Canoe Paddle Information

Kayaks & Paddles Canoe Shop information page for New Canoeist on Canoe Paddles.

The information is impartial and is to be used as a guide to choosing the write canoe paddle for you to use or determine if it is a canoe paddle you require and not a kayak paddle. Click here if it's a Kayak Paddle you require.

Below are a few different paddles that we do showing different blade shapes and materials used.

Entry Level Canoe Paddles.

• HDPE or HD Plastic Blades.
• Duralumin or Alloy shaft.
• Plastic T handles.
• Suitable for slow moving water, coastal and estuary canoeing.
• Size - Various.

• The perfect junior sized paddle for the budding canoeist.
• Made from Douglas Fir and Pondorosa Pine presents a stunning paddle.
• Blade and shaft: Douglas Fir and Pondorosa Pine
• Lengths available: 36”, 42”, 48”

Carlisle Scout Canoe Paddle

This lightweight, laminated, basswood paddle features a urethane tip guard at one end and a hand-contoured grip at the other. An ergonomically designed shaft and 8" blade combine for easy paddling.

• An economical version of the Voyager paddle.
• This paddle is made entirely of Basswood.
• A quality entry-level paddle for general recreational use.
• Palm Grip.
• Urethane Tip Guard.
• Size 54" - 63"

Grey Owl Sugar Island Canoe Paddle

The recreational line is characterized by the multi-laminated designs of contrasting woods, and blades that remain constant in size throughout different lengths. Also because of their design, they tend to have a stiffer flex than our traditional models. In general, the stiffer the paddle, the more efficient it becomes. However, some of the comfort found in paddling with a softer flex blade is sacrificed. Shorter and wider than the traditional paddles, this line offers the widest range of canoeing applications.

• Laminated cherry and bass shaft.
• Cherry scroll grip.
• Cherry, ash, bass and walnut blade.
• Extended urethane edging around tip.
• Large blade offers good directional control and acceleration. Good for moving water and those who prefer large blades with little slippage.
• Size 52" - 66"

Grey Owl Sagamore Canoe Paddle

The Sagamore is more akin to a piece of fine furniture or a musical instrument rather than a utility paddle. It should never be used for pushing of rocks or poling on the bottom....

• Made form one piece of Black cherry wood.
• A very traditional 'Voyageur' style paddle with a medium soft flex.
• Palm style grip and an oval shaft.
• Cambered blade with very fine edges and hidden plastic tip insert.
• Sizes 52" - 66"

Carlsile Beavertail Canoe Paddle

This lightweight, laminated, basswood paddle features a urethane tip guard at one end and a hand-contoured grip at the other. An ergonomically designed shaft and 8" beaver tail blade shape combine for easy paddling.

• Made of Basswood.
• Llight and easy to handle.
• Urethane Tip Guard.
• Sizes 54" - 63"

• The shafts are usually made using an aluminium or wood with a 'tee' piece at the end.
• It is common to have an oval cross-section reassurance to the paddler as to blade angle.
• On aluminium shafts a layer of rubber or plastic sleeving is usually provided to improve grip and comfort. Aluminium shafts tend to be less comfortable as the cold metal draws heat from the hands.
• Children's paddles are smaller and shorter.
• The working surface of a paddle is the blade. Again, the compromise is between cost, weight and performance. At the bottom of the scale are those made from ABS plastic on a Alloy Shaft through to a quality range of laminated woods.
• Wooden paddles look very attractive and are very popular and offer a range of blade shapes for all tastes.

• The blades come in variety of lengths and should be chosen to suit the person's height and activities.
• A short blade will allow a faster stroke rate for quick acceleration whereas a longer blade will provide a more relaxed paddling style.
• For greater efficiency. Canoe paddle sizing is generally based on a paddlers torso length and which position he or she is paddling from.
• Bow paddlers generally use shorter strokes, and find shorter paddles easier to work with.
• Stern paddlers and solo boaters need a slightly longer paddle to assist in controlling the direction of the canoe.
• A general guideline for paddle sizing for a bow person is a paddle that measures from the floor up to the middle of their chest. Stern and solo paddlers will find a paddle that stands up to their collarbone are generally a better fit.