I have an arthritic shoulder that prevents me from pushing on the paddle grip when canoeing. Rather than sell off all my boats I'd like to find a way to continue paddling other than paddling on only one side. I could row because pulling works OK. I've had a rowing rig so I know how that works. If anyone knows of some adaptation to compensate for a bad shoulder, I'd appreciate hearing from you. Reply to this thread or contact me at gonetriping@gmail.com.

Thanks,
Argyris

This adaptive paddle was once featured on a thread here regarding an outfitter who went above and beyond to equip a business owner from Iowa for a trip in the BWCA.

Kevin Carr at Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories in Chatfield, MN does that kind of stuff. I’ll be looking him up this winter…

I've read that the Double Bent paddles are an option for paddlers with shoulder issues. No personal experience.

OCDave: " This adaptive paddle was once featured on a thread here regarding an outfitter who went above and beyond to equip a business owner from Iowa for a trip in the BWCA. "

Thanks. I'll look into that.

Argyris

OCDave: " This adaptive paddle was once featured on a thread here regarding an outfitter who went above and beyond to equip a business owner from Iowa for a trip in the BWCA. "

The one-hand paddle is exactly what I was hoping to find. I have a message in to the web page asking about pricing. Thanks again for the link.

Argyris

I'm glad it's already been mentioned. My college professor, Cindy Dillenschneider designed that device. We got to do some testing with it, and it worked well. Best of luck!

Have you tried a kayak paddle?

Onthefly6: "I'm glad it's already been mentioned. My college professor, Cindy Dillenschneider designed that device. We got to do some testing with it, and it worked well. Best of luck!"

I talked with Cindy and will be getting that contraption. I'm looking forward to it.

AmarilloJim: "Have you tried a kayak paddle?"

No. The problem is pushing with the grip hand, so a 'yak paddle wouldn't help. But thanks for the suggestion.

Gonetripping, If you are able to paddle on one side, don't rule that out. I did a week-long trip with a partner who could only paddle on one side and only in the bow. We had a great trip. I thought we might be limited in certain wind and waves but had no issues at all. I know this is not what you're asking and I'm glad you're getting good input on other options. All good wishes for paddling ahead!

Onthefly6: "I'm glad it's already been mentioned. My college professor, Cindy Dillenschneider designed that device. We got to do some testing with it, and it worked well. Best of luck!"

I've been dealing with Cindy and will be ordering a custom one-arm paddle as soon as Bending Branches figures out how to attach a different blade. I'm looking forward to it (understatement).

Argyris

Gonetripping: "

Onthefly6: "I'm glad it's already been mentioned. My college professor, Cindy Dillenschneider designed that device. We got to do some testing with it, and it worked well. Best of luck!"

I've been dealing with Cindy and will be ordering a custom one-arm paddle as soon as Bending Branches figures out how to attach a different blade. I'm looking forward to it (understatement).


Argyris"

I am curious; is the different blade due to your own preference or is there a design or performance issue requiring a blade not previously used?

I am curious; is the different blade due to your own preference or is there a design or performance issue requiring a blade not previously used? "

The standard blade is plastic with a central rib, which is both heavy and a poor choice for sculling and slicing strokes. My preference is Bending Branches Sunburst ST, with the Java a close second.

Hope they can make that work for you.

nctry: "Kevin Carr at Chosen Valley Canoe Accessories in Chatfield, MN does that kind of stuff. I’ll be looking him up this winter…"

I enthusiastically endorse Kevin. He is very imaginative in his designs to assist limited mobility paddlers enjoy the outdoors. A long time ago he showed me his designs…incredible. And he is a prince of a guy, too. I purchased a lumbar support from him a long time ago. One day, while I was at the office, he installed it. He just showed up and did it.

Mike

I'm glad you are finding a way to paddle. The videos on the one-arm paddle site are pretty amazing, especially the one doing freestyle canoeing. And in those videos it looks like the paddle is set up with a wood blade, and quite possible one from Bending Branches.

If that doesn't work out, then the thought that came to my mind was using a carbon fiber Zaveral blade or possible replacing the entire vertical tube with a Zaveral shaft and blade. They will mount a blade at any angle.

Hope you are out on the water soon.

andym: "I'm glad you are finding a way to paddle. The videos on the one-arm paddle site are pretty amazing, especially the one doing freestyle canoeing. And in those videos it looks like the paddle is set up with a wood blade, and quite possible one from Bending Branches.


If that doesn't work out, then the thought that came to my mind was using a carbon fiber Zaveral blade or possible replacing the entire vertical tube with a Zaveral shaft and blade. They will mount a blade at any angle.


Hope you are out on the water soon."

Thanks. Yes, the blade in the video is a BB. I've asked for the Sunburst ST blade, but would also take the Black Pearl ST if they have trouble with the Sunburst. The issue has to do with the shaft indexing - how to mate an indexed blade to a round carbon fiber shaft. We shall see.

Both segments of the one-arm paddle shaft are adjustable, the top for reach and the bottom for length. Whether a Zaveral shaft would fit is a good question. Not sure I want to complicate the picture any more than I already have.

Argyris

Seems like a solvable problem. Hope they can figure it out soon.