Wooden Canoe Paddles
Our Wooden Canoe Paddles
Canoe paddles come in a variety of materials, from plastic and aluminum to advanced composites like carbon fiber. Yet wood remains the favorite among paddlers, known for its beauty, strength, and durability. A wooden paddle feels warm and smooth in hand, adding to the enjoyment of every stroke.
We offer a range of distinct paddle designs, each tailored for specific types of paddling. Longer, slender blades are ideal for lake cruising or extended expeditions, while shorter, wider blades excel in technical river paddling and moving water. For young paddlers, we craft children’s beaver- and ottertail paddles, ensuring quality for all ages.
Strength, Flexibility, and Beauty
Our laminated wooden paddles are lightweight, strong, and maintain their shape perfectly, made from carefully selected wood strips. We combine robust hardwoods like ash, maple, cherry, and walnut with lighter woods such as cedar and ayous to reduce weight. The strips are bonded using waterproof wood glue, forming a durable and waterproof laminate. Each paddle is available in an oiled finish, with the grip always oiled for a smooth, comfortable feel.
In addition, we craft classic paddles from single boards of ash, designed for those who value tradition and durability. These paddles offer unmatched strength and a timeless aesthetic.
Our Range of Handcrafted Wooden Canoe Paddles
Our paddle collection offers two distinct series, each tailored for different needs and preferences on the water.
The Classic Line showcases heritage paddles crafted from single boards of durable ash. Built for strength and reliability, these paddles are perfect for paddlers seeking robust, timeless designs. The range includes the North Woods Bow and Stern paddles, a Guide paddle inspired by the Maine Guides, and a Voyageur paddle, drawing inspiration from the Canadian fur traders. Each paddle in the Classic Line is designed for endurance and power.
For those looking for a blend of performance and style, our Style Paddles series features laminated strips of cherry, ash, and walnut, offering not only a striking appearance but also lightweight agility. These paddles provide excellent flex and control. Choose from our beaver and ottertail paddles, or the versatile Algonquin paddle, perfect for extended journeys.
Explore our collection and find the paddle that fits your adventure.
Classic Line: Timeless Strength and Heritage Craftsmanship
Voyageur
Inspired by the legendary voyageurs who navigated Canada’s rivers and lakes, the Voyageur Paddle is a tribute to the paddles used by the fur traders of the 19th century, as depicted in the works of Frances Anne Hopkins. With its long, robust blade, this paddle provides powerful strokes and excellent control. The angular shoulder design prevents water from flowing back into the canoe during recovery, making it an all-around performer for any waterway. Whether you’re navigating lakes or rivers, the Voyageur Paddle offers both strength and subtle precision.
Blade Dimensions: 14 x 63 cm
Weight: 820 gr
Guide
These paddles were used by the Maine Guides, who expertly navigated the rugged waterways of the Northeast, the Guide paddle is built for strength and control. Its wide blade is perfect for strong paddlers needing to move water with power, making it ideal for challenging conditions. The elongated grip allows for adjustable hand positions, offering flexibility and precision. Whether you’re steering a heavy load or threading through tight spots, this paddle delivers maneuverability and maximum performance, just as the Maine Guides demanded on their wilderness expeditions.
Blade Dimensions: 19 x 63 cm
Weight: 830 gr
North Woods Bow
The North Woods paddle is designed by the native paddlers and wilderness travelers of North America and is built for versatility. Its distinctive, long tapered grip allows for easy hand adjustments, letting you lengthen or shorten the shaft as needed—ideal for paddling while standing, kneeling, or sitting. The bow version features a slightly smaller beavertail blade, providing a balance of power and precision. Perfect for navigating rapids or controlling the canoe in windy conditions, this paddle is a versatile all-rounder, built to perform in a variety of challenging environments.
Blade Dimensions: 15,5 x 64 cm
Weight: 730 gr
North Woods Stern
The stern version of the North Woods Paddle is designed for paddlers who need both strength and precision. Its long, tapered grip allows for easy hand adjustments, giving you the flexibility to paddle standing, kneeling, or sitting. With its larger beavertail blade, this paddle offers powerful strokes and exceptional control, making it ideal for navigating rapids or handling wind and waves on lakes. In a tandem canoe it’s best combined with the smaller bow version but it’s also an excellent choice for the solo paddler, providing the versatility and command needed to confidently steer in any conditions.
Blade Dimensions: 17,5 x 79 cm
Weight: 1100 gr
Style Paddles: Elegance and Performance in Every Stroke
Algonquin
The Algonquin canoe paddle combines elegance with functionality, featuring a long, slender blade that is perfect for extended trips on deep water. Its narrow tip enters the water silently, and the long blade allows you to control your strokes with precision, making it easy to conserve energy over long distances. The comfortable pear-shaped grip enhances control, making it ideal for advanced strokes and palm rolls. Light and easy to handle, the Algonquin offers smooth, efficient paddling, ensuring both comfort and performance on your journey.
Blade Dimensions: 12,5 x 67 cm
Weight: 560 gr
Scout Ottertail
The Scout Ottertail Canoe Paddle shares the same lightweight, tapered blade as the Ojibway, making it ideal for smooth, silent paddling on deep water. However, it features a symmetric grip that offers a firmer hold, making it a better choice for navigating more challenging conditions. While it may be less suited for advanced static strokes involving palm rolls, the Scout excels in providing stability and control when the waters get rough. Crafted from a cherry, walnut, and ash laminate, it remains strong yet lightweight, with an oiled finish for a natural, comfortable feel.
Blade Dimensions: 14 x 69 cm
Weight: 650 gr
Ojibway Ottertail
The Ojibway ottertail canoe paddle is a lightweight and versatile classic, perfect for deep-water touring and extended trips. Its tapered blade slices smoothly and silently through the water, reducing strain on muscles and joints. The long blade enters the water gradually, offering effortless control and minimal resistance. Crafted from a cherry, walnut, and ash laminate, this paddle combines strength with lightness. The pear-shaped, oiled grip provides a comfortable and smooth feel, while the paddle’s oiled finish enhances its natural beauty and durability, making it an ideal choice for long, quiet journeys on the water.
Blade Dimensions: 14 x 69 cm
Weight: 650 gr
Penobscot Beavertail
The Penobscot Beavertail canoe paddle is a timeless classic, rooted in the traditions of the Penobscot and Passamaquoddy peoples of southeast Canada. Its wide blade tip provides excellent power, making it ideal for shorter trips where control and impact resistance are key. The blade pulls smoothly through the water, offering a strong, dependable stroke. Finished with a comfortable pear-shaped grip, this paddle ensures a smooth and enjoyable paddling experience. Perfect for those seeking a traditional, reliable design with modern comfort.
Blade Dimensions: 15 x 60 cm
Weight: 650 gr
Scout Beavertail
The Scout Beavertail Canoe Paddle offers the same classic design as the Penobscot, with its wide blade tip for powerful strokes and smooth water entry, making it perfect for shorter trips. What sets the Scout apart is its symmetric grip, providing a firmer hold and added control in more challenging conditions. While less suited for advanced strokes involving palm rolls, the grip ensures stability and precision, making this paddle an excellent choice for paddlers navigating tougher waters while still enjoying the timeless beavertail design.
Blade Dimensions: 15 x 60 cm
Weight: 650 gr
Beavertail Small
The Beavertail Small is a scaled-down version of the classic Penobscot Beavertail, specially designed for children. With its smaller blade and pear shaped grip, this paddle offers young paddlers the perfect balance of control, comfort, and enjoyment on the water. The wide blade tip ensures smooth strokes, while the comfortable grip provides a secure hold, making it easy for children to navigate a variety of conditions. Crafted for comfort and paddle joy, it’s an ideal choice for introducing kids to the art of canoeing.
Blade Dimensions: 13 x 52 cm
Weight: 550 gr
Paddle care
Your wooden paddle does not require much maintenance if you take care of it between trips and repair any damage. Wipe of dirt before storing and always keep it in a dry place. We clean our oiled paddles after each trip with a Scotchbrite pad and give it a new layer of double boiled linseed oil. It takes 5 minutes of work to keep your paddle in top condition.
If your varnished paddle is scratched and you want to restore it:
• Sand the damaged spot with fine sanding paper (280 grit)
• Apply two layers of satin marine varnish (no water based varnish!)
• When the second layer is dry your paddle is ready.
If the wood is damaged, sand the affected area with 100 grit sanding paper and apply 4 layers of varnish. If the damage is greater we will fix the paddle for you for a small fee.
For more information about repairs or warranty, please contact us