Canoe Paddles

[torpedo]

I need two canoe paddles

[turboturtle]

Go to the Store!
I don't mean to come off like a smart-a** but choice of paddles are a personal decision. Some are happy with Fifteen dollar paddles, and some don't feel like they have a good one till they spend a Hundred or Two on one.
This said, the stores are full of them. Most people here have painstakingly searched out their personal preference in paddles. I would be very surprised if you find what your looking for here on this forum. Check on line at Shite Creek paddles, and Werner's web site. The length of a paddle is also a contributing factor. Too short a paddle is a major handicap as well as too long is. Typically speaking You want your arm to be strait out as you grab the T-handle as the blade sits on the ground, if you are in a canoe. Ozark Outdoor Supply in Little Rock, and Ouachita Outdoor Outfitter's in Hot Springs are the only places I would consider looking for a decent paddle locally.

My $0.02

aka Bob

[Cowper]

Look for some Mohawk canoe paddles - brand new should still be under $25 each. Good low end paddle; not too heavy and make great spares if you decide to upgrade to a high $$ paddle later. I like them far better than most "mid range" paddles. Also, you want to use the less expensive paddles to help figure out exactly what length you want, before you go dropping big $ on a Werner carbon fiber...

P.S. - If you're into touring and flatwater more than WW, then look at ZRE and consider a ZRE Whitewater (which in ZRE terms, weighs about as much at a bird's feather but they consider the WW model as "heavy" because it weighs more than a blade of grass). But the advice about going cheap until you figure preferred length still applies...

[torpedo]

I've been to the local outdoor stores (Pack Rat, Lewis & Clark) and didn't see anything that I really liked. I might go ahead and try the Mohawk paddle out, assuming I can find them. I just bought a boat from Louis at Two Brothers Canoe and I know he used to carry them. Thanks for the input. I'm 5'9", what paddle size would best suit me for bow/stern?

[daxhaltom]

You should check out Southtown Sporting Goods. Its just south of Lewis and Clark next to Locomotion. I always go there first because they are super nice and have good prices. I dont know the brand of canoe paddles they sell but my buddy has a couple and has not had any complaints.

[gnick4]

I've been to the local outdoor stores (Pack Rat, Lewis & Clark) and didn't see anything that I really liked. I might go ahead and try the Mohawk paddle out, assuming I can find them. I just bought a boat from Louis at Two Brothers Canoe and I know he used to carry them. Thanks for the input. I'm 5'9", what paddle size would best suit me for bow/stern?

They have mohawk paddles for $25 I believe. Southtown has carlisle golden light paddles for around $30. I have used both and they work fine but the mohawk is a little heavier and a little wider.

[gnick4]

By the way, what canoe did you buy from TBC? I have the Arkota and have used it for about 6 months. Great canoe.

[torpedo]

I have the Arkota as well. I haven't been able to float with it yet. I'm hoping maybe this weekend, if we get enough rain.

[MStrobel]

If you are looking for Mohawk canoe paddles, try http://www.chicagolandcanoebase.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I wanted a specific length Mohawk paddle and had a hard time finding them. I called this store and the owner/operator answered. He is really interesting and we ended up talking about all things canoeing for about 20 minutes. I had my new paddle in about 3 days without paying anything extra. While the Mohawk paddles are not going to take home any prizes, they are good quality and a great way to try out a particular length or blade size before shelling out the big bucks for a premium paddle. Better then the ones you get at the big box stores. Be sure to check out the other parts of his website, as he is a collector of canoes and canoeing history in the Chicagoland area.

[Dave Thomas]

Good advice. You definitely don't want to shell out a bunch of clams for a paddle, only later to find out that it is not a good fit. Mohawk does make a great paddle for the price.

[Richard]

I'm 5'9", what paddle size would best suit me for bow/stern?

How tall you are has nothing to do with properly selecting a paddle. Paddle size is based on paddling style and canoe type. It has to do with where and how high you sit or kneel when paddling. Like Cowper said, try out the cheap paddles before settling on one that is right for you.

[Cowper]

They used to have some guidelines like placing the paddle on your toe, and saying it should touch your chin. Those are no longer used, mostly because some people have long legs, others have a longer torso, and since you sit or kneel in a canoe your leg length shouldn't be part of figuring out your paddle length.

For a starting point, read this
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/article ... addle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

or google the words choosing canoe paddle length

I got about half a dozen articles like the one I referenced, so you may be able to collect several expert opinions.

If you are of average proportions, at 5'-9" I'd guess you'll end up with a paddle 56" to 58" in length (stern), maybe 1" shorter for bow.

[torpedo]

I bought two Mohawk paddles, 9 in. blade. So far so good!

[Dave Thomas]

Did you get the bent or straight shaft 9" paddles? I haven't paddled with a bent shaft Mohawk and I'm wanting a first hand account

[torpedo]

I got the straight shaft. I've paddled with them several times now and I'm pretty satisfied. I would recommend them to others.