The recommended starting point for these disciplines is for the paddle to reach your armpit when standing up straight with your shoulders relaxed. This method however does not take into account the ratio between your wing span and torso length which is a vital consideration for paddling in a sitting position. Therefore, in a seated on a bench or level surface, raise your arm in a straight upwards positon by your ear. Have a friend measure the distance from the bench to the middle of your palm. This will give a more accurate paddle length.  For dragon boaters in particular however, we do recemmend an adjustable shaft as this will allow you to cater for your position in the boat; bow and stern paddlers may be working over a higher gunwhale than those seated in the engine room. For Dragon Boat, the maximum length allowed for competition use is 51 inches. For adjustable shaft paddles this means the longest paddle we can make for you is a 49-51cm paddle. For Outrigger and Canoe disciplines, a fixed shaft is recommended to avoid the clamp interfering with the motion of your hand swap while underway. If you paddle in an OC6, add an inch to the measurement calculated above as the boat will sit higher in the water. If on the other hand you paddle an OC2 then subtract an inch from the measurement above as you will be seated lower in the craft to aid stability and are therefore closer to the water. Paddlers moving between a number of outrigger craft may be best served by an adjustable shaft paddle.