CANOES InFORMATION

Canoes are generally defined as a small narrow open topped boat but may also be seen with both outriggers and sails. The generally accepted identification of a Canoe is narrow and powered by paddle. Canoes can come in many sizes from the most common 1 man canoe up to large multi person war canoes. Canoes are genre rally classed apart from Kayaks in that they have an open top where as a Kayaks top is covered, however the term Canoe is commonly used to describe both Canoes and Kayaks.

CANOE PADDLES INFORMATION

Canoe Paddles differ from Kayak Paddles in that they are a single paddle on the end of a shaft. When choosing a new Canoe Paddle a key factor is the style of canoe paddling you will be doing in your open canoe i.e. sitting or kneeling this will effect the length of canoe paddle shaft you will require. Further investigation is required as different disciplines of canoeing require different paddle designs. Canoe paddles are made in a wide number of materials but Traditional wooden canoe paddles are still amongst the most popular other plastic canoe paddles and carbon composite paddles can be bought and fall into three main categories, General purpose canoe paddles, Traditional & deep water canoe paddles, Bent Shaft canoe paddles & Specialist paddles.

CANOE TRIPS

CANOE PADDLES ARTICLES

Choosing a Canoe Paddle

Choosing the correct sized canoe paddle is not an exact science and there two methods which provide a similar result so it is as well to remember your personal prefence, type of canoe and your personal build as these may all affect your choice. These methods can be used when you visit any canoe paddles outlet to select and buy your paddle.

Method 1 - Kneel down and hold the canoe paddle upside down in front of you with your arm outstretched. If your arm is horizontal and your grip is around the throat of the paddle (where the blade and the shaft meet) this is a suitable length.

Method 2 - Standing straight with the canoe paddle resting on the floor vertically in front of you, the hand grip should measure between arm and the pit of the shoulder.

Remember these are only guidelines for most general pupose and touring use. For specialist deep water of white water canoe paddles, please call for advice for more detailed information.

There will be other considerations when choosing a paddle other than the correct size. You will also need to decide what purpose you will be mainly using your paddle for. For example, injection moulded plastic blades with coated aluminium shafts tend to be very strong, whereas the laminated glass blades with glass shaft canoe paddles are very comfortable and laminated and varnished wood canoe paddles are easier to use and good for beginners and getting children involved. Please bear these factors in mind when selecting a paddle.

Prices of canoeing paddles vary in all the above categories from £19.99 to the top end at £150 or more depending on how specialised the canoe paddle is. You may be able to pick up a used canoe paddle on ebay or elsewhere for less but again, you will probably need to know what length of paddle is right for you, you will need to be sure that you have at least tried that type of paddle before and been happy with its performance and of course you will need to know the condition of the paddle being sold. It can be a false economy to buy a second hand canoe paddle without doing your homework first. If the used canoe paddle meets all the above criteria, then you will probably have got yourself a good deal and saved some money towards some of the other essentials you will need to get for your canoeing hobby.

CANOES SALE Information

For more Information on All things Canoe & Kayak please feel free to Contact Us