Types of Canoe Paddles

Sometimes, being up the creek with the wrong type of paddle is just as bad as having no paddle at all. There is plenty of diversity in canoe paddles, both in design and material. Some paddles are designed for leisurely cruises around a pond, while others are intended for whitewater trips, and still others are designed for high-speed canoe racing. Picking the right paddle for your purposes will make your next canoe trip easier and more enjoyable.

  1. Recreational

    • Recreational paddles are intended to be used on short trips around a pond or on a slowly flowing river. These paddles are made with cost in mind and will usually be constructed from wood, plastic, aluminum or some combination of the three. If you take an occasional brief canoe trip, a recreational paddle should be plenty for your needs.

    Lakewater

    • Lakewater paddles are typically crafted out of wood with equal concern for aesthetics and functionality. Different woods provide different qualities, but all paddles should be strong and light. The blade (the part that goes into the water) is frequently long and thin, perfect for deep water lakes or rivers. These wooden paddles also have the advantage of being far quieter than plastic and metal paddles, ensuring a more relaxing trip on the water. On the other hand, you'll need to closely monitor a wooden paddle to be sure that the wood is not splitting on the blade. Lakewater paddles are an excellent choice for canoeing enthusiasts who enjoy the aesthetics of the activity.

    Whitewater

    • In rough shallow water, a shorter and sturdier paddle can avoid smashing against the bottom and breaking into bits. These whitewater paddles are designed with stronger blades and reinforced tips so they can survive a trip through whitewater rapids. The shorter blade allows for fast controlled paddling, to navigate narrow and potentially hazardous waterways. The blades are frequently bowled inward, like a spoon, to move more water. Whitewater paddles also place far more emphasis on their grips, as loosing your paddle in the middle of a rapid would be no fun at all. If you're planning on taking on any rapids on your next canoe trip, a whitewater paddle is a must-have.

    Performance Paddles

    • When speed and efficiency are essential, performance paddles allow you to get the job done right. These paddles are typically made from composite materials such as Kevlar for maximum strength with minimum weight. The shaft on performance paddles is usually bent at a slight forward angle so that the paddle is perpendicular to the surface of the water at the strongest part of the stroke, allowing you to maximize the efficiency. The high cost on performance paddles can be prohibitive, and these are typically only used by professionals.