Large Blade Paddles

Top:

Large beavertails blade, 7" x 32" with Northwoods grip.  This is a traditional Maine Guide "Stern" paddle.  The large size provides good surface area in moving water, and for extra thrust for guides who may not have an effective bow paddler in their client.  This is a big blade that catches a lot of water, and is only really suitable for the well conditioned paddler.  If you're not up to its demands, it will wear you out sooner than you'd think.

Middle:

A modified Passamaquoddy "Ocean" paddle with modified Northwoods grip. (I don't have a better name to use in referring to this blade shape)  I had a client special order this paddle, and his needs may shed some light on the origins of this type of blade shape.  He paddled in rivers in which he would often have to get out of the canoe and walk alongside of it, guiding it through the shallows.  Wishing to simplify his gear, he wanted a paddle which he could use:

-as a walking stick to keep him stable on the slippery rocks, the grip positions of the Northwoods grip are extended further down the grip than is typical, and are made slimmer, and the tip of the blade is very slim so as not to catch and spin in the water current.

-a paddle which he could hold horizontal and still have effective surface area.  The Northwoods grip allows him to use this paddle in the horizontal position.

-A paddle which could do light duty as a canoe pole.  The blade tip is well protected with epoxy around the edge, and the blade has a layer of fiberglass on  each face, extending up the shaft.

Bottom:

A standard size Ottertail Classic, 32" shaft size, shown for scale comparison.