Guide stick length for shorter guide

Rafting - Commercial

Looking for recos on paddle length for a shorter guide - 5’4”.

I am a long time raft guide (on and off). Historically I’ve always used custy paddles, which has been fine, but now that I’m older, I’ve noticed they are killing my body and I used a friend’s fiberglass blade and it was heavily so I am interested to get my own but can’t decide between 60” and 63”. His was 66, definitely too long. I mostly guide 14’ and 16’ rafts, typically sitting behind the back thwart, often a little extra behind for improved visibility, but not all the way at the stern. Typically Class III whitewater these days, nothing too crazy.

Posted Dec 7, 2025, 10:48 PM UTC

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