After much research on this site, I decided my first paddle would be a Greenland paddle. I looked at many different makes and designs and most were just out of my budget. Then I found TraditionalMarine on Etsy. They advertised handmade Greenland paddles in a variety of styles for what to me were incredible prices!
I contacted the seller and explained my physical attributes (6'2", 225lbs) and the boat I had (Necky Looksha 17) and my planned types of adventures (lakes and mild river rides). He advised me on an 86" paddle and after further discussion he advised on a semi-shouldered design. The total price shipped to my door was $175! I personally thought that was a bargain especially after I received my paddle.
When the paddle arrived (within a week as he had one in stock) I was concerned the paddle wasn't actually in the package! It was so light! The quality of the design and the workmanship of the paddle is absolutely top-notch! It's beautiful to look at and would be perfectly at home on a mantle as a showpiece!
My inaugural trip was down a river with a few class 1-3 rapids and many large rocks and some shallow, rocky areas. The paddle propelled me effortlessly and the flattened-oval shape of the shaft made indexing a non-thought. You just can't hold it wrong! There were several instances where I hit rocks in shallow areas and I used it to push off from the shore several times and it looks like it did when I got it! In my opinion, it's a fantastic bargain and a quality paddle! I highly recommend both it and the seller!
