Carbon & Wooden Canoe Paddles: Canoe Paddle Shapes
This blog is great for lovers of the single-bladed paddle! This is not a paid promotion, and I bought all my own paddles at full cost. This is aimed at providing you with the information to know how to select a canoe paddle that’s right for you, and we will look at different canoe paddle styles that are available.
“Like a single-bladed canoe paddle, life's journey is best navigated with grace and purpose. With each stroke, embrace the rhythm of your own unique path, and let the waters guide you toward the shores of discovery and fulfillment." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wood canoe paddles are made from wood…
🪵 Wooden Canoe Paddle
Pros
They look natural and are aesthetically pleasing
Crafted from a natural material
Comes in various shapes and sizes in stores and online
Lots of choice - some great canoe paddle designs and colours to choose from
Local workshops can give you some one-off designs that no one else has
They can be coated in different oils for a different feel depending on the brand you go with
They can take a bashing
Great for longer journeys as the wood has a natural bend in it to support aching wrists
They are recyclable
Cons
They are heavier than carbon paddles
Cost can be expensive
Usually made with a palm grip, not a T-grip - so not as much choice
Carbon paddles are made from carbon fibre
Carbon Fiber Canoe Paddle
Pros
They are very light - say goodbye to aching arms and shoulders
You can buy them as a palm grip or T-grip
They’re cool 😎 nice black colour
Easily accessible online
Easy to clean
Cons
Sometimes you have the black tape wrapped around the joins - not as clean cut looking
They say you should be more careful with them around shallow areas and rocks
Cost can be expensive
It’s hard to find different blade paddle types, it is possible but requires research online
They are not recyclable
What is better between a wooden & carbon paddle?
It all comes down to personal preference, I love the feel of the wood, but I must admit I tend to prefer a carbon paddle just because it’s really light which makes paddling for longer trips more enjoyable.
They say that carbon paddles can’t take a bashing but mine definitely has and I haven’t broken any yet!
There are different canoe paddle types for different paddling environments and purposes.
Straight shaft paddle (carbon) by Bending Branches
Beaver tail paddle (carbon) by Endless River
Otter tail paddle (carbon) by Endless River
Straight shaft paddle
Good for whitewater, paddling short distances and shallow water
Suitable for the stern or bow paddler
Beaver tail paddle
Good for the bow paddler, although can absolutely be used in the stern
The beaver tail blade is longer and tends to be narrower at both ends of the blade and wider in the middle
Great for flat-water river trips, lakes and deep water
It’s not good for shallow water because you wouldn’t be able to put the full entirety of the blade in the water
The beaver tail blade is better for calm water paddling, where the water is deep because the blade is longer and pushes more water with the same amount of effort so speed should increase slightly.
Otter tail paddle
Good for the stern paddler, but can absolutely be used in the bow
The otter tail blade is longer than the beaver tail and is narrower throughout the length of the blade
Great for flat water river trips and lakes, deep water trips but not good for shallow water
Provides more control in water movement and more ability to push more water with the same amount of effort
Now we’ve looked at the blades. Let’s take a look at the grips…
There are two distinct grips that are commonly available:
Palm grip
T-grip
Palm grip
T-grip
Palm grip
The palm grip is designed to sit in the palm of your hand ✋🤚, it’s supposed to be more comfortable for longer tripping and doesn’t need to be held with much effort.
T-grip
The T-grip is designed to have your fingers wrap around the T 🤛. Therefore, more grip is usually required. It’s supposed to be less comfortable for longer tripping and requires slightly more effort. I find it to be more comfortable as I can feel it in my hand more.
Final thoughts
You should always go for what feels right for you. As you can probably tell, I’ve tried quite a few blades and the best canoe paddle that I prefer is an Otter tail with a T grip by Endless River. I go canoeing in tandem, and I sit in the bow.
"Adventure is not outside; it is within. It is a mindset, a willingness to explore the unknown. Like an otter tail paddle slicing through the water, let your spirit of curiosity and courage propel you forward, discovering the wonders that await on the journey of life." - Helen Keller
I also have a wooden beaver tail (by Bending Branches) that I take as a spare just in case my paddle was to break, I’ve got a backup that can take a bashing and give my wrists some relief if needed.
Just goes to show that you can break the mould out, and you don’t need to be like everybody else, that being said, go with what you like and don’t worry about anything else.
I love paddles, I think they’re awesome, and there’s nothing like the feeling of getting a new one and the excitement and enjoyment it brings. Who said you only need to have one?
We're Tim & Claire, we love UK canoeing and are obsessed! Come and join us!
