|
Classic Wooden Paddles
 All
of our traditional canoe and kayak paddles are handcrafted from
the finest available clear woods by our craftsman.
In addition to single paddles you will find our
unique Double Bladed Canoe paddle patterned after
L. Francis Hereshoff’s design, our Limited
Edition Custom Wood Burned Paddles, Greenland
Kayak Paddles and traditional canoe setting poles.
The major factor in determining the proper paddle
length is the length of the shaft. As blade lengths
in beavertail paddles are essentially the same,
paddle length is easily determined by measuring
from the floor to the cleft of the chin for a
bow paddle, or to the bridge of the nose for
a stern paddle. As we are all anthropometrically
similar, this length works well for most people.
 For the Racine paddle, paddlers taller than
66” will
be more comfortable with a longer paddle. Paddlers
less than 66” should use the shorter paddle.
These recommendations are not carved in stone,
if you feel that a longer or shorter paddle would
be more comfortable, go with your personal preference. |
For each of our paddles we offer standard woods
which are listed in the specific paddle description.
We also offer a variety of specialty woods for
which there is an extra charge.
|
 |
An extremely light and strong
softwood, spruce is an excellent choice for
an all- around paddle which will not be subject
to a lot of impact with rocks or obstacles.
We generally do not recommended Spruce paddles
for whitewater. |
 |
A very durable and strong
open grain hardwood, ash is heavier than
spruce and well suited for any application
including whitewater. Grain patterns and
heartwood in ash can be strikingly attractive. |
 |
A strong but fairly heavy
closed grain hardwood, soft maple makes a
durable paddle and often will have a very
nice grain pattern. |
|
|
A beautiful wood for paddles,
cherry is a deep red closed-grained hardwood.
It is strong and durable enough for any paddling
application. Because
of its rich color we recommend our oil finish. |
 |
A dark, rich colored hardwood,
when oiled (recommended) walnut paddles are
stunning in appearance. It can be slightly
heavy depending on the particular grain and
density, but generally has a very nice flex
and is suitable for all paddling uses. |
 |
Because of its unique qualities
and beauty, Birdseye (left) or
tiger (right)
maple paddles are prized. The heaviest of
hardwood paddle stock, hard maple paddles
are extremely strong and durable. |
 |
 |
One of our favorite paddle
woods, Sassafras is a light, flexible hardwood
that has the marvelous quality of darkening
over time. Because it grows in a small area
of the United States and is generally not
commercially harvested, it can be difficult
and costly to obtain. |
|
The finish on each of our paddle styles is noted
in the paddle description. There are two basic
finishes, though you may request the finish of
your choice on any paddle.
Our
specially-formulated marine urethane varnish
is extremely durable and UV resistant. It
is applied to a thickness the equivalent of
five and one-half brush coats and is a gloss
finish. One question we are often asked is “why
don’t you varnish the grip?” It
prevents blisters on the grip hand.
Our
unique oil finish enriches the beauty of our
specialty woods and is very easy to maintain.
All oiled paddles are supplied with a bottle
of our paddle oil to maintain the finish. When
the paddle feels dry or stops beading water simply
wipe on an additional coat of oil.
|
|
With
its traditional pear grip and 6-1/2" beavertail blade, this is our bestselling
model. It is at home in any kind
of water. The standard woods are
varnished Spruce or Ash and it is
supplied in lengths from 36” to
78”. |
|
|
The best available native
Maine ash is worked down to the lightest
possible blade, barely 1/4 ” thick in
the center of the 6 1/2 ” beavertail
blade. The unique grip provides for both
a top and side grip for paddling comfort.
The 1897 is stained to enhance the natural
beauty of the wood and oiled to give
it a patina which improves with age.
It is available in lengths from 54” to
66”. |
|
 |
This special
paddle is a replication of a paddle
originally sold by the Racine Canoe
Company of Wisconsin. This paddle
was offered with the sale of each of
their wood/canvas canoes until the company
went out of business in the twenties.
Fast becoming our best selling paddle,
many repeat orders attest that it’s
as great to use as it is beautiful. It
is a very quiet paddle,and, because the
blade is only 5” wide, it lends
itself very well to the North Woods stroke
as well as to solo paddling. The unique
rounded grip is extremely comfortable.
Stained and varnished ash or varnished
soft maple are our standard offerings,
but specialty woods are the most common
in this paddle (walnut blade shown). The Racine is available
in the two original lengths, 58-1/2" and
63-1/2",
which seem to work perfectly for everyone.
|  |
 |
An 8” blade
and a wide grip allow this paddle
to move the maximum amount of water.
It is especially useful in those
situations where a great deal of
maneuverability is necessary. Because
of its size, we do not recommend this
for ordinary paddling. It is available
in varnished ash and spruce but,
because of its width, other species may
not be available.
|  |
 |
The
Grand Lake Stream was designed by
a Maine Guide for taking sports down
the stream of the same name. The finest
ash is worked down to an oval shaft smaller
than our standard paddles, providing
a very flexible paddle. The unique blade
shape is well balanced and a delight
to paddle with. Offered either unfinished
or varnished its length is 70” which
is suited for regular paddling and standing.
|
 |
 |
This narrow
bladed paddle is patterned after
the Cree and Ojibwa hunting paddle.
It is both quiet and easy to use for
the leisure-minded traditionalist. Standard
in varnished ash in lengths of 54”,
60”, 66” and 72”. |
|
|
Protect your paddles with our Nylon Paddle Bags.
Each bag holds two paddles or one Double Blade
separating them with a vellex divider to prevent
them from chaffing. Available in 60”, 66”,
and 72” lengths, the Forest Green bag is
machine washable.
Our traditional canoe setting poles are 12’ in length and available in straight or tapered shapes. An optional two-piece pole is available by special request. They are supplied in unfinished spruce.
We also offer a canoe setting pole shoe in mananese bronze. It is available in our online store in Canoe Parts and Accessories.
|
|
|
|
