Traditional paddles

Advice
#1

I was a dedicated bent shaft and hut paddler until this summer when I took a cheap ottertail out for a test run. I immediately fell in love with how much more I was enjoying paddling my solo. The problem is I smacked it on a submerged rock cracking the resin tip and putting a hairline crack in the blade. I know now that ottertails are for use in deep water! I want to replace this one with something a bit lighter. I am looking for one with a 5 or 6 inch wide blade. Any on-line sources or recommendations would be appreciated.

#2

Mountain Equipment Co-op (NM)

#3

ottertail
I had the same experience a few years ago, and except for shallow water trips I now use a one pice ottertail for solo paddling. I own one form Ray Kettelwell, two from Shaw and Tenney and one from American Traders. Have been happy with all three vendors. Sorry I don;t have web sites handy, but they should be easy to find on your search enginge/

#4

Bending Branches
Beaver Tail is a nice paddle. Approx. $60.

#5

try these
turtlepaddle.com and kettelwellpaddles.com

#6

Grey Owl
Grey Owl makes some beautiful solid-wood paddles, but I doubt they’re light. For at least a decade I’ve been trying to come up with a reason to buy a Chieftain (black walnut), which might be the loveliest paddle I’ve ever seen.



– Mark

#7

Custom or Factory
I enjoy the redtail paddles. They are really good, and quite inexpensive.



If you want a beautiful custom paddle, and are willing to pay for the craftsmanship, check out Red River Canoe and Paddle: http://www.redrivercanoe.ca/

#8

Grey Owl
Grey Owl also makes laminnates which are lightweight. I have a Grey Owl paddle which weighs 22 oz.



Pagayeur

#9

another for the list
www.mitchellpaddles.com





There are many custom paddle makers out there but I take it a 300 dollar paddle isnt what you are looking for.



I have paddles by almost all the makers listed by others. I do find the Redtails and the Bending Branches thickish with thick sides and they dont slice as cleanly as others. But perhaps slicing and freestyle isnt on your menu!

#10

Thanks Mr Canoehead!

– Last Updated: Sep-19-07 1:51 PM EST –

For the link to Red River Canoe. Great site, lovely paddles, and great dissertations on the use of different grips. Honestly, I always assumed that the large "northwoods" grip, or Maine Guide grip was shaped to provide a counterbalance to a large & heavy blade. Not so.

Think I might be ordering one this winter......

Jim

Edit: Spel Chkd