When choosing the right canoe paddle for your adventures on the water, one of the key factors to consider is the shape of the paddle itself. Whether cruising on calm lakes, paddling solo, navigating rivers, or tackling waves on a windy day, selecting the appropriate paddle shape can significantly impact your paddling experience. (photos below Bending Branches Paddles)
Bending Branches Straight Shaft Beavertail Canoe Paddle (link to purchase here)
In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between straight and bent paddles and touch on our artisan paddles, exploring their unique characteristics and recommending the best options for various conditions.
For the most part, this blog will discuss paddles for flatwater canoeing, such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and similar wilderness waterways.
Straight Shaft Canoe Paddles
Let’s dive into Straight Shaft Canoe Paddles, the traditional workhorses of the paddling world.
These versatile paddles are popular among solo paddlers for a few reasons;
- Since they sit alone in the middle of the canoe, they often need a longer shaft to reach the water comfortably.
- Solo paddlers might also enjoy the extra control offered by a long blade, like the beavertail style. These longer blades, with their squared-off edges, have great surface area and strike a decent balance between efficiency and power.
Whether you are cruising calm lakes, mellow rivers or tackling moderate chop, straight shaft paddles can handle it all. Their design makes them reliable and predictable, perfect for beginners and intermediate paddles who want a trusty companion on the water. Plus, they often come in longer lengths (up to 58 inches!), which can be a lifesaver for paddlers with shorter arms who need more leverage.
Of course, tradition plays a role too. Some paddlers simply prefer the classic feel of a straight-shaft paddle, carrying on the legacy of these time-tested tools.
| PROS | CONS |
| Straight-shaft paddles suit many paddling environments, including calm lakes, rivers, and moderate currents. | Straight-shaft paddles may cause slower travel over the course of a long paddling day as they are less efficient. |
| Their straightforward design makes them ideal for beginners and recreational paddlers who prefer a simple and intuitive paddling experience. | Paddlers may experience increased fatigue over extended periods due to the less ergonomic design than curved blades. |
| They provide efficient forward propulsion, making them suitable for a variety of uses. |
Bent Shaft Paddles
Next up, we have Bent Shaft Paddles.
Bent Shaft Bending Branches Sunburst Bent Shaft Canoe Paddle (link to purchase here).
These unique paddles feature a bend, usually around 12 or 14 degrees, designed to make paddling smoother and easier on your body. The bend allows for a more natural wrist position, keeping the paddle blade perpendicular to the water throughout your stroke. This translates to less fatigue and more comfort, especially on long trips or in tough conditions.
New paddlers sometimes mistake the bent shaft for a shovel and try to “scoop” the water. This requires holding the paddle backwards. Remember, a bent shaft is all about a smooth pull, not scooping! Bent shaft paddles truly shine on wilderness canoe trips. With all that repetitive paddling, their ergonomic design keeps you in control and efficiently propels your canoe forward, saving your energy for the adventure ahead.
| PROS | CONS |
| The bent shaft paddle provides a more efficient paddling stroke, translating to enhanced propulsion with less effort. | Solo Paddlers or those who prefer shafts longer than 54” may need a straight shaft paddle. |
| Bent Shaft Paddles are designed to align at the optimum angle with the water therefore increasing efficiency and reducing fatigue during extended paddling sessions. | Traditionalist paddlers often stick with straight shaft designs. |
Artisan Paddles
Our Artisan paddles are straight shaft paddles that tend towards the beavertail design of a long shaft and long narrow paddle blade. These paddles are largely works of art meant to be hung and displayed in a home, cabin or woman or man cave. They can be paddles like any traditional straight shaft paddle would be, however they are priced as and valued as pieces of art. Sanborn hand crafts and paints many different beautiful and fully functional variations of Artisan Paddles. (photo below Sanborn Canoe Company)
Paddler above with straight shaft Artisan Paddle (link to purchase here)
These blades are prized for their beauty and craftsmanship, making them a popular choice among paddlers who appreciate both form and function. Artisan Paddles add a touch of elegance and personality to any paddling adventure if you can convince yourself to take them down off the wall.
Finding Your Perfect Paddle
Choosing the right paddle is key to a smooth and enjoyable experience on the water. Whether you crave the versatility of a straight shaft, or the comfort of bent shaft, or the beauty of artisan creations, there’s more than one canoe paddle waiting to match your style and needs.
Just like any sport or hobby (or even a collector’s dream!), paddles come in a vast array of shapes and sizes. Once you’ve settled on a shaft style, consider the material. We champion lightweight, state-of-the-art paddles that often blend carbon fiber, natural wood, and fiberglass for strength.
Remember, for those epic wilderness trips, you need a reliable, durable tool. But don’t forget about weight – a lightweight paddle keeps you comfortable and limber throughout the day. Every ounce counts!
Understanding the differences between straight and bent shaft canoe paddle empowers you to make an informed decision and select the perfect paddle for your next Boundary Waters adventure.
Ready to Explore?
Dreaming of paddling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)? We’re your one-stop shop for all your needs! We even offer rentals, including bent-shaft paddles, so you can try before you buy and fully grasp their purpose.