Shaw and Tenney - Maine Crafted Since 1858

Paddle Forward Give Back - Artisan Canoe Paddles

Paddle Forward Give Back - Artisan Canoe Paddles

Since 2014, our Paddle Forward, Give Back program has collaborated with Maine non-profit organizations to help support their missions. The Allagash Wilderness Waterway, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the Maine Warden's Service Association, and the Downeast Lakes Land Trust each represent a tremendous commitment to the outdoors and supporting paddling.

The Shaw & Tenney Artisan Paddle Collection includes a unique paddle representing each of these incredible organizations. A donation is made from the proceeds of every paddle sold to the organization it represents.

The Allagash paddle features an engraved, hand drawn map of the waterway done by our own Sam Martinelli. The NFCT, the Maine Warden, and the Gray Ghost paddles have each been hand painted in our Orono shop with distinctive colors that tie back to each partner organization. Learn more about their stories by clicking on the paddle of your choice below.

Allagash River System Paddle

The Allagash Paddle

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation was created to enhance the wilderness character of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway by protecting its environment, preserving its historic and cultural values, and providing educational opportunities for people of all ages.

Gray Ghost Paddle

The Downeast Lakes Land Trust protects lakeshores, improves fish and wildlife habitats, provides public recreation opportunities, offers educational programs, and supports jobs in the forest and on the water.

Maine Warden Paddle

The Maine Warden Service Association is made up of dues paying active Maine Game Wardens and retired wardens. Its primary purpose is to give moral and material aid to its game wardens and their families, in the good and bad times.

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail promotes and oversees the water trail, and supports communities, waterways and paddling across the Northern Forest.

The Paddle Forward, Give Back paddles are designed to deliver years of enjoyment on the water, and equal admiration for their craftsmanship and styling when off. A great gift for paddlers and anyone looking to add some color, and a great story, to their home or cottage.

Stay tuned as we continue to expand our program with additional groups committed to the great outdoors — and thank you for supporting our efforts!

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How to Size Your Oars

To determine the correct length oar for your boat measure the distance between the port and starboard oar sockets. Then apply the Shaw and Tenney oar length formula to determine the oar length that will provide the correct 7:18 leverage ratio. This length will provide an oar where 7/25 the length is inboard of the oarlocks and 18/25 of the oar is outboard of the oarlocks. It is the ideal ratio to row almost all boats. Sized correctly, when rowing your hands will be 1 to 3 inches apart and you will be pulling directly towards your abdomen. If you are popping out of your oarlocks when rowing your oars are far too short. If you prefer an overlapping grip, add 6” to the calculated oar length. If you have more than one rowing station in your boat, measure both. Typically they will require two different length oars which is fine if you’re going to be rowing tandem and need two sets. Otherwise you’ll need to compromise the correct length to work properly in both stations. If you are rowing more than 75% in one station size the oar to that length. As always feel free to call us and were happy to help you select the correct oar length and blade style for your boat.

The Original Shaw & Tenney Oar Length Formula

To help our customers size their oars correctly, we’ve been using the same formula since 1858: Measure the distance between the center of the port and starboard oar sockets, which hold the oar locks on each gunnel. This is called the “span” between the oarlocks. Divide the span by 2, and then add 2 to this number. The result is called the “inboard loom length” of the oar. Multiply the loom length by 25, and then divide that number by 7. The result is the proper oar length in inches. Round up or down to the closest 6” increment.

How to Size Your Paddle

For traditional wooden paddles the ideal length for the Stern paddler is the bridge of your nose or 6 inches less than your height. For the bow paddler the paddle reaching the cleft of your chin or 9 inches less than your height is correct.

For our Racine paddle if you are over 5’6” tall select the 63-1/2” length and the shorter paddle if you are under5’-6”tall.

When paddling solo we typically recommend a bow length paddle. For Canadian style solo most paddlers prefer an even shorter paddle.

For paddling canoes when standing (yes our mother let us do this) a 69 inch or 72 inch paddle is usually about right.

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