874-0364
336 Ohio Rd
Shelburne
Nova Scotia
Choosing the right paddle can make all the difference in your canoeing experience.
But how do you know which is the right one for you? There is such a wide array of blade
shapes, different grips, lengths, not to mention what type of wood. The ultimate question
is which is right for you? To answer this question you need to consider where will you be
canoeing.eg running rivers vs lakes, day trip vs multi day trips. It is my goal to match you
up with the right one for you.
A paddle has 3 main parts, the grip, shaft & blade.
The Grip - should feel comfortable in your hand.
The Shaft - to get the correct length of shaft I hold my arms out at my sides and measure
from elbow to elbow or hold a broom handle with your elbow at 90 degrees and
measure the length from outside to outside of hands.
The Blade - the biggest difference between blades is how much water they will push.
Bigger ones are good for short trips and smaller for long trips.
Wood - The other choice is what type of wood. The biggest difference is weight. You
would want a lighter one for tripping Other then that it really comes down to personal
preference. Paddles can be made from any wood but some are better then others.
My preferences are spruce, ash, maple & cherry. Other woods work well for laminated
paddles to add color.
Canoe Shelburne - Repair & Restoration Service
Serving NS, NB, PEI & NFLD
