I use a double-blade paddle most of the time, but I'm looking for a single-blade as a backup, and to use in situations where the double-blade isn't best suited. Do any of you have experience with Grey Owl paddles? If so are they good?

These are the specific ones I'm looking at: Northern Light

And: Guide

Is the Northern Light worth the extra $$ for a few ounces less weight and fiberglass sheathing?

I have had a Tempest Kayak paddle for many years, it's nicely made for sure. Its not as light of a build as the unit you are looking at so can't say much about the construction of those lighter weight ones but I believe they have a pretty good reputation overall.

Can't speak to this brand (Bending Branches is my go-to), but generally you'd be more likely to appreciate the weight savings if this was your primary paddle.

Also: most people seem to prefer beaver tail designs for flat, deeper water–does that fit what you're looking for to supplement the double blade?

The Wabakimi Project used Grey Owl paddles exclusively. Uncle Phil probably had 3 or 4 dozen of them, the Voyager model as I recall. Given the use they got, they held up quite well. And they were one of the cheaper paddles that Grey Owl offered. I have one of the WP paddles with a cracked blade.

MDVancleave: "Can't speak to this brand (Bending Branches is my go-to), but generally you'd be more likely to appreciate the weight savings if this was your primary paddle.


Also: most people seem to prefer beaver tail designs for flat, deeper water–does that fit what you're looking for to supplement the double blade?"

I've researched the pros and cons of various designs, and the beavertail style seems best suited for most of the paddling I do.

Grey Owl makes good paddles, I have several. I've used a friend's Northern Light and it's noticeably lighter than most wood paddles so that feels nice, but the Guide has a fine reputation and will be plenty durable. I think the Northern Light needs the fiberglass on the blade because it's made from a softer/lighter wood than the Guide. I do like a light paddle but with long-bladed paddles where the blade may stay submerged more of the time since the paddle is well-suited to in-water recoveries, the weight of the paddle isn't as important.

I have a Grey Owl from the 80's that I still use at times. It went on long expedition trips with whitewater. Not sure which model I have. My son had a Bending Branches and it snapped while on a long trip so his next paddle was a Grey Owl which is beautiful and well made. He took it on his 52 day Arctic trip last summer and was very happy with it.

They are quality paddles in my experience.

I have a grey owl fleetwood paddle that has build characteristics similar to the northern light but in a different design. It is light weight for wood and well balanced. I don’t use traditional paddles much but have been curious about the northern light.

Carls Paddlin in lone rock Wisconsin had a bunch of northern lights and all other grey owl paddles for that matter, last I checked. If you went there you could handle a bunch and pick the one you like.