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Your kayak paddle is the only part of your equipment you don’t wear. You use it to get the job done—whether it’s catching an eddy, surfing a wave or approaching a campsite—so make sure it feels comfortable, weighs the right amount and includes the kind of craftsmanship you expect for your money.

Features & Specifications

canoe paddles: Decide what kind of single-bladed paddling you’ll be doing. Recreational paddles for casual trips should be durable, have a soft T-grip or larger pear grip, a medium-sized blade and a reasonable price. Tripping paddles, for longer trips with heavy loads, should be light and strong with some variation of a round, full-sized blade. Whitewater canoe paddles need a wide blade for power and bracing, and a reinforced tip for durability; a T-grip will be necessary for control, as well as indexing on a strong shaft. Some whitewater canoeists choose a curved blade on a long, straight shaft, usually 58 to 62 inches overall.

Marathon racing paddles are usually composite or lightwood bent-shafts with a rounded pear-shape grip. Bent-shaft canoe paddles are designed for optimum efficiency in flatwater paddling. The blade is bent from the shaft at an angle of 7.5 to 15 degrees, allowing the blade to stay vertical throughout a stroke for more power. However, bent shaft paddles restrict use to one side of the blade, affecting correction strokes

kayak paddles: Whitewater paddlers seek durability followed by lightness and blade strength. Many of this year’s whitewater paddles are standard with 45- to 60- degree feathering (offset), a far cry from the 90-degree standards of yesteryear. Advanced whitewater buffs are going shorter, and paddlers may want to look into new lines of ergonomic, bent-shaft paddles, said to increase comfort and control in such applications as freestyle hole riding and stroke efficiency in slalom.

Touring paddles—distinguishable by telltale drip cups—are longer and lighter, with narrow, asymmetrical blades. Distance racers often turn to wing blades for enhanced performance; others seek out lightweight composite construction to ease the burden of swinging a long paddle for hours on end. Feathering on touring paddles reduces wind resistance.

size: Shaft length to paddler height ratio is the most important factor in paddle sizing, followed by blade size, which helps determine stroke strength and power.

Whitewater kayak paddles are generally between 195 and 206 cm long, though freestyle rodeo paddlers are going even shorter. Touring paddlers prefer lengths between 210 and 230 cm. Sizing a canoe paddle involves assessing trip length, style of paddling and personal preference. Most paddlers use a 54- to 58-inch straight shaft for general cruising and touring. Whitewater paddles are longer for power and surfing. Make sure the whole blade reaches into the water when you’re seated or kneeling in the normal paddling position. As a general rule oars and paddles: torso length plus seat height, minus draft, equals shaft length. The blade should enter the water at the throat while in normal paddling position, so account for blade length when sizing a paddle. Bent shaft paddles are proportionately about four inches shorter than straight shaft canoe paddles, measuring between 48 and 56 inches. Hold the paddle upside down while seated with the grip between your legs—the bend should hit you right on the nose.

material: Paddle materials include wood, composites, plastic and aluminum. Wood is enjoyed for its beauty, lightness, flex, warmth, and hopefully, shaft strength. Look for solid workmanship—joints should be smooth with no odd knots or pinholes. Go with an established and well-known paddle manufacturer to ensure your money is well spent. Quality of the wood, grain matches and types of epoxies used are hard to detect. For whitewater, composite reinforcement, veneers, hard woods and metal tips all add life to a wood paddle.

Synthetic paddles are strong and durable, with shafts and blades made from a host of materials including aluminum and plastic, carbon, graphite, Kevlar and other composites. Recreational paddlers may be better off with aluminum/plastic or fiberglass, for strength and affordability. Carbon and graphite paddles are lighter and stiffer, but also more brittle. Fiberglass shafts work especially well with their flex and durability, and all-fiberglass construction now affords strong, mid-range whitewater paddles. Carbon/fiberglass blends also are well suited for whitewater with their strength and light weight. Graphite paddles are stiff and light and are often reserved for racing.

The balance between weight, strength and durability is a question of purpose, as well as builders’ opinions about materials, lay-ups and costs. Heavier paddles are often stronger; lighter paddles take less energy to swing but may sacrifice durability. And, like a high-quality Kevlar boat, lighter usually means more expensive. All paddles have a distinct feel—a combination of flex, swing weight and shaft diameter. In the store, hold the paddle and move it around as if you were paddling. Stop abruptly and feel the paddle’s flex and swing weight. Paddles should be balanced, have a comfortable grip with adequate indexing, and consistent flex through the shaft and blades.

oars: Whether you’re taking an inflatable gear boat down the Grand Canyon, a cataraft down the American, or a wooden dory on an afternoon fishing trip, the important thing is to get a set of oars that fit the frame of your boat—and the frame of your body. Oars are made of everything from wood, to carbon and composite combinations, to polyethylene and aluminum. Look for solid construction, durable blades and good handles. Base oar length and material on what type of rowing you intend to do. (See “A New Oar Deal,” Paddler Magazine Oct. 98)

cost: Prepare to spend anywhere from $80 to $300 for a good kayak paddle and $50 to $150 for an above average canoe paddle. Oars range from $80 to $200 per oar.

AAA Inflatables, Equipment and Repair, Inc.
3264 Larimer St., Denver, CO 80205-2314; (303) 296-2444, Fax (303) 296-2555, www.raftdoctor@aol.com
The region's only true full service whitewater inflatable store. New & used equipment. Repairs & reconditioning. Self-bailing floor retrofitted. Manufacturers of custom equipment and oars. Rentals. Distributor of coatings & adhesives.

Advanced Composites, Inc. / Cataract Oars
1154 South 300 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101; (800) 736-4974, (801) 467-1204, www.advancedcomposites.com
Lighter, stronger, maintenance free...CATARACT OARS AND PADDLES! Using over 25 years of design and manufacturing experience of composite structures, Advanced Composites Inc. produces the ultimate high performance oars and paddles.

Ainsworth
P.O. Box 207, Norwich, VT 05055; (800) 688-3792, Fax (802) 649-2254, www.ainsworthpaddles.com
Leaders in RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) technology. Manufacturer of canoe and kayak paddles. Economical paddles that take REAL wear and tear!

American Traders
627 Barton Road, Greenfield, MA 01301, (413) 773-9631, Fax (413) 774-2660
Wholesale and retail sales of Wood/Epoxy, Wood/Canvas, Fiberglass and Kevlar canoes. Choose from over 30 models. Paddles, Kayak paddles, canoe accessories, and unique canoe furniture. Call for full color brochures.

Anderson Oars & Paddles
P.O. Box 7006, Brookings, OR 97415; (877) WOODIES, www.andersonpaddles.com
The finest in custom wood paddles and oars. Made to order or choose from our favorites. Kayak paddles, $275 and up.

Art's Nautical Wood Works
88854 Hwy 101 N., Florence, OR 97439; (541) 902-7919,
Fax (541) 902-8825
Manufacturing and sale of quality wooden custom boats and boat kits, nautical wood crafts and models. Wooden paddles and accessories.

Aqua-Bound Technology
19077 95A Ave., Surrey, BC V4N 3P9 CN; U.S. Office: PO Box 159, 1160 Yew Ave., Blaine, WA 98230; (604) 882-2052, Fax (604) 882-9988, www.aquabound.com
Aqua-Bound's innovative AMT manufacturing process provides a superior method of molding kayak paddles. These paddles are more durable and tougher than fiberglass.

Backlund Paddles
26115 Clarksburg Rd., Clarksburg, MD 20871; (301) 253-4947, www.backlundpaddles@juno.com
Premier laminated wood paddles with selective composite reinforcing. A wide range of designs are handcrafted for every type of paddlesports. Stick with Backlund!

Bending Branches
812 Prospect Ct., Osceola, WI 54020; (715) 755-3405,
Fax (715) 755-3406, www.bendingbranches.com
A leader in both wood and composite paddles by providing the paddlesport industry with innovative technology, craftmanship and quality customer service. Feel the difference.

Betsie Bay Kayak
P.O. Box 1706, Frankfort, MI 49635; (616) 352-7774
Betsie Bay Kayak specializes in Greenland/Inuit-style kayak touring paddles. We have been building this type of paddle longer than any other manufacturer. This high efficiency design has been proven over thousands of years by paddlers whose survival depended on it.

Black Bart Paddle Co.
5830 US 45 S., Bruce Crossing, MI 49912; (906) 827-3405, www.blackbartpaddle.com
The oldest company with the most reliable product. Space age technology, handcrafted quality. Several models and angles from which to choose. Replacement or refund guaranteed.

Boreal Design
108 Amsterdam, Ind. Park, St. Augustin, QB G3A 1V9 CN; (418) 878-3099, Fax (418) 878-3459,
www.borealde@quebectel.com,
borealde@globetrotter.com
Manufacturer of sea kayaks, paddles and accessories. Each design incorporates a high degree of comfort with spacious hatches and cockpits; vacuum-bagged construction, and tremendous attention to detail.

Camp Paddle Co.
2507 State Hwy. 7, Bainbridge, NY 13733; (607) 967-8755, www.mkl.com/camppaddle
Camp Paddle Company has been manufacturing lightweight wood canoe and kayak paddles for 30 years. Designed and built by paddlers...and it shows!!

Cannon Paddles, Oars & Poles
P.O. Box 19346, Minneapolis, MN 55419-0346; (800) 758-1720, (612) 722-0057
Lee's Value Right is the manufacturer of quality Cannon paddles, oars and poles. Call for details.

Canoe Livery Products
9274 S. Ferris Ave., Grant, MI 49327; (616) 834-5559, www.canoe-equipment.com
We manufacture duralux lifetime paddles, dry bags and float tubes. We distribute custom life jackets for the rental industry and many canoe/kayak related items. Call for catalog.

Carlisle Paddles
P.O. Box 488, Grayling, MI 49738; (800) 258-0290, (517) 348-9886, Fax (517) 348-8242
The recognized industry leader for canoe paddles, kayak paddles, boat oars and whitewater raft oars. Unexcelled design, performance and value. Imitated but never equaled.

Cricket Paddles
17530 W. Hwy. 50-Maysville, Salida, CO 81201; (800) 243-0586, (719) 539-5010,
www.cricketd@csn.net
For beauty, performance, quality and true personalized service in unique laminated-wood paddles, call the owners, Mike & Pat Jones, to discuss your very own name-imprinted paddle. Cricket Ñ the official ACA Life Member Canoe/Kayak Paddles.

Current Designs
10124 McDonald Park Road, Sidney, BC V8L 5X6 CN; (250) 655-1822, Fax (250) 655-1596, www.cdkayak.com
Current Designs offers four different styles of touring paddles, each with a different feel and purpose, all handcrafted using vacuum-bag construction. Graphite paddles are the ultimate in lightness and provide the ultimate in performance. The new ergonomic graphite "Bent Shaft" paddle is ergonomically correct and will make paddling less stressful on the body.

Descente Paddles/Futura Surf Skis
180 Southwood Dr., San Francisco, CA 94112; (415) 586-0331, www.surfskis.com
The world renowned manufacturer of wing, whitewater, surf and touring paddles from New Zealand is now available for immediate delivery. All wings are 2 piece shafts that adjust up to 360 degrees in feather and 8cm in length. An alloy edge on the blade makes it rock proof. This versatile all carbon beauty weighs 31 oz. or less for $320.

EagleÕs Neck Paddle Company
P.O. Box 83, Peconic, NY 11958; (631) 765-3502, Fax (631) 765-1664, www.eaglesneck.com, e-mail: eagle@hampton.com
EagleÕs Neck Paddling Company, Inc. is proud to introduce their paddles to the marketplace. We offer a wide variety of quality blades and shafts for both touring and white water paddling. Our paddles have been developed and tested by serious paddlers. All paddles come with a lifetime guarantee. Happy paddling

Epic Paddles
6657 58th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98115;
(206) 523-6306, Fax (206) 524-4888, www.epicpaddles.com
Paddles for touring and racing designed by Olympic Champion Greg Barton. Epic Paddles are sleek and super lightweight, including new wing paddle designs and our Length-lock adjustable take apart system.

Freedom Paddles/Harmony Accessories Group
165 Dancer Drive, Easley, SC 29642, (800) 591-2282, www.harmonygear.com
Freedom Paddles are a new lineup of technical paddles from the Harmony Accessories Group. Test them! Super strong, light, durable, and endorsed by paddlers who put them to the test everyday. Other Harmony innovations include carbon filled River Passage paddles, completing a broad lineup, meeting the needs of every type of paddler! Yes, even you!

Gillespie Outrigger Canoe Paddles
1283 Harris Rd., Webster, NY 14580; (716) 872-1723, www.surf.to/gillespiepaddles, gillpad@eznet.net
Builders of laminated wooden canoe paddles for over 20 years. Outrigger and recreational models. Prices starting at $90.

Glenwa Inc./Cobra Kayaks
P.O. Box 3134, Gardena, CA 90247; (310) 327-9216,
Fax (310) 327-8952, www.cobrakayaks.com
The custom-fittable Cobra Paddle line comprises twelve blade shapes and seven shafts in a variety of materials. Four user-based series include the Cruising, Action, Wing and All Purpose Series.

Great Canadian Canoe Co.
64 Worcester Prov. Turnpike (Rt. 146), Sutton, MA 01590;
(508) 865-0010, Fax (508) 865-5220, www.greatcanadian.com
Your source for classic cedar, Kevlar, fiberglass and Royalex canoes. Versatile whitewater, touring and sea kayaks. Paddles and gear from the birthplace of paddlesport.

Grey Owl Paddles
62 Cowansview Rd., Cambridge, ON N1R 7N3 CN;
(519) 622-0001, Fax (519) 622-0723
Grey Owl Paddles are ideal for the novice or experienced canoeist or kayaker. A wide range of models suitable for all types of paddling.

Gull Oars & Paddles
Ed Thomas & Associates, P.O. Box 343, Dana, CA 92629;
(949) 240-6588, Fax (949) 240-6520
Importer and distributor of Gull Oars and Paddles: wooden boat oars; canoe paddles; synthetic kayak paddles. Aquapro Sport Boats 8 to 14 feet, rigid hull and roll-ups.

Ibis Paddles
906 S. Grandview St., Mt. Dora, FL 32757; (352) 383-6446
Ibis Paddles are custom handcrafted S-blade paddles. Laminated blade and shaft, fiberglass on the blade. Two models: 3.5 degree S-blade; and 14 degree S-Blade.

Impex International
P.O.Box 650, Asheville, NY 28802; (820) 299-1523,
Fax (820) 299-1567, www.impexkayak.com
Impex is the complete kayak supplier with a wide range of paddles, whitewater kayaks and sea kayaks.

Kieffer Outdoor Co.
1406 Grand Ave #3, St. Paul, MN 55105; (612) 819-9615, (800) 408-5845, Fax (651) 646-3465, Bruce@Kieffer.cnchost.com
The Sculler trolling paddle is used to maneuver a canoe with one hand while you hold your fishing rod with the other. It's 28" long and weighs less than one pound. Made of selected hardwoods, the Sculler is strong and made to last a long time.

Kober & Moll Paddles/T.G. Canoe Livery
P.O. Box 177, Martindale, TX 78655; (512) 353-3946,
Fax (512) 353-3947, t.g.canoe.livery@centuryinter.net
For over 100 years Kober/Moll has built outstanding kayak and canoe paddles. With over 30 models to choose from, the legacy continues with the new GFI system producing even tougher blades.

L.L. Bean
Casco St., Freeport, ME 04033; (800) 809-7057, www.llbean.com
Top quality apparel and gear for outdoor adventures including paddling, hiking, backpacking, camping and cycling. 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed.

Lendal Paddles/Great River Outfitters
4180 Elizabeth Lake Rd., Waterford, MI 48302; (248) 683-4770, Fax (248) 683-0306, www.erols.com/rapids/GRO
Great River Outfitters imports kayak paddles manufactured by Lendal of Scotland. Lendal has been making paddles for over twenty years for every major kayaking application, including sea kayaking and whitewater.

Lightning Paddles
22800 South Unger Rd., Colton, OR 97017; (503) 824-2938,
Fax (503) 824-6960, lightning@paddles.com
Lightning's whitewater and sea kayak paddles speak for themselves. Simply the lightest, toughest paddles available...period. Write or call for more information.

Mid-Canada Fiberglass
P.O. Box 1599, New Liskeard, ON P0J 1P0 CN; (705) 647-6549, Fax (705) 647-6698, www.midcanscottcanoe.com
Teal paddles have proven to be reliable, durable and efficient one-piece hardwood paddles. Moderately priced, Teal paddles are a hit with outfitters and retailers alike. They withstand rugged abuse and will last a lifetime in a family recreation-paddling situation.

Mitchell Paddles
RR 2, Box 922, Canaan, NH 03741; (603) 523-7004,
Fax (603) 523-7363, www.mitchellpaddles.com
Mitchell Paddles offers wood and wood composite paddles for people who want the best in quality. Canoe and kayak paddles available for slalom, rodeo, touring, general whitewater and outrigger.

Mohawk Paddles
963 CR 427 N., Longwood, FL 32750; (407) 834-3233,
Fax (407) 834-0292, www.mohawkcanoes.com
Mohawk Paddles are tough, light, and comfortable. Tapered blade for excellent performance. Economically priced. Canoe paddles available in both straight and bent shaft, kayak paddles in straight shaft only. Fast service.

Morley Canoes
P.O. Box 5147, Swan Lake, MT 59911; (406) 886-2242
Function and art merge to create tough, comfortable cedar strip canoes, kayaks and skiffs as well as paddles and accessories of incredible beauty and performance.

Mud Brook Woods
3940 Star Lake Road, Star Lake, WI 54561; (877) 698-8805, (715) 542-2563
Mud Brook Woods has 17 years of experience in making wood paddles. All are hand-built, wood-laminated paddles, made of lightweight hand-picked select woods, with six coats of a high quality finish.

Muskrat Paddle Sports
792 N. Fairview Rd., Chatham, VA 24531; (804) 432-1479,
Fax (804) 432-4448
We have hand made composite paddles. We make whitewater kayak, touring kayak and canoe paddles. Our shafts are oval indexed and can be set at a variety of offsets. Multiple colors available.

Navarro Canoe Company
225 Rogue River Pkwy., Talent, OR 97540; (541) 512-9447,
Fax (541) 512-9448
Beautiful, efficient wood-ribbed canoes built with a tradition of quality for three generations. We also offer an accessory line of paddles, center yoke seats, canoe shelves, and more!

Norse Paddle Co.
Rt. 45 Rd. 1, Spring Mills, PA 16875; (814) 422-8844
Norse Paddle Company builds high-performance synthetic whitewater canoe and kayak paddles. Through a dealer or directly, Norse will custom craft your paddle for a reasonable price.

Northwest River Supplies (NRS)
2009 S. Main, Moscow, ID 83843; (800) 635-5202, www.nrsweb.com
NRS manufactures and distributes a wide range of whitewater rafting, kayaking, and canoeing equipment. We vigorously test all products ourselves, as well as consulting with professionals around the world. Nobody gets you in gear like NRS.

North Woods Canoe Co.
Box 1419, Cochrane, AB T0L 0W0 CN; (403) 932-1948,
Fax (403) 932-7123, www.northwoodscanoe.com
Classic Canadian handcrafted, hardwood and synthetic paddles. Models include souvenir, custom logo, recreational and competition kayak and canoe paddles.

Old Town Canoe Co.
58 Middle Street, Old Town, ME 04468; (207) 827-5513,
Fax (207) 827-2779, www.otccanoe.com
At Old Town Canoe we've been building canoes since 1900. And since a canoe is not much good without a paddle, we've always offered our customers a great choice of canoe and kayak paddles and oars.

Prijon/Wildwasser Sport USA
P.O. Box 4617, Boulder, CO 80302; (303) 444-2336, Fax (303) 444-2375, www.wildnet.com
Prijon manufactures a comprehensive line of paddles for whitewater, touring, canoeing and recreational uses. From economy paddles to high end carbon we carry it all.

Revealed Water Products/Adventure Technology
1240 E 2100S, Ste. 400, Salt Lake City, UT 84106;
(801) 466-4757, Fax (801) 485-9622, www.atpaddle.com
Adventure Technology is proud to offer the most advanced Touring and Whitewater kayak paddles ever known. Our technology is unparalleled. Our patented designs define state-of-the-art. Feel the AT philosophy for yourself. Try one. New for 2000: the ATX-E, an all glass model with the classic ATX shape available in different colors. Suggested retail: $299.

Riot Kayaks
3700 St. Patrick Ste. 109, Door 20, Montreal, QB H4E 1A2; (514) 931-0366, Fax (514) 931-4421, www.riotkayaks.com
The Riot paddle is designed specifically for use with today's shorter kayaks. Blades are reinforced nylon and are almost indestructible. That's great if you want to do rock splats, rock spins, cartwheels in ledges and generally abuse yourself and your equipment. Riot touring paddles also available: special plastic blades, light, strong and cheap. Paddles available in straight and bent shafts.

Robson Paddles/Mega Sports
Bayerwaldstrasse 2, 94209 Regen, Germany; 0049-9921-6313
The Robson program offers models of handcrafted kayak and canoe paddles for whitewater competition and touring. Our collection of carbon and Kevlar paddles offers race-proven quality for the discriminating paddler and guarantees lightness and durability.

Rough Stuff Paddles
Mill Lane, Palmerstown, Dublin, 20; (01) 626-4363,
Fax (01) 626-4876

Savage River Works
1832 Dry Run Rd., Swanton, MD 21561; (301) 245-4327
Our custom wood whitewater and outrigger paddles have been favorites of many paddlers for over 17 years. After many years of developing and testing, they have become one of the best-constructed and lightest weight paddles available.

Sawyer Paddles and Oars
299 Rogue River Pkwy., Talent, OR 97540; (541) 535-3606,
Fax (541) 535-3621, www.paddlesandoars.com
Sawyer has been building high performance paddles and oars in the heart of Oregon's Rogue River Valley for over 30 years. Renowned for advanced design, durability, light weight and beauty, Sawyer Paddles and Oars are found in the hands of serious boaters worldwide.

SEDA Products
P.O. Box 997, Chula Vista, CA 92012; (619) 336-2444,
Fax (619) 336-2405, www.sedakayaks.com
SEDA Products offers a full line of fiberglass paddles for whitewater and touring. Paddles are available in standard lay-up, epoxy, and an epoxy-Kevlar construction. SEDA also offers three models of kayak paddles in plastic with aluminum shafts. SEDA offers these choices in fiberglass, epoxy, Kevlar or plastic canoe paddles.

Seven 2
PO Box 2983, Salt Lake City, UT 84110; (801) 475-7200,
Fax: (801) 364-7201; www.seven2.com
The Seven 2 Paddle Design: Ergonomically correct grips relieve forearm fatigue and maintain correct hand to blade powerface orientation. Reduced diameter shaft creates a performance enhancing flex pattern. Foam core blades surface quicker for more leverage and power. Carbon blade/carbon shaft-Retail $325. Glass blade/carbon shaft-Retail $275. Call for info and dealer nearest you. Touring and whitewater availbale.

Silver Creek Paddles
677 Silvermine Rd., Bryson City, NC 28713; (828) 488-9542,
silvrcrk@dnet.net
Complete line of paddles, for every use from open water to whitewater. Every paddle is meticulously shaped and finished by hand. Unique composite-over-wood construction. In business since 1980.

Smoker Oars and Paddles
299 Rogue River Pkwy., Talent, OR 97540; (541) 535-3606,
Fax (541) 535-3621, www.paddlesandoars.com
World-renowned whitewater and driftboat oars. All one piece solid Northern White Ash. Strong, tough, durable, flexible and beautiful. Pass 'em on to your grandchildren.

Sport Helmets
900 Old Liverpool Rd., Liverpool, NY 13088; (800) 537-1702, Fax (315) 453-3762
New Cascade Endorfins Handpaddles are great for playboating or for a back up in case of a broken or lost paddle; available in red or yellow.

Superior Kayaks
P.O. Box 355, Whitelaw, WI 54247; (920) 732-3784; skayaks@aol.com
Beautiful Greenland paddles are machine carved from a laminated pine assembly. Strong, unfeathered, long narrow blades offer little resistance to wind. Each paddle is custom carved. A very good working paddle for only $195.

Surfins Co.
2227 Drake SW #10A, Huntsville, AL 35805; (888) 882-2227, surfins@aol.com
Surfins: Great as a spare paddle for kayaks. Also: unique surfing moves can be done with Surfins. Connect yourself to the water.

Swift Paddle Co.
Swift Paddles, 15466 Ashten Rd., Burlington, WA 98233;
(360) 757-2300, Fax (360) 757-2302
Swift Paddles are an extraordinary blend of lightness, strength and beauty, with translucent blades in jewel tones and fabric inlays, and graphite shafts on all paddles.

Tomic Golf & Ski Mfg.
23102 Mariposa Ave., Torrance, CA 90502; (800) 678-6642,
Fax (310) 539-6010
Tomic has been making paddles for over 15 years. They are the most durable paddle on the market, with shafts made from aircraft-tough aluminum. The blade is molded to the shaft and reinforced its entire length. A kayak paddle is also available.

Venturesport Surf Skis
P.O. Box 610145, N. Miami, FL 33261; (561) 395-1376,
Fax (561) 361-9470
Venturesport specializes in competition and light touring paddles. These wing paddles are very light and strong with carbon blades and carbon or glass shafts.

Viking Paddles
P.O. Box 1389, Rockville, MD 20849; (301) 838-3090,
Fax (301) 838-3138
Wood core with glass or carbon blades with aluminum tips, as well as fiberglass rope edges. Glass or carbon oval shafts. Canoe, whitewater kayak, touring and racing.

Voyageur
P.O. Box 4339, Archale, NC 27263; (336) 434-7470,
Fax: (336)434-6912, www.youcanpaddle.com
Voyageur manufactures and distributes the industry's most complete line of canoeing and kayaking accessories including Sidewinder whitewater and other quality paddles, along with personal flotation devices, storage gear and apparel.

Werner Paddles
P.O. Box 1139, Sultan, WA 98294; (800) 275-3311,
Fax (360) 793-7343, info@wernerpaddles.com
Werner Paddles ... the ones you see on the water. WERNER PADDLES is the leading manufacturer of quality kayak and canoe paddles in the world. We don't just build lightweight kayak paddles, we build light, durable, well balanced paddles. We offer a full line of performance paddles to enhance any paddling style. For more information contact us @ 1-800-275-3311 or visit our website at www.wernerpaddles.com.

Whetstone
PO Box 727; West Union, SC 29615; (888) 544-9438 or (864) 886-9438,
Fax (864) 638-6287, www.kayakstore.com, e-mail: whetstone@kayakstore.com
Whetstone is a new company doing business differently. Making our own gear. Selling it online. And keeping prices low. Paddles, spraydecks, technical clothing and more. Guaranteed to perform. Click for yourself. www.kayakstore.com

Whitesell Canoes
14690 Hwy 19 W. Nantahala Gorge, Bryson City, NC 28713; (828) 488-2386, www.white-water.com, canoe@white-water.com
Whitesell Canoes has set the standard for whitewater canoeing for 15 years. Our canoes, and paddles, are custom made. All paddles have dynel sleeves and glass-reinforced blades; available in three blade types: beavertail, oval and curved (spoon) blade.

Woodstrip Watercraft
1818 Swamp Pike, Gilbertsville, PA 19525; (610) 326-9282
Paddles in traditional shapes of hardwoods (for canoes) or laminates (softwood shaft/hardwood blade) for sea kayaks. All made to order: four styles canoe; three styles kayak.

Zu Zu Paddle Company
P.O. Box 957, Flagstaff, AZ 86002; (520) 774-6535,
Fax (520) 779-9466, www.zuzupaddles.com
ZuZu's spliceless, hollow wood shafts are reinforced with a composite inner sleeve making them the lightest, strongest wood paddles available. Superb craftsmanship throughout.

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