I am a fan of long, solid wood paddles that reach deep into the water. I favor the muted “Zip” of an underwater recovery stoke. I mourn that Ray Kettlewell stopped making paddles before I knew I’d want one.

While I don’t have a Kettlewell, I do have a new Fishell and it is a spectacular paddle. Actually, my new 64” Fishell Ray Special is a Ray Kettlewell style paddle, crafted by Greg Fishell using Ray’s old machinery, patterns and tutelage. Greg has done a great job.

I have been using the Ray Special for just a couple weeks. Using it feels like being a long winged bird in flight: With just a few long strokes, I am soaring. My paddle cadence is a little slower with the Ray Special than with my other paddles but, it seems I travel as fast or faster. I still can’t catch that guy on the lake in the Northstar Magic and his Kayak paddle but, I am satisfied with how fast I can get across the water with my Canadian stroke. Adding to the sensation of flying is how quietly the Ray Special slices through the water. At speed, the sound of my bow wave is more notable that the sounds from my paddle. At a more leisurely pace, the Ray Special is so quiet that for the past 2 weeks I have passed within an arm’s reach of several big fish resting just beneath the surface of the water, painted turtles sunning on logs and even surprised more than one muskrat chomping weeds in Lake Calhoun.

The Ray Special is a beautiful piece of gear. The long slow curve of the blade somewhat evokes the shape of a canoe or perhaps that long bird’s wing. I chose the oiled finish which feels great in my hand and looks bad-**s. I chose Cherry by default but the grain looks fantastic.

The Oiled finish adds a bit to the price and the shipping charge from Ontario initially seemed a bit high however, the Fishell Paddle website bills in Canadian dollars. It turns out that once Mastercard converted my purchase to American dollars, the total cost was quite a bargain.

I understand that bent paddles and feather light Carbon Fiber paddles represent more contemporary paddle design but, they don’t match the aesthetics of canoeing I have in my mind. Ontario is where I find the paddles that move me.

Beautiful paddles! I had never heard of them. And I don’t think the price is bad at all! I love otter tail style paddles.

Very nice!