BWCA Got Canoe / Need Paddles Boundary Waters Gear Forum


BWCA Messageboard

BWCA and Quetico Park Books and Magazines

Find Outfitters for the Boundary Waters Quetico

Boundary Waters (BWCA) photo gallery and individual photo journals

Boundary Waters Message Board and Forums.

username

password

Remember Me

Rockwood Lodge
Site Search
	Contact Us
	Route Guide

Chat Rooms (0 Chatting) | Search | Login/Join

* For the benefit of the community, commercial posting is not allowed.

View BWCA Photo and Trip Report Contest Page

Poll: What is your favorite month in the BWCA/Q?
(420 responses)

2012 BWCA Photo Contest Results

Boundary Waters Quetico Forum

Gear Forum

Got Canoe / Need Paddles

View Boundary Waters Map Locations

Route Guide

forum sponsor

Member: wick383

Last Visit: 05/18/2013 12:04PM
Sort by

Author

Message Text

Kiporby

09/03/2008 11:21AM

OK, I've realized that it is a little hard to enjoy my new canoe without paddles. Tell me oh masses what to buy. I've looked at the BB ones so far and like the Sun Shadow or the Expedition for my primary paddle and perhaps a Beavertail for a back-up. I'm getting a Twig for the kid. I also need some recommendations from the ladies out there for a good choice for my lady.

We've always used straight shafts, so I have no idea about bent. I'm guessing I'll be happy with straight shafts, but I am interested in any useful input that I'm not aware of that may sway me to bent.

$100 is pretty much the price range I'm looking at.

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

prettypaddle

09/03/2008 12:57PM

You should definitely look at Grey Owl paddles before you make your purchase--they're more difficult to find than the Bending Branches, but certainly worth it (compared to the BB paddles I tried, it was lighter, better balanced, had a more comfortable grip). I bought the 12 degree bent shaft "Touring" model three years ago and can't recommend it highly enough. Check out the Grey Owl website to find a dealer and go for a test paddle if at all possible. I think I paid $112 and it remains my single best canoeing/camping equipment purchase to date.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

cowdoc

09/03/2008 01:01PM

PLEASE..don't respond. He has to learn how to do this on his own someday. We must cut the apron string! ;~}

"What could happen?"

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Arkansas Man

Moderator

09/03/2008 01:16PM

Not to put pressure on you or anything... but why have the Beavertail as the backup??? It is my primary paddle, and very useful, unless of course you are paddling shallow rocky water!

Bruce

Good Paddling, Great Fishing, and God Bless All...

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Kiporby

09/03/2008 01:22PM

Thanks Prettypaddle. Looks like one store in Madison sells the Grey Owl's.

HAHA Doc. Always a joker.

Bruce, Good point. That's the kind of information I'm looking for. Why spend extra money when a paddle like the Beavertail would be sufficient?

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

bogwalker

Moderator

09/03/2008 01:26PM

My paddles

Primary paddles

Bending Branches 58" straight shaft used primarily as a spare and sometimes when I solo.

Bending Branches 14 degree bent 54" primary tandem and often used during solo paddles

Peter Puddicomb 54" 12 degree bent shaft. Have brought on some trips. Love this paddle-but it is to beautiful. I'm getting over that and use it when it is not rocky.

Turtle works Ottertail. Slowly getting used to this paddle. Will start coming on trips more often.

"When a man is part of his canoe, he is part of all that canoes have ever known." Sigurd F. Olson

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Boppa

09/03/2008 02:10PM

Kiporby,

You are in an area where personal preference along with experience dictates to what one prefers. For example, in the stern when wind is an issue or the paddling is not for hours I prefer my BB Sun Shadow straight shaft. I feel I can make course corrections more quickly. It is also the paddle I prefer to use when landing around rocks.

When no wind or current issues are present, I prefer my 12 degree Whiskeyjack paddle, it is quite lite and I paddle faster with less effort. I also never want it to see a rock, up close and personal, it is to pretty. So I often bring two and justify it as the one not being used is the spare.

My bow partner only uses her Whiskeyjack 12 degree, and don't try to take it for a closer look - ouch.
Boppa

"Yesterday is the past, Tomorrow is the future, Today is a GIFT, that is why it is called the present".

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

aebrooks

09/03/2008 02:24PM

Bending Branches 14 degree bent 54"

Knowledge is realizing that the street is one-way, wisdom is looking both directions anyway.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Arkansas Man

Moderator

09/03/2008 03:02PM

My other paddle is a 7 degree bentshaft...

Bruce

Good Paddling, Great Fishing, and God Bless All...

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Bannock

09/03/2008 03:47PM

I think you need to go to a place (or several places) and handle them. You'll want to get sized for length, too.

I use a differnt length paddle in my solo than my tandem. I use a 57" or 58" in my tandem and a 54" in my solo.

Lots of ways to go and it's all personal preference.

Bannock

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

cowdoc

09/03/2008 05:19PM

Bannock...that's what I told him last night in the chat room. Told him how to get to Rutabaga and walk to the back wall and touch and feel and PRICE every paddle there. I think paddles are more objective than subjective.

"What could happen?"

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

snakecharmer

09/03/2008 06:50PM

Bending Branches BB Special will run you $70 or so. You may be able to pick one up at an end of season sale for less. Good paddles for the $$$ IMHO.

"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after"
~ Henry David Thoreau

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

kanoes

09/03/2008 06:53PM

i agree SC. BB's are the best bang for the buck option out there.

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

cowdoc

09/04/2008 12:54PM

As we speak, Kip is fondling through paddles like an old man digging through the junk wagon at a yard auction. Will he find the hidden jewel he so seeks? Stay tuned......

"What could happen?"

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

kanoes

09/04/2008 01:13PM

"....will ya take a quarter for this one?"

i think bigfoot is blurry. (mitch hedberg)

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

Kiporby

09/04/2008 06:13PM

Well Doc. I just did get back from "fondling" all the paddles at Rutabaga. Picked up a BB Expresso Plus for me, a Whiskeyjack Good Sky for the wife, and a BB Twig for the kid. You were right, the one did speak to us. Unbelievable how light the Whiskeyjack is--the wife loves it.

Thanks for the help my cyber friends.

There is a light and it never goes out. Morrissey

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

cowdoc

09/04/2008 06:49PM

Whiskeyjack for the wife. Aaaahhh...the boy knows where his bread gets buttered.

"What could happen?"

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

RedPine

09/18/2008 04:12PM

Funny, I'm in the opposite situation. Got paddles (a plethora of them) and no canoe.
This is what I got and my feelings on them
BB Sunshadow straight shaft- great generic paddle, great looking and easy to find at stores)

Mitchell Surreal straight shaft- carbon/wood hybrid, expensive, very light, wouldn't have spent full price ($200+, lucky to find it on sale)

XY Paddle Company Atikokan, Ontario- I have 3 XY paddles, 2 custom bent shafts, and a monster beavertail. XY makes great paddles using beautiful craftsmanship. Spencer Meany (owner) knows his stuff, give him a call and he will be able to tell you what you need (the Juniper wood in his paddles is beautiful)

Best of luck choosing a paddle!

PS I have heard great things about the Grey Owl paddles PrettyPaddle had mentioned.

Liv'in the dream

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

jjonas

09/18/2008 05:20PM

Red Rock has got their Whiskeyjack paddles on sale right now. I just bought one on a very good deal.

Reply Reply with Quote Print Top Bottom Previous Next

BWCA Messageboard