Grey Owl 'Guide' Paddle

The Grey Owl 'Guide' Paddle is a rugged and inexpensive tripping paddle for bow, stern or solo use.

No other paddle can give you the enjoyment and feel of cruising like a traditional paddle. Though not the easiest paddles to use in depths less than 12”,  the blade width area is more than adequate to maneuver your canoe. All basic strokes such as the ‘J’ and ‘C’ strokes, along with draw, pry and feather strokes evolved from this type of paddle.

Traditional paddles tend to longer, more slender blades and serve for a long time due to their overall resilience. Originally carved from one piece of wood. In traditional paddle making Cedar and basswood were prized because of their light weight while ash, maple and cherry would be chosen for strength and durability. Cherry was especially preferred for its resistance to rot and warping along while also being relatively light in weight.

Read the Buyers Guide for more info on choosing a paddle. >

1. The overall paddle length you should order should be determined primarily by the shaft length (from the top of the grip to the throat of the paddle).
2. Sit erect on a flat hard chair or the floor.
3. Measure the distance from the seat of the chair/floor to your chin.
4. Add 6" to your measurement to allow for water level (A chin-to-Chair measurement of 26" would add 6" to arrive at a 32" shaft length)
5. Choose a paddle with the closest shaft length measurement. A variation of 1" or 2" will not have much effect on usage.