Best Canoe Paddles of 2023

Expeditionary paddlers who need endurance, power, and control in their canoe paddle will love the Expedition Plus’ power T-grip and its Rockgard® edge protection that extends all the way from the blade tip to 6 inches up the shaft. This paddle’s 4 oz. fiberglass blade wrap further protects the red alder, basswood, and roasted basswood blade for maximum durability. Made of closed grain, light weight, durable hardwoods, the Expedition Plus is both attractive and versatile for paddlers who take their time on the water more seriously.

This is the one that started it all. This was Ray Kettlewell's first innovative design which changed how we thought about paddles. The Ray Special is a well-balanced all-purpose paddle designed for lake paddling and ideal for canoe tripping as a whole. The Ray Special is more than just a beautiful paddle. It combines a well-proportioned blade with an appealing ratio between the blade and shaft lengths. Specials pair a shaft and blade of equal length. This results in a paddle with a longer than normal blade that is mechanically superior to other paddles. The long narrow blade which is 5" at its maximum width is designed to reach deep into the water providing greater leverage and force. This design results in the paddler taking fewer strokes to equal the distance covered by a shorter blade paddle. The paddle pulls the canoe through the water rather than pulling water past the canoe. The Ray Special is a great paddle for canoe tripping, lake paddling as well as paddling solo. The long blade provides a solo canoeist with greater reach and responsiveness. Although not for whitewater the Ray Special is great for all other paddling needs.

The BB Special has a bent shaft for a more efficient paddle stroke on flat water, letting you go further with less muscle fatigue. This paddle has a seven-laminate blade that is handcrafted of basswood, maple and red alder, and is made entirely in Osceola, Wisconsin. For added durability, the BB Special blade also has Bending Branches’ Rockgard® edge protection.Some of the most experienced paddlers find that the BB Special bent shaft wood canoe paddle has flat water cruising performance at an unbeatable price.

The Sawyer Voyager Canoe Paddle is a pleasure to behold, and if you get your hands on one, you'll feel the water as never before. Simply the finest paddling blade crafted of laminated Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir wood. The blade is reinforced with fiberglass and trimmed in Dynel ToughEdge, an impact and abrasion protection usually reserved for extreme whitewater blades. A prime companion for all your wilderness adventures. Available lengths: 50" 52" 54" 56" 58" or 60"

The Arrow recreational canoe paddle is at home on rivers or lakes, and it delivers great performance for a reasonable price. The Arrow is hand-crafted of a blend of beautiful hardwoods – basswood, red alder, and maple - in Osceola, Wisconsin. Its seven-laminate blade provides strength and durability, and the blade tip is edged with Bending Branches’ Rockgard® protection.

The Modified Ottertail is a variant of an Ottertail with its broader shoulders at the top of the blade. This puts the widest part of the blade near the paddler’s lowest hand and offers better control and greater power. The Modified Ottertail is Ideal for those paddlers who like the Ottertail but are looking for a little more surface area to pull with. The Modified Ottertail is also well suited for solo paddling as well as tandem and makes a great tripping paddle for all day paddling.

Designed by Bob Zaveral, Serge Corbin and Gold Medalist Greg Barton, this paddle is curved through the entire paddle blade, and slightly concave on the bottom power face for a quick catch. You'll experience better power and control, and maximum efficiency.

The Java premium canoe paddle is hand-crafted in Osceola, Wisconsin. It has a strong solid basswood shaft and an eye-popping “pinstriped” blade of basswood and dark, roasted basswood that you have to see to believe. The blade has a 2 oz. fiberglass wrap and full Rockgard® edge protection to safeguard its beauty and performance. The Java’s shaft is made of solid, ovalized Basswood, so it's durable but not excessive in weight. With its classic palm grip, the Java is easy to hold, comfortable, and warm.

The Viper is ergonomically designed with a double bend shaft to help keep both wrists aligned when paddling. This reduces fatigue and is a great benefit for wilderness tripping. This paddle is hand-crafted in Osceola, Wisconsin of durable, lightweight basswoods. The Viper’s durable blade has a 4 oz. fiberglass wrap and full Rockgard® protection for added peace of mind. This paddle is both stunning to look at and a treat to paddle on long trips.

The Custom Paddles is a paddle brought to you by XY Company. Read Custom Paddles reviews or submit your own review to share with the paddling community. Check out a few other paddle recommendations below or explore all paddles to find the perfect one for you!

“Dalles des Morts” means ‘death rapids’ in French. It was the name given to a particularly gruesome stretch of rapids, along the Columbia River, traversed by the voyageurs. Many a harrowing tale lie in its’ churning waters involving, among other things, adventure, heroism, cannibalism, cowardice, death and survival.