Guide to Canoe Paddles

Canoe paddles consist of three main parts: the blade, the shaft, and the grip. The blade is a flat, rigid sheet that pushes the water backward to move the canoe forward. It is attached to the shaft, which serves as the handle. At the end of the shaft is the grip, a small nub that prevents the paddle from slipping off the hand. The point where the blade joins the shaft is called the throat, and the end of the blade is called the tip. Because the blade does the actual paddling, most people use “blade” to refer to the entire paddle.

Canoe paddles are usually made of wood or metal, although newer models often make use of synthetic materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, or polyethylene. Some canoe paddles are carved or molded from a single piece of material, while others are made from separate parts glued together. A common combination is a plastic grip and blade attached to an aluminum shaft.

Canoe paddles range from 54 to 63 inches in length, and are usually sold in three-inch increments. A typical blade measures eight inches across and 18 inches from the throat to the tip. Rounded blades, also called pizza blades, tend to be wider at 12 to 14 inches across. The shaft can have a round or elliptical cross-section, with a diameter of 1 to 1.25 inches.

Types according to purpose

Recreational Recreational canoe paddles are used for general and casual paddling.
They are usually made of aluminum, plastic, or cheaper wood varieties.
Most quality recreational paddles are made of laminated softwood, which are light and durable. They also have an aesthetic appeal, and are often hung on walls as decoration.
The blades can have rounded or squared off edges.

Lakewater

Lakewater canoe paddles are used for paddling in lakes and are designed for continuous smooth strokes.
They usually have long, narrow blades suitable for paddling over deep, flat waters.
Most models are made of hardwood, although this is mainly for aesthetic purposes. Commonly used woods are cherry, ash, walnut, maple, mahogany, and poplar.
They can be made from single slabs of wood or laminated from several pieces.

Whitewater

Whitewater canoe paddles have short blades with straight tips.
They have shorter blades and longer shafts compared to lakewater paddles.
They are also fitted with larger T-shaped grips.
They are designed for the quick, powerful strokes necessary for shallow, aerated whitewater.
They are usually made of much tougher materials, such as wood, fiberglass, and carbon. This is to give them more protection against rocks and rough waters.
The blades are big and wide, and are either flat or spooned, for pulling large amounts of water.

Performance

Performance canoe paddles are used for racing or fitness paddling.
They are designed for speed and are much lighter than other paddle types.
They are usually made of composite materials such as carbon fiber or Kevlar, which provides durability without adding to the weight.
The shafts are usually slightly bent forward to keep them vertical during extremely powerful strokes.

Types according to blade shape

These blade shapes apply mostly to wooden paddles.

Western Cree

Western Cree paddles have straight-sided blades with slightly rounded edges and rounded grips. They are the simplest type of paddle blades and are used for general-purpose canoeing.

Northwest Voyageur

Voyageur blades are narrower than the Western Cree, with less rounded tips and flared grips. They are normally used for lakewater paddles and produce smooth, straight strokes.

Beothuk

Beothuk blades are teardrop-shaped, with very rounded sides and sharp tips. They also have slimmer handles and larger round grips.

Ottertail

Ottertail blades are longer and narrower than other types. They have slightly tapered sides, square tips, and wide, rounded grips. They are also preferred for lakewater paddling.

Ashwing

Ashwing paddles have slightly rounded sides and squared-off tips. They are shaped much like the Western Cree, except for a flatter and wider grip.

Durability: Choose a canoe paddle that can withstand all sorts of abuse, such as impact, heat, and constant exposure to water. This is especially important for whitewater riding, as the paddle is bound to hit a lot of rocks and drag across rough surfaces. Look for one made of waterproof materials, such as fiberglass or plastic. If you prefer the aesthetic quality of wood, make sure it comes with a water resistant coating, otherwise it will soften and rot easily.

Weight: Choose a lightweight canoe paddle that you can hold and turn for long periods without getting tired. For racing or marathon paddles, the ideal weight is about two pounds. Make sure, however, that durability and performance are not compromised. Fiberglass and carbon fiber are excellent choices, although they are much more expensive than wood and metal.

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