The paddle making workshop

Our paddle making workshop is designed to teach the fundamentals of hand tool carving while shaping your paddle. Participants will be introduced to a variety of paddle designs, different grips, paddle sizing and paddle care.  You will learn how to use a combination of shaves but also power tools.

Different options

Shape your own otter- or beavertail paddle in a one-day paddle making workshop. Choose one of our 5 single blade canoe paddles and make your own out of a single board of ash. Or make a laminated canoe paddle composed of different woods. Participants will leave with a shaped paddle, finishing to be completed at home.

What to expect?

The paddle making workshop covers the entire process of shaping a wooden paddle:

  • Deciding which paddle suits your needs
  • Which grip
  • Double or single blade
  • Paddle sizing
  • Selecting wood
  • Outlining and marking off the paddle on the board
  • Sawing out the paddle with a jigsaw
  • Tapering the blades with a plane
  • Shaping the shaft and the blade
  • Sanding and final sanding
  • Oiling
  • Instructions on varnishing (to be done at home)

You don’t need any gear to participate in the workshop. Everything you need to shape a paddle will be provided by Freeranger Canoe and is included in the price. We also provide personal protective equipment when needed.

For more general info check our workshops page

Registration

Canoe paddle workshop

€ 195 pp

In this class you will make your own canoe paddle out of a single board of ash. You will make a classic otter- or beavertail paddle. A discussion of the various types of paddles and how to size a paddle to an individual will take place during morning. The rest of the day will be spent paring the wood down with hand tools to make a fine canoe paddle. It should be noted that you may not have time to finish your paddle. You will be provided with some varnish to take home to finish the paddle there.

Workshops are scheduled on Saturday:

09:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs

Book a canoe paddle workshop through our webshop. Registration is complete once we receive your payment.

Laminated canoe paddle workshop

€ 195 pp

In this class you will make your own canoe paddle with a traditional beavertail or ottertail blade from a variety of laminated woods. Pre-laminated shafts will be supplied for you to glue up the blades and grips. A discussion of the various types of paddles and how to size a paddle to an individual will take place before you glue up your individual paddle. Saturday will be spent paring the wood down with hand tools to make a fine canoe paddle.

Workshops are scheduled on Saturday:

09:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs

Book a laminated canoe paddle workshop through our webshop. Registration is complete once we receive your payment.

Contact us for more information