A few years ago I desired to acquire an ottertail paddle and discovered Fishell Paddles. At the time, I chose to start with the traditional shape and purchased a varnished one. I loved it, using it for tripping on lakes and rivers in Maine and quiet-water paddles closer to home. Having chanced upon an oil-finished paddle in our local canoe shop (whiterosecanoe.com), I decided to try an oiled version of Greg’s Modified Special. When it arrived, I emailed Greg with a couple of questions about care—he hopped on the phone and called me, figuring that would be the easiest way to explain his suggestions. Now that’s customer service! Easy to maintain, by spending a couple minutes now and again wiping it with an oiled rag, my Modified Special paddles like a dream. As much as I continue to love my original ottertail, I can not rave enough about the feel of my Modified Special. The oiled finish is the way to go! Silky smooth, my Fishell feels utterly natural in my hand and begs me to take it out every evening I see a glassy surface on our pond. Using the ancient techniques, I can silently slip right up to beaver swimming about as they attend to their crepuscular tasks. Interestingly, although it is a couple inches longer than my original ottertail, my Modified Special weighs less. Could it reflect a difference between the oil and varnish finishes or a difference in the wood of the two cherry trees from which they were carved? Perhaps a little of both? In any case, if you are looking for a beautiful paddle that feels divine as you move it through the water, I cannot more highly recommend an oil-finished one from Greg Fishell.
