Haliburton Forest Paddles

Anybody looking for a paddle today will be hard pressed to distinguish between the many styles, sizes and even materials. Even more confusing may be the multitude of companies offering paddles for sale. And every one will tell you that their’s is the best, way above the rest.

So to set your future  Haliburton Forest paddle apart from any other paddle offered on the market, let’s start with some brave statements:

Haliburton Forest paddles are wooden paddles, period!

Canoeing traditionally is associated with wood and if today’s aluminum or carbon fibre catch your fancy, that is fine. Obviously these were produced in an industrial process, rarely in Canada or even on this continent, so there’s nothing naturally Canadian about them. Please remember, that wood is the only sustainable resource we have on this planet.

The less a paddle weighs, the less fatigue you'll feel during a long day of canoeing. But don't choose a paddle based on weight alone—the best paddles offer a good balance of light weight, strength and flexibility. For whitewater canoeing, a strong, stiff paddle will hold up to the rigors of the river and provide a quick response in rapids. For flat-water canoeing, a flexible paddle helps absorb shock with every stroke.

Wood is by far the most popular material for canoe paddles. It transmits the feel of the water well, and it flexes slightly to absorb shock. It also retains warmth, so hands stay comfortable in cold conditions. Most paddles today feature wood laminates that include both hard woods and soft woods. This combination is more durable (though more expensive) than those made only from soft woods.

Many wood paddles have a layer of fiberglass over the blade for added strength and/or have a tip guard to improve durability and help resist abrasion. Some upkeep, such as sanding and varnishing, is required to maintain its appearance.

Blade Styles

Haliburton Forest offers paddles with following blade style:

Voyageur Beaver Tail Otter Tail (from left to right)

Grips

Another important part of paddle design is the grip. Haliburton Forest currently offers following grips: 

Standard Grip	Voyageur Grip	Slender Grip	Woodsman Grip

Woods

One of the biggest advantages of the Haliburton Forest Paddle Shop is, that they have access to all beautiful wood which grows in Haliburton Forest. The table below shows some examples of the woods and wood composites used for the paddles.

Ash	Poplar	Curly Birch	Black Ash	Curly Maple
Cherry	Maple Light Birds Eye	Birch

Special Designs

Haliburton Forest also offers decor paddles uniquely painted by artists like David Alexander Risk and a variety of graphic designs using laser engraving or special printing methods. We can even personalize your paddle with initials, names, logos or crests.