Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Thinking about buying a new paddle and was wondering if there is a benefit to a wooden paddle other that how nice they look. Seems to me they would be a bit heavy especially compared to my werners, but I wanted to get opinions before I ordered one...... especially since it seems like they take a while to be made. Thanks

Josh

Here's what you need, Josh. You must order one immediately!

http://jacksonkayak.com/blog/2008/09/17 ... -colorado/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

~Dave

Josh:

Wooden paddles need not be heavy. A friend of mine in Independence, IA is making some for our flatwater creek paddlers, and his one-piece paddles, at 78.5" come in at 30 ounces.



These sticks have flat, symmetrical blades and are made of cedar, with fiberglass wrap and epoxy on the blades.


Email if you have questions, and I'll send your thoughts directly to the paddle maker.

Regards,

al

There is no doubt that a fine wood paddle is a work of art and a joy to behold.

Some attribute almost mystical qualities to the feel and joy that comes from use of a fine wooden paddle. They speak of the feel provided by just the right amount of flex, the "warm" feel of the shaft in cold weather, and probably a number of other benefits which accompany the ownership and use of a fine tool.

Me, I'm a guy that buys white cars and trucks because they are cooler in hot weather, manual transmissions so I can roll-start the car if the battery or starter motor goes out, and rarely washes his car because it's just going to get dirty next weekend anyway. A lot of times I don't even unload it; I'll just need that crap again in 5 more days if everything goes according to plan.

I love and use carbon fiber paddles; a great combination of strength, durability, and light weight which gives me more play for a given amount of energy.

Even though I've gone the carbon route, I can't imagine you would be "sorry" with a wooden stick - at most, you might end up with two paddles, and call one your "beater".

Back in the day I had a Silver Creek wood paddle. They were pretty highly coveted works of art. I loved mine until it broke. I was doing a rock brace. I attribute the breakage to my fault / inexperience.

The word I think described the paddle best is supple especially in the water.

Cowper's idea of having a beater and a show paddle is a good way to look at it.

The other consideration is your style too. If your current paddle has lived an abusive and hard life then a wood stick may not last you as long. But if your strokes are precision, and you know where your stick is relative to rocks then you can have one last for years.

IF you use your current stick as snow shovel for digging a rig out of a slick spot on the Boss Hollow take out road then a wooden one might not last you as long.