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I am 70 years old, live near the N. CA. coastal rivers, and fortunately my Minnesota-born wife loves to canoe. She also likes the sizing, weight, finish, and feel of these paddles. I have five canoes (+ one kayak)...(two canoes of which I built myself) each with a different design and application.

I have found a Grey Owl recreational paddle perfect for each boat and water condition I encounter. They also make beautiful high performance canoe and kayak paddles. I recently ordered two "Scout" paddles to add to my others, when we take out an extra boat for guests.

These craftspeople make the best lightweight, cost/quality wood paddle on the market.(to my knowledge) Shop Canadian on this paddle purchase. It is hard to find a middle price range quality paddle from US makers.(take note) Quality, price, service is A-1. Looking for a wooden canoe paddle...If you start with Grey Owl you will likely find the best quality/cost/benefit ratio. They are in Ontario, and ship affordably to the USA. Prompt, efficient, customer service.

16' Penobscot Royalex with vinyl gunwale trim.

Bought this boat in 1993, for a Buffalo River (N.Arkansas)excursion, a five night trip with my 17 year old son. Many trips since in the mid-west and in California, as well. It replaced an Old Town wood/canvas boat I had to leave in Boston, years before.

Durable, versatile, light, user-friendly craft. Added skid plates after 22 years of use. Seats were replaced due to weather wear. I wonder why OT is not going to produce the Royalex version any more. This is a excellent canoe of its type. Find a used one and enjoy.

Grey Owl " Tenderfoot" paddle.
This is the lightest paddle one could want. Performs like a weightless extension of ones arms. It has a user friendly feel and flex. I use it on my 13" 8" homemade ply canoe. It has unusually quiet water interface.
I highly recommend it for easy-going pleasure paddling.

This Royalex slides well over rocks. I enjoy looking at the bottom and the signatures of many rough passages over 10 years. It will last a lifetime. I have paddled it on everything .Very user friendly. All the previous review comments apply. Withal, this boat is a good companion.