Finding Your Perfect Paddle Position: Tips for Installing Your Angle Oar Mounts & Paddle Systems

Getting the Hinged Mount placement right on your Versa Paddle System or Gamut Paddle Holder is critical to a great user experience. Position the mount too far away, and you lean forward instead of relaxing comfortably in your seat, not to mention risk putting unnecessary stress on the support post and clevis. The right setup lets you paddle efficiently, stay comfortable and reduce strain on your body.

In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly where your arms and torso should be relative to your Versa or Gamut system mount, plus share an example from one customer who marked out her mount location on her sit-on-top before drilling to ensure the perfect fit. While exact measurements will vary, these simple guidelines will help you find the position that works best for you.

Step 1 – Know Your Goal

Your mount and paddle should be positioned so that:

• You can make a full stroke without over-reaching.

• Your elbows stay close to your body for comfort and efficiency.

• Your life jacket (PFD) and body size don’t interfere with the mount.

• Your hands apply a gentle downward pressure (of roughly 90 degrees) on the shafts and support post; you’re neither pushing nor tugging the post to any side.

  
  

Step 2 – If You’re Setting Up for an Individual

1. Sit in the kayak first. Wear your PFD so you can see how it affects space.

2. Position before you drill. Use a clamp or have someone hold the mount temporarily in place.

3. Check stomach clearance. Make sure the mount isn’t pressing into you, if possible.

Example: Larger paddlers may need the mount further away to avoid contact with the torso or PFD. You can also adjust the post in its track without repositioning the entire mount.

Step 3 – If You’re Setting Up for a Program (Multiple Users)

Plan for variety:

• Attach the mount further away in larger kayaks (more room for bigger paddlers).

• Attach the mount closer in smaller kayaks (easier reach for smaller paddlers).

• Avoid “one-size-fits-all” measurements — boats and paddlers vary widely.

  
  

Step 4 – The Right Distance for Your Perfect Paddle Position

• The mount support post and paddle will usually be about 10–16 inches away from your torso, but this varies by user.

• Sit comfortably in your seat, upright and against the back of the seat.

• Do a few dry-land strokes:

  • If you have to reach too far or bend forward, move the mount slightly closer.

  • If you feel cramped, move it slightly farther away.

Step 5 – The “Elbow Rule” for Ideal Placement

For the Versa Paddle:

• Angle the paddle downward on both sides.

• Place your hands in a neutral position (like 10 and 2 o’clock on a steering wheel).

• Your elbows should be down by your sides with hands at about chest height.

• A small space between your arms and torso of roughly 20 to 30 degrees is fine, but your elbows shouldn't be too far forward.

• Your arms should not extend straight out in front of you when in the resting position.

For the Gamut Paddle Holder with your own paddle (or Versa Paddle in straight mode):

• Elbows will be slightly raised and forward (e.g., about 45 degrees) in a resting position.

• Hands should be just at about chest level.

• Your arms shouldn’t be all the way straight; they should have a slight bend in them.

Step 6 – Test Before Finalizing

• Always test positioning on dry land first.

• Take a few strokes and adjust until it feels natural and comfortable.

• Once you’re confident, drill and secure the mount.

Pro Tip: Comfort is the priority. Don’t get hung up on exact inches — the “right” setup is the one that lets you paddle with ease and without strain.

Finding the perfect paddle positioning for your Versa Paddle System or Gamut Paddle Holder can make all the difference in your paddling experience, and we’re always happy to help you get it just right. If you have any questions—or just want a second opinion—reach out anytime. We’re here to support you through the installation process and beyond, so you can paddle with comfort and confidence.

Installing the Twin Track Mount: A Case Study

The guidelines above are geared to the hinged mount which works with sit-inside recreational kayaks. But what about if you have a sit-on-top (SOT) kayak and have to use either our Apex Mount or Twin Track Mount? The good news is that the same guidelines apply.

One of our customers worked with us to make sure she was installing her Twin Track Mount in the correct position. As you can see in the photos that followed, she marked off two possible installation locations and then used our positioning guidelines to get the best fit. It turns out, the best positioning for the mount was directly over the hatch cover just in front of her seat. That's not unusual, though it may require a few modifications when attaching the mount.