Kid paddle sizing.

My son is 10 years old and want to paddle by himself, so I let him use an old XT but my wing paddle is obviously too long for him.
He's 140cm tall (4'7" for metricaly challenged people).
I have an old adjustable mid wing that I can cut for him.
How long should the paddle be for a kid his size ? I was thinking something around 180-190cm.
Would like to get some advice before I cut the paddle...

You would have to measure it down,not only the length, but also the blade, there's an advisable length for you're self so measure it down. The blade size however, I think go for the smallest woman size blade, better play safe and avoid injury on the shoulders

Would be easier to walk in a kayak shop with him... BUT there's no such shop where I live... So I have to be "creative"

The blade size however, (...) , better play safe and avoid injury on the shoulders

Yes, I will shorten the blades by removing approx 5mm (3/16") along the trailing edge. And maybe shortening the length of the blades by 2cm.
I'm aware that I will have to measure the overall length of the paddle with the blades. As I've never seen a wing paddle designed for a kid, I'd like to know if 190-200 is OK or if I should go even shorter ?

Hi Hiro

There are some options for kids out there:
Braca has a kids paddle called Braca Kid, you can choose between 3 different sizes of blades. Gpower also has a kids paddle called adept. Knysna Racing also has a kids paddle called Guppie.

Morten

Done, I cut the blades from 50cmx16.5cm to 46cmx14.5cm.
I also shortened the shaft so the overall lenght is now 185-195cm.
I now have another question posted here :
www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/1846...le-blades.html#24336

A quick google for kids paddles gives these paddlemakers:
paddles.braca-sport.com/paddles/kayak/braca-children.html
www.peterpatasi.com/KAYAK_PADDLES.html

There are quite a few more builders around too.
A child is more likely to have a positive introduction to a sport with well suited/fitted equipment. That can become expensive but still not a good excuse to provide hand me downs.
Of course children quickly out-grow their equipment, but their should be a ready sale for small paddles to older adults ( and even younger adults, that topic has been well beaten to death!). With both shoulders rebuilt and more than sixty years paddling I find the smallest wing just about right.