with? I can't tell if the 63" will be too long/fatiguing on the shoulders, nor if the 60" has just a little too short of a shaft length to be most efficient. Where does the throat of your paddle come up to on your torso?
Also, where should my bottom hand be gripping the paddle relative to the throat? Directly at the bottom of the shaft? Few inches higher? Thanks for all the advice, I'm in a state of analysis paralysis.
Always a process to find something versatile that also makes it all the way to my wrists. Finding something long enough usually ends up quite baggy everywhere else. What brands have you found over the years? Even older stuff that isn't made anymore. Thanks!