Which canoe paddle is best?

Which canoe paddle is best?

Best Canoe Paddles of 2021

• Expedition Plus by Bending Branches.
• Ray Special by Fishell Paddles.
• BB Special by Bending Branches.
• Voyager Canoe Paddle by Sawyer Paddles and Oars.
• Arrow Canoe Paddle by Bending Branches.
• Modified Ottertail Paddle by Fishell Paddles.
• Power Surge PRO Canoe Paddle by Zaveral Racing Equipment.

What length should canoe paddles be?

52″ to 60″
Length. Most canoers require a paddle in the 52″ to 60″ range; sizes are typically offered in 2″ increments. Bent-shaft paddles are generally shorter due to their shorter, wider blades; common lengths are 48″ to 54″.

How thick should the blade of a canoe paddle be?

1/4″ thick
1. The tip and edges of the paddle’s blade should be 1/4″ thick or slightly less. Mark this thickness on the edge of the blade. Use a jack or smoothing plane to taper the blade faces.

How do you pick a canoe paddle?

The general rule: the shortest paddle that allows you to properly reach the water is best. In the middle of their stroke, most paddlers hold the grip so that their top hand is about the height of their nose, and the point where the paddle blade meets the shaft (the throat or shoulder) is at the water line.

How do you pick a canoe paddle shape?

PADDLE SHAPE

1. A longer blade will maintain “bite” in a chop.
2. A narrower blade is quieter and will enter and exit the water with less turbulence.
3. A broad blade is more powerful and will be better suited for moving water.
4. A broad blade, surface area being equal, will be better suited for shallow water.

How do you refurbish a canoe paddle?

Repair/Refinish Tips

1. To start, sand the area you want to repair with a fine abrasive until smooth and dull.
2. If there is wood damage, use more aggressive (100-120) grit and remove any discoloration to the wood.
3. Apply two or three thin coats of solvent based (not water based) outdoor or marine grade polyurethane.

How do you seal a canoe paddle?

Touch Up: seal any exposed wood with varnish on a regular basis. Lightly sand area, apply a diluted (by 10%) coat of finish and let dry. Lightly sand area again and apply a full strength coat of varnish. Complete Refinish: strip all finish off the paddle using sand paper.

What size should my canoe paddle be?

The General Rule. The general rule is the shortest paddle that allows you to comfortable reach the water is best. In the middle of your stroke, your grip hand should be at the height of your nose. The throat of the paddle (where the blade meets the shaft) should be at the water line.

How do you know what size paddle to get?

Measure Your Body Height Then, compare it to the width of your kayak and find the correct corresponding measurement. If you are 5 feet 5 inches or shorter and your kayak is… 23 inches wide or smaller: Try a paddle that is 210 centimeters long. 24 to 32 inches wide: Try a paddle that is 220 centimeters long.

What kind of wood do you use for canoe paddles?

Hardwoods such as ash, walnut, cherry, maple provide stiffness and strength and durability, while softwoods such as cedar, fir, pine, basswood offer lightweight and flex. There’s no prescribed or universal formula to building a laminated paddle. Makers will often use locally available woods.

What wood should I use to make a canoe paddle?

Woods suitable for paddle making include cherry, spruce, maple, pine, butternut and ash. The wood you choose can dictate your paddle’s shape. With hardwoods you can obtain a paddle with a wafer-thin blade, while softwoods require a thicker blade surface.