What’s your favorite paddle style and why?

I'm not too familiar with any styles or what you mean so here are two answers.

I normally paddle on one side until I am tired. I don't use any C or J or anything like that. I believe what I use is something like a "river drag" or river ... hold on I'm going to google. Actually I do use that C stroke but always considered it a sweep stroke. The drag thing is like using your paddle as a rudder for half a second.

My current paddle of choice is a bending branches paddle. I do like those graphite bent ones up in Ely though. So light. Too expensive for me though.

Thank you for sharing. When I said favorite paddle style I meant to say favorite style of paddle. Like Beavertail Ottertail, bent shaft, voyager, ETC.

CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"

I like long, thin paddles that allow me to reach deep into the water. I feel more in control of my canoe on flat water than with a short, wide paddle. More importantly, I feel like the long paddles promote a paddling cadence that matches my wilderness tripping mood. My "favorite" changes each time I paddle but is one of 4.

My Fishell Ray Special is my #1 paddle. I also have a Fishell Modified Special which is frequently my #1 paddle. These paddles are produced by the Fishell family in Ontario. They are a direct continuation of the paddles designed and produced by Ray Kettlewell as Ray sold his patterns and equipment to the Fishells.

My other #1 paddles are my Badger Tripper and Badger Sliver . Badger paddle is also a family-owned (Mike and Fiona Ramsey) shop; also in Ontario. I especially like the Tripper in windy conditions or in the early season to get into paddling shape. I choose the Sliver when the goal is to paddle all day everyday for a week.

The Badger paddles are just a bit lighter and flexible than the Fishells. The shape of the Fishells Zip effortlessly through the water during my Canadian stroke recovery.

OK. Feeling the need to go for a paddle

Ah ok. My favorite is Bending Branches BB Special. I have had mine for roughly 8-10 years now.

I really really want the Bending Branches Black Pearl II paddle.

The BB is a perfect angle and is lightweight and it has lasted a very long time. Zero complaints with it.

I like a beavertail paddle, because it gives me a big blade in the water to control the canoe on every stroke. The smaller blades like a Voyageur style or otter tail just don’t give me the power I need.

I come from a bit of racing background so it's sit and switch for me. I can J stroke all day if I like , but prefer Sit and Switch. Bent ZRE paddle

My favorite paddle style is the one fit the activity I am engaged in. I paddle a lot and do a variety of activities for which the canoe is the platform.

Touring/covering some distance, my short bent shaft is my go in the stern of a tandem or the bow for that matter, also solo. If the situation gets shallow and boney I pick up the spare which is often my oldest and first paddle(1967), a solid ash beavertail.

On moving water requiring draws and ferries and back paddling the straight shaft Clement or Dagger comes out. Typical touring blades, the Clement a little bigger. No flat blades, all have a raised center section to prevent flutter when really digging in.

Dancing on the calm lake with some freestyle moves one of the old beavertails is the choice. I have a long one and a short one. I also have Dagger that is really light and a little longer for dancing.

All my paddles are wood and quite a few my own creations. I guess my homemade bent-shaft gets the most use. Even though I made the Dagger paddles when I work for them decades ago, my favorite straight shaft is still the Clement.

Two favorites and I carry both: ZRE carbon fiber bent shaft for all day long comfort and efficiency along with my wood BB pretty normal straight for extra control and steering in shallow rocky water or small winding creeks.

I do want to try some of the longer, thinner types one of these days.

Straight style, T grip. I had a Bending Branches for years til I snapped it in half pushing too hard when stuck in a muddy pool. The one I have now cost $18, with a plastic paddle, aluminum shaft. I love it. Super light and has the T grip.

For moving water/whitewater, I like a long Bending Branches with a big blade and a T-grip.

For flatwater, I'm a recent convert to the graphite/carbon bent shaft paddles.

I prefer front to back. HA HA

bwcadan: "I prefer front to back. HA HA"

That might be the most common stroke but I think my favorite is a sculling draw.

Blatz: "I come from a bit of racing background so it's sit and switch for me. I can J stroke all day if I like , but prefer Sit and Switch. Bent ZRE paddle"

ZRE bent shaft carbon

scat: "Straight style, T grip. I had a Bending Branches for years til I snapped it in half pushing too hard when stuck in a muddy pool. The one I have now cost $18, with a plastic paddle, aluminum shaft. I love it. Super light and has the T grip. "

Great paddles for rough work for sure.

Not what I bring to the BWCA

andym: "

bwcadan: "I prefer front to back. HA HA"

That might be the most common stroke but I think my favorite is a sculling draw."

I don't know if a sculling draw is MY favorite, but it sure seems to be the favorite of all the newbies who see me do it. It never fails to impress someone with limited or no paddling experience.

I have a Sawyer straight-shaft t-grip that I purchased 40 years ago. I've had it re-finished several times. It's been through a lot and has bailed me out countless times. I have looked at fancy carbon bent-shafts that weigh half as much as my paddle, but I have a sentimental attachment to my paddle.

Mike

I like short, light straight shaft paddles with stubby blades since I do a lot of upstream paddling on rivers and they can be used to hit and switch to power upstream but also work great for j-stroking or just playing around on quiet water. I'm a kneeler.

Three of my favorite 56 inchers shown; a Black Bart Troublemaker, Bending Branches Sunburst, and a straight Zaveral. The Troublemaker is my overall favorite largely because it has great power and balance and a symmetric grip.

Last year I got a 54 inch GRB Newman Designs 6 degree bent shaft (pic) and fell in love and use it all the time. The shorter length makes it even easier to handle, the power is strong and just right for me and the 6 degree angle is more enjoyable for boat control than normal bent shafts with 10-14 degree angles.

Bending Branches Viper 54"

justpaddlin: "I like short, light straight shaft paddles with stubby blades since I do a lot of upstream paddling on rivers and they can be used to hit and switch to power upstream but also work great for j-stroking or just playing around on quiet water. I'm a kneeler.


Three of my favorite 56 inchers shown; a Black Bart Troublemaker, Bending Branches Sunburst, and a straight Zaveral. The Troublemaker is my overall favorite largely because it has great power and balance and a symmetric grip.


Last year I got a 54 inch GRB Newman Designs 6 degree bent shaft (pic) and fell in love and use it all the time. The shorter length makes it even easier to handle, the power is strong and just right for me and the 6 degree angle is more enjoyable for boat control than normal bent shafts with 10-14 degree angles.
"

I'm in the same (yet different) boat as you with the Black Bart being my paddle of choice. I've got two 50" bent that I love.

The bent paddles from Bending Branches. I have always preferred bent because they enter and exit the water smoother than straight shaft paddles. Bending Branches upper hand hold are the perfect size for my hands (my hands are on the small side). I have tried others in the past (outfitter rentals) but ended up buying an Espresso from BB.

Straight shaft, Tee handle. Currently we're both using Wenonah 56" Black Light carbon paddles and carry an older Sawyer 60" wood paddle as backup. Tried the bent shafts, but not for us.

TZ

I have a bent carbon paddle, which I like and don't like. On a windy day, it's so light that the wind has blown it out of my grip and it can land a stretch from my canoe.

I have a bending branches special bent shaft paddle that I really really like. I was curious if there’s anyone out there that uses the Ottertail paddles and what has been their experience. It might just be the woodworker and me wanting to make one but it looks like it might be fun to use in calm weather.

Depends on where I am paddling. If I am on flat water I prefer a carbon bent shaft. I have a black pearl that I really like. For whitewater and our rivers and creeks here in the mountains of SW VA I have a custom paddle made by Stinger Paddles. Wood shaft and carbon curved/cupped bladed.

CanoeViking: "I have a bending branches special bent shaft paddle that I really really like. I was curious if there’s anyone out there that uses the Ottertail paddles and what has been their experience. It might just be the woodworker and me wanting to make one but it looks like it might be fun to use in calm weather. "

I made a cherry ottertail years ago. I always bring it with! I find it’s comfortable to change paddles every so often, half hour or so, just to change things up. I always enjoy paddling the ottertail as my change up from a bent shaft.

Make one! Do it!

over the knee although not many women are into it

if you have to ask, you wouldn't understand

I purchased a Bending Branches Beavertail last year. I really like the longer and narrower blade that is different from the standard paddles that I have used in the past. I think I'm in love.

Whiskey jack bent shaft. I love that thing!! Because it’s beautiful, it’s light weight, and I can really move with that thing. It just feels like a part of me.

Sanborn Grand Marais or Sanborn Minnesota, depending on the water.

Thank you everyone for sharing there were a few companies I hadn't heard of and a few paddles now that have my eye one them.

I read through all these answers. I've been paddling for years and didn't know there were so many different styles! I've seen them in the stores, but have never had the luxury of buying one at those prices...

I did make my own one time and used it on a trip. And I still have it. But now I just use a straight paddle with a nice long blade that goes deep and allows me to pull a nice big handful of water. I'm sore today because of a day on the lake. It's a wonderful feeling.

Sit and switch, ZRE Z-Lite.
1. 48 inch, 15 degree, 8 inch blade.
2. 50 inch, 0 degree, 8.5 inch blade.

Not pretty, but I have to do the paddling and am lazy.

butthead

OCDave: "

CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"

I like long, thin paddles that allow me to reach deep into the water. I feel more in control of my canoe on flat water than with a short, wide paddle. More importantly, I feel like the long paddles promote a paddling cadence that matches my wilderness tripping mood. My "favorite" changes each time I paddle but is one of 4.


My Fishell Ray Special is my #1 paddle. I also have a Fishell Modified Special which is frequently my #1 paddle. These paddles are produced by the Fishell family in Ontario. They are a direct continuation of the paddles designed and produced by Ray Kettlewell as Ray sold his patterns and equipment to the Fishells.


My other #1 paddles are my Badger Tripper and Badger Sliver . Badger paddle is also a family-owned (Mike and Fiona Ramsey) shop; also in Ontario. I especially like the Tripper in windy conditions or in the early season to get into paddling shape. I choose the Sliver when the goal is to paddle all day everyday for a week.


The Badger paddles are just a bit lighter and flexible than the Fishells. The shape of the Fishells Zip effortlessly through the water during my Canadian stroke recovery.


OK. Feeling the need to go for a paddle


"

I’m using a Badger Badgertail and rocking the Canadian stroke as well.

A Buck's Hardware plastic grocery bag over a Frabill landing net moves a lot of water. Loop the handles of the bag around the index finger of your lower hand to hold it in place. A 57 inch stick from the woods works a little bit, too. The stick is more durable, but you gotta really swing it when it's windy to get anywhere.
These are my favorite paddle styles because they enrich the narrative. I also like vintage Coast to Coast paddles with peeling varnish.

justpaddlin: "I like short, light straight shaft paddles with stubby blades since I do a lot of upstream paddling on rivers and they can be used to hit and switch to power upstream but also work great for j-stroking or just playing around on quiet water. I'm a kneeler.


Three of my favorite 56 inchers shown; a Black Bart Troublemaker, Bending Branches Sunburst, and a straight Zaveral. The Troublemaker is my overall favorite largely because it has great power and balance and a symmetric grip.


Last year I got a 54 inch GRB Newman Designs 6 degree bent shaft (pic) and fell in love and use it all the time. The shorter length makes it even easier to handle, the power is strong and just right for me and the 6 degree angle is more enjoyable for boat control than normal bent shafts with 10-14 degree angles.
"

Justpaddlin:
In case you see this, I am very interested in the GRB. Any chance you have a photo of it next to the Zav and Black Bart? Are you still enjoying the paddle?

Best

Sawyer Manta Ray- double bent shaft. It's really easy on my wrists and elbows, and moves a lot of water. Had it a couple years now, and really love it!

Paddle depends on the water I'm on. On a lake I love my BB Beavertail. The long blade has a nice feel of control and power. I have a BB Special bent but not terribly fond of it. Maybe because I'm not good with it. Only use it in my Magic. On a river I generally like a BB Loon especially if the water is shallow in spots since it doesn't shovel sand as much as the beavertail in the shallow sections. I have a BB Slice Solo that I use in my Magic occasionally. Starting to get the hang of it now in general. In shallow rivers it really shines over a single blade.

For flatwater paddling in the BWCA/Q, I really like a carbon fiber bent shaft paddle. I remember thinking what difference could a few ounces make....well, after a few thousand paddle strokes, saving a few ounces makes a big difference in fatigue.

For river or near-home paddling, I use a T-grip wood paddle. I love the t-grip for j-strokes and paddle control, and I don't want to worry about "abusing" a paddle (I use it for pushing off shore, pushing off rocks, etc.).

Just my .02.

Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle.

Beat me to it Fox.

60” BB Expedition Plus here. This paddle’s ability to move a lot of water has helped me out in a couple windy situations. The wrap they put on the edge of the blade and up into the shaft has held up real well and the big blade also makes a nice area for cleaning fish.

Also have an explorer plus but don’t care for the handle. The blade design also appears to be slightly different.

RunningFox: "Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle."

And with that, I will wholeheartedly endorse it!

Blackgrass70: " > "

Justpaddlin:
In case you see this, I am very interested in the GRB. Any chance you have a photo of it next to the Zav and Black Bart? Are you still enjoying the paddle?


Best"

Here you go Blackgrass. Like the guys at GRB told me, the GRB blade size is a little bit bigger than a standard Zaveral blade and I think that makes it about perfect for me. The pic is a little deceiving since the GRB is the only paddle with a bend. Yes I still absolutely love the paddle and use it a lot. I've lent it to a couple friends and they fell in love with it too (gave it to one friend to try briefly and didn't get it back until the end of a 5-6 hour paddle). My only concern with ordering a six degree was getting the length right since I didn't want to start the trial and error process with six degree paddles. I ordered 54.5 inches and asked them to leave the handle unglued so I could trim it and they forgot and glued the handle but fortunately it feels great as-is, and my friends that tried it are shorter than me and loved it. I'm around 6 feet tall. A 54 would probably fit me fine too.

CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"

The Dog Paddle because it's simple and effective!

MichiganMan: "

RunningFox: "Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle."

And with that, I will wholeheartedly endorse it! "

Beautiful smallmouth!

justpaddlin: "

Blackgrass70: " > "

Justpaddlin:
In case you see this, I am very interested in the GRB. Any chance you have a photo of it next to the Zav and Black Bart? Are you still enjoying the paddle?



Best"

Here you go Blackgrass. Like the guys at GRB told me, the GRB blade size is a little bit bigger than a standard Zaveral blade and I think that makes it about perfect for me. The pic is a little deceiving since the GRB is the only paddle with a bend. Yes I still absolutely love the paddle and use it a lot. I've lent it to a couple friends and they fell in love with it too (gave it to one friend to try briefly and didn't get it back until the end of a 5-6 hour paddle). My only concern with ordering a six degree was getting the length right since I didn't want to start the trial and error process with six degree paddles. I ordered 54.5 inches and asked them to leave the handle unglued so I could trim it and they forgot and glued the handle but fortunately it feels great as-is, and my friends that tried it are shorter than me and loved it. I'm around 6 feet tall. A 54 would probably fit me fine too.


"

I really appreciate the photo and reply. I’m 6’ tall as well and paddling a solo (kneeling).
While I would like to try a Black Bart, it sounds like the GRB if much more obtainable.

To clarify on the straight ZRE, does the blade meet the shaft and is it centered symmetrically including the grip?

The straight ZRE is just one of their bent shafts with a custom 0 degree angle (I think they'll give you any angle you want for an extra $15) so the blade is not centered on the shaft and the grip is not symmetric. If you're ever in the SW Michigan area we could go for a paddle and you could try a Black Bart straight (which is fully symmetrical...both blade and grip). The latest Bending Branches Sunburst is a pretty nice fully symmetric paddle although the blade is on the small side for my tastes.

I don't have experience with a lot of different types of paddles. However, I want to share my experience with the Bending Branches Java 11 (an all wood, bent shaft paddle). First I am using it for paddling in the stern of a tandem canoe on lakes. I am a conventional style paddler (not sit and switch). So, how has a bent shaft paddle worked out for a conventional paddler. Pretty well!

I was attracted to bent shaft paddles for the claimed extra speed with the same effort. I have not done tests to verify that, but it generally seems to be acknowledged to be true. The disadvantage I was worried about was that it wouldn't be as good for certain strokes. In particular, I worried the J-stroke would be harder to do because the bent shaft would angle the blade back towards the canoe at the end of the stroke. I do the J-stroke without prying off the gunwale. I found that it was easy to do the J with the bent shaft paddle. It is also easy to turn to the inside with a little pry at the end of the stroke. I haven't managed to do a Canadian stroke with this type of paddle. I just don't seem to be able to control the paddle during the underwater return. To be fair, I am pretty bad at the Canadian stroke with a straight shaft paddle. The Indian Stroke makes little sense with a bent shaft. Since the paddle is rotated on each stroke, you'd be using the paddle backwards every other stroke. Sweeps, prys, draws and sculling draws work fine with the bent shaft. All in all, I am happy as a conventional paddler on lakes with the bent shaft paddle.

My first paddle was a hand me down clement t grip with a huge blade. It was a race paddle but we used them until my husky chewed them up. My puppy lab chewed up my wife’s expensive but useless combi ski boots. Dogs have an instinct to chew up crappy gear. Got a new clement, Canadian style, loved it. A bit of flex in the shaft. Need that. Ma ketter kept trying to get me to use the bent shafts and do the switch thing. Not happening, nervous canoeing for freaks. I’m Norwegian, still upset about skate skiing. Still paddling my 1941 Peterborough and if you see me in the bwca I’ll be passing you.

Paddle: Bent shaft carbon fiber or wooden paddle
Position: Bow
Style: Paddle on one side until I'm tired, then switch. I like the mindlessness of it so I can focus on navigating and just looking around in general. Thank you to all the Stern paddlers out there. I appreciate you!

I finally bought my own paddle last year and it was one of the biggest game changers. Outfitter plastic paddles are pretty crumby once you make the switch. If you plan to go on more trips in the future, buy a used paddle!

RunningFox: "

MichiganMan: "

RunningFox: "Reading the responses so far, I am surprised that the Bending Branches Expedition Plus has not been mentioned. I would have expected to see a few endorsements for this paddle that is supposedly ultra durable and can move a ton of water. As I recall, Rob Kesselring and Stu Osthoff — both well seasoned paddlers — endorse this paddle."

And with that, I will wholeheartedly endorse it! "

Beautiful smallmouth!"

Thanks! It was caught last week on Little Knife Lake.

justpaddlin: "The straight ZRE is just one of their bent shafts with a custom 0 degree angle (I think they'll give you any angle you want for an extra $15) so the blade is not centered on the shaft and the grip is not symmetric. If you're ever in the SW Michigan area we could go for a paddle and you could try a Black Bart straight (which is fully symmetrical...both blade and grip). The latest Bending Branches Sunburst is a pretty nice fully symmetric paddle although the blade is on the small side for my tastes."

Thanks again for your help. I received my 6 degree paddle last week or so and have been out a few times with it. I really like the paddle and appreciate your pointing them out. I’m paddling solo (kneeling) and it is a very comfortable paddle for me.
Gary was easy to work with and quick to respond.

Best

CanoeViking: "What’s your favorite paddle style and why?"

I like the Chinese Penhold Style! Works great for both offense and defense!

Blackgrass70: "

justpaddlin: "The straight ZRE is just one of their bent shafts with a custom 0 degree angle (I think they'll give you any angle you want for an extra $15) so the blade is not centered on the shaft and the grip is not symmetric. If you're ever in the SW Michigan area we could go for a paddle and you could try a Black Bart straight (which is fully symmetrical...both blade and grip). The latest Bending Branches Sunburst is a pretty nice fully symmetric paddle although the blade is on the small side for my tastes."

Thanks again for your help. I received my 6 degree paddle last week or so and have been out a few times with it. I really like the paddle and appreciate your pointing them out. I’m paddling solo (kneeling) and it is a very comfortable paddle for me.
Gary was easy to work with and quick to respond.


Best"

I'm happy to hear that you like your new paddle. Cheers.