What Kind of Wood for Canoe Paddles?

New canoe owners frequently ask what kind of wood makes the best canoe paddles? They may be surprised to learn that any wooden paddle can last a lifetime if used properly and protected with oil, varnish, or covered with a layer of fiberglass.

  1. Kinds of Wood

    • The most desired woods for paddles have a length of straight grain and are tough, dense, and decay-resistant. Wood density is important because a paddle should not be too light (balsa) or too heavy (rosewood). Ash and spruce have the correct properties, so commercial paddles are often made of these woods.

    What to Look For

    • Gail Cowart, former head of the American Canoe Association, says the straightness of the wood grain is essential because it is an indication of the long-term strength of the paddle. When purchasing a paddle, look for this feature, especially where the lower part of the paddle shaft and blade join.

    Finding the Right Wood

    • Canoeists often prefer specific woods to make their own paddles. Black locust is one of the toughest, most ductile, and decay-resistant choices, but availability is very limited. Northern white cedar is an excellent choice, but is found mostly in Canada and a few northern states. Red cedar is easier to find and has virtually the same characteristics as white cedar. Many lumber yards have two-by-eight inch planks of red cedar in stock.

    Technological Changes

    • Advances in sports technology have changed canoe paddles. Laminates made of several types of wood fused together are widely used for marathon and recreational boating. Olympic racers and whitewater boaters use paddles made of materials like fiberglass, plastic, and carbon fiber composites.

    Sources

    • Canoeing magazines are good sources to keep up with the evolving technology of paddle construction. The American Canoe Association is another.