As the other respondents have said, there isn't a "right" length, nor is there some sort of standard formula for determining length. Everyone has their opinion and a paddle or paddles that work well for them, but no two people are alike so one shouldn't expect someone else's "best" paddle to be perfect for them too.

I like to use a variety of paddles, but I have not been able to make any determination as to any one being better than others. All are pretty equal (overall) and have certain characteristics that makes them worth keeping and using.

I don't use Euro paddles (simply because I don't have one) but I've paddled with them a couple of times. They seem to have more 'bite' than what I normally use, which is good (quick acceleration, low cadence) but also bad (my shoulders hurt for days afterwards!).

I have several "native inspired" paddles, ranging from 244cm to 208cm in length, from Baffin Island to Aleutian Islands in shapes (no Greenland though!). I use the longest one most of the time, only because its the lightest of the bunch and allows a bit more relaxed paddle stroke for cruising. The shorter paddles work just fine, except they need an increasingly vertical paddle stroke in my 25" wide retrieval as the length decreases, which is more tiring (i.e. I'm a lazy bastard, too ). A narrower, lower-freeboard kayak would be a different story, I think. I haven't gotten my skinny low-volume boat built yet, so I can't say for sure.

At any rate, I find that the loom size and texture, and overall weight of the paddle influence confidence and enjoyment more so than the 'bite,' length, or blade area. My speed and acceleration are limited by the size of kayaks I own as well as personal strength and ability. I guess that's the case with any paddle, really, no matter what type, size, weight, manufacturer, material, etc.

: Shorter or longer?

: I use a 220 carisle and it bites hard and the shorter length is close
: in..does good.

: I have a 240 cm day tripper with a softer bite the stroke is longer and
: softer..also does good.

: The longer stroke means the paddle is in the water longer which i think is
: good for stability in chop.

: whats the ideal length? I am 6' tall. What about in a wider sit on top
: at 28" beam. Would you want a longer paddle for that?

: I'm looking for what is the general concensus then will try things out some
: more. I keep both of those on board.