The latest issue of Dragon Boat World International (http://www.dragonboatworldinternational.com/) had this handy-dandy chart for determining paddle length. If you plan to order a paddle, this is probably a good guide. You should get a subscription to the magazine too!!

So...
How does one interpret this chart and their respective paddle length? Based upon the chart, a person 5'-9" (69") in height would order a paddle 48" in length, no matter what level they're at?
This appears a bit contrary to what we've been telling our paddlers, where they should order a paddle about 2" longer, to allow moving your bottom hand higher on the shaft, away from the top of the blade and being able to bury the paddle into the water deeper.
The current wood paddles that we use from TDBA are about 47" long. If they seem too short for you, then we have a method for measuring that Minh has been explaining to me. Ask me at the next water practice that you attend and we'll figure it out, if you're interested in ordering a paddle for yourself!

Albert,
In your example, a 5'9" person would use a 49 inch paddle as an advanced paddler. BW

I'm about 5'9" - 5'10" and my paddle is 49 inches. I am very comfortable with this paddle length and find that after about 60-70 strokes by hand slides down about 2-4 inches up from the top of the blade. In this range I feel I am able to transfer a lot of power (relative to my personal limitations) to the paddle. I have thought of going to a longer paddle but I'm not yet convinced. If you go too long or too short you lose power.

I was thinking the wood ones were 45" - I think that is what my first carbon fiber was. I'm planning on going 3-4" longer for a 48 or 49, which matches the table and feels right for me. I'd like to be measured too, see what that says. This may not be right for everyone, but if nothing else, it made me feel good about the length I want.

Has anyone seen Thierry lately????