The choice you face when buying a canoe paddle for your open canoe can baffling.
There is a disparity in price that sometimes stretches to hundreds of pounds, and once you start looking into the different types of blade available, weighing up the pros and cons of one-piece carved wood vs. fibreglass and whether the ideal length is up to your nostril from the ground or up to your eyebrow you run the risk of leaving the shop so confused that you’ve forgotten what you went in for!
The Canoe & Kayak UK Test Team have tested a selection of paddles that we believe represents a range of what’s available for different purposes.
Keep in mind that even the broadest and most detailed review list will still be by no means exhaustive or comprehensive.
There are always many more makes and models out there.
The purpose of this test is to give a demonstration of the variety of what’s available, and to let you know what we thought of the paddles we did try out so that when you go out to buy a canoe paddle you have a starting point and some idea of what it is that you’re looking for.
The 12 Best Canoe Paddles
1. Ainsworth NC103 Teardrop Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Nylon/Glassfibre Composite Blade Material |
| Shaft Options: | Alloy PVC Coating, Glass/Epoxy |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 750g |
| Length: | Between 125cm and 155cm at 5cm intervals. Also available uncut for bespoke length. |
| Usage: | Entry-level paddle, all-round flat water/touring use. |
| More Information: | https://www.ainsworthpaddles.co.uk/ |
The downsides to this attractively cheap paddle is that there is some flex and, combined with the small surface area of the teardrop blade, doesn’t allow for as much power as more high end paddles.
But you can’t argue with the price, it isn’t overly heavy and, for a newcomer or casual paddler, it certainly does the job and will make a good spare once you progress and decide to splash out on a more sophisticated option.
Also it comes with an attractive three-year warranty (true of all Ainsworth paddles) so you can be pretty confident in its durability.
2. Ainsworth C100 Alloy Shaft Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | AFT |
| Shaft Options: | Alloy with PVC Coating, Glass/Epoxy, Carbon |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 790g |
| Length: | Between 125cm and 155cm at 5cm intervals. Also available uncut for bespoke length. |
| Usage: | General flat water and touring. |
| More Information: | https://www.ainsworthpaddles.co.uk/ |
A very basic paddle but good value and a durable material.
Our testers thought it would be ideal for centre use or for casual paddler who are just trying out the sport. They felt that as an investment for a new paddler it might be outgrown rather quickly though.
3. Ainsworth C100 Carbon (Cam Lock Telescopic) Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | AFT |
| Shaft Options: | Alloy with PVC Coating, Glass/Epoxy, Carbon |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 790g |
| Length: | 140 – 150cm |
| Usage: | All-round touring and flat water use. |
| More Information: | https://www.ainsworthpaddles.co.uk/ |
As the price suggests this is a simple, blade, flexible and clean cut.
It has Ainsworth’s characteristic lightweight durability, but again the longevity of its suitability has a question mark, as paddlers progress and move to a wooden blade or something more specific, and isn’t the cheapest option for a spare.
It also has an adjustable cam lock to allow you to change the lengths.
This is an interesting idea, and could be very handy if the paddle was being used by a club or centre, where it will be passed between people of different sizes.
As a paddler-owned paddle, though, it makes less sense and the cam lock is a bit tricky to lock securely in place with the T grip handle absolutely perpendicular.
4. Bending Branches Beavertail Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Black Willow & Red Alder |
| Shaft Options: | Solid Black Willow |
| Grip: | Freestyle Palm |
| Weight: | 680g |
| Length: | 137cm, 144cm, 152cm or 160cm |
| Usage: | General flat water and touring. |
| More Information: | https://bendingbranches.com/ |
A lovely beavertail, this paddle like all wooden paddles is a joy to paddle with.
An ideal touring paddle, with enough flex to ease the strain on the wrists.
The extra length on the blade shape lends itself well for touring and getting that boat cruising.
A very nice blade with true craftsmanship that’s ideal for the traditionalists.
5. Harmony Vapour Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Laminated Cedar With Carbon Power Face |
| Shaft Options: | Tapered Oval Cedar |
| Grip: | Rolled Palm Grip |
| Weight: | 539g |
| Length: | 137cm, 147cm, 142cm, 152cm |
| Usage: | General flat water and touring. |
| More Information: | https://palmequipmenteurope.com/gb/ |
The Vapour has a bit of everything for the everyday paddler.
The all-wooden paddle allows for natural flex in the water, which is always a joy and great for the traditionalists.
The Vapour is also lightly reinforced with a carbon power face.
This paddle comes at a competitive price to others on the market. And for those buying their first general canoe paddle this would be a good bet.
6. Lightning Yukon Fibreglass Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Fibreglass |
| Shaft Options: | Fibreglass |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 720g |
| Length: | 160cm |
| Usage: | A classic design for all-round canoe paddling. |
| More Information: | http://www.lightningpaddles.com/ |
The Yukon is a fully fibreglass compared to its brother the Ocoee.
So, if you are looking for a cheaper perhaps heavier paddle then this could be well worth a look.
The blade shape is slightly squarer compared to the Ocoee. Another whitewater blade, and a good contender against others in the market.
7. Werner Nantahala 2012 C1 Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Fibreglass |
| Shaft Options: | Fibreglass |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 737g |
| Length: | Customisable 122 – 157cm |
| Usage: | Recreation and whitewater canoe paddling. |
| More Information: | https://wernerpaddles.com/ |
The Nantahala, is a highly popular whitewater paddle and you will see plenty on the river.
A common whitewater paddler’s choice.
The well balanced, strong paddle can take a real hammering, and the blade is symmetrical so both sides of the paddle face can be used for some of the more advanced strokes.
8. Ainsworth RTM C103 Teardrop Carbon 150 Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Carbon RTM |
| Shaft Options: | Carbon |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 750g |
| Length: | Between 125cm and 155cm at 5cm intervals. Also available uncut for bespoke length. |
| Usage: | Recreational canoeing, especially longer canoe touring trips. |
| More Information: | https://www.ainsworthpaddles.co.uk/ |
The first thing that strikes you with this paddle is the teardrop shape of the blade. This is much smaller in surface area than other blades out there but could lend itself well for smaller paddlers.
The blade has an obvious cambered scoop, on the drive face. This is more common a feature in whitewater paddles, rather than general touring paddles as touring paddlers tend to use both sides of the blade.
The shaft is a reasonably stiff, and could take some good usage, especially considering the durability of the blade.
9. Robson Chlorophyll Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Flow Tech |
| Shaft Options: | Fibreglass, Carbon |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 550g |
| Length: | 130 – 170cm |
| Usage: | C1 freestyle/whitewater open canoeing. |
| More Information: | http://www.paddles.com/ |
If you want to be seen on the water then this whitewater canoe paddle is right up your street.
A modern slant and fun graphics make this whitewater canoe paddle stand out.
An out and out whitewater blade, traditional of it’s style, with a big catchment area for and the flex of the carbon shaft, allows for the paddler to put some real welly into their strokes.
Again as most open canoeists have and need many paddles, this is a pricy paddle to have in your arsenal but if you are after a strong, jazzy whitewater blade then maybe this might be the weapon of choice.
10. Lightning Ocoee Carbon Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Carbon |
| Shaft Options: | Carbon |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 680g |
| Length: | 160cm |
| Usage: | C1 freestyle and whitewater canoeing. |
| More Information: | http://www.lightningpaddles.com/ |
This paddle by Lighting has got whitewater canoe paddling written all over it!
The all carbon blade can take some real hammer on our UK rivers.
The big blade shape allows for some real power, great for the bigger, stronger canoeists; or even whitewater canoe specific paddlers.
The Ocoee is a whitewater canoe paddle, and a high-end whitewater paddle at that.
Light for cross deck moves and a big catch on the power blade.
Along with the uniform T grip, which lends itself well for that whitewater environment.
11. Bending Branches Sunburst (Fibreglass Reinforced) Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Red Alder, Black Willow, Basswood |
| Shaft Options: | T-700 Carbon |
| Grip: | Contour Palm Grip |
| Weight: | 425g |
| Length: | 132cm, 137cm, 142cm, 147cm, 152cm |
| Usage: | General flat water/touring canoe trips. |
| More Information: | https://bendingbranches.com/ |
This flash canoe paddle is without a doubt for the exceptionally keen or elite, canoe paddler.
Its lightweight structure allows for an ideal paddle for those who are looking for an agile blade.
The shaft allows plenty of strength and keeps the weight down.
The sunburst has a great combination of great craftsmanship along with a touch of fibreglass. This adds strength, yet may not be as flexible as a full wooden canoe blade.
There are many pros and cons to a reinforced blade: they can be tricky to repair and maintain whereas a full wooden blade can be treated and repaired with a bit of know-how.
With extra reinforcement comes the price, these paddles are not for the light hearted, they are an investment and as we know canoe paddles can take a hammering.
The blade shape of the sunburst is more adapt to the popular beaver tail which is ideal for a bit of general paddling, however it comes with a big price for a canoe touring paddle!
12. Robson Quantum C1 Canoe Paddle
Specifications
| Blade: | Carbon |
| Shaft Options: | Carbon |
| Grip: | ‘T’ Grip |
| Weight: | 700g |
| Length: | 130 – 170cm |
| Usage: | C1 competition/ whitewater canoeing. |
| More Information: | http://www.paddles.com/ |
Another typical strong whitewater canoe paddle from Robson.
It is very stiff and strong, so great for the bigger stronger canoe paddlers who like a good bit of leverage when paddling.
This carbon glass blade is a clean cut stealthy-looking paddle, again an advanced whitewater canoeing blade.
Best Canoe Paddle Buyers Guide Conclusion
As you can see, there is a huge range of canoe paddle choice and options available, which branch out into more and more specialities the further up the price scale you climb.
Although they may not have the precise amount of flex, or pin-point ergonomically accurate grip like some of their more pricey and specialised cousins, there is a lot to be said for the budget options on offer from the likes of Ainsworth and TNP.
What they have on offer are a range of lightweight and durable general-use paddles that won’t do lasting damage to your bank balance but will do the job.
Yes, as you progress and develop as a paddler you may outgrow these after a time, but carrying a spare wherever you go has never done anybody any harm.
If you’re at a place with your canoeing where you already feel like you need something a bit more specialised, that will allow you to perform the more advanced strokes you’re slowly adding to your repertoire, some of the mid-range wooden paddles could be a really nice-looking option for you.
The likes of the Harmony Vapour or the Bending Branches Beaver Tail represent what you may feel is a reasonable investment to further your enjoyment and development as a canoeist.
As you progress from here you’ll start to need different paddles for specific purposes.
If you sometimes enjoy the thrill of a bit of whitewater, but spend most of your time in your prospector on lakes or touring rivers, you’ll definitely need more than one paddle to suit each purpose.
If you take your whitewater further, or even branch out into C1 canoeing and get involved in competition, then you’ll need a different paddle again.
But this isn’t everybody’s bag.
If you’re a traditionalist of the school of thorough-bred canoeing where the ethos is to be aligned with the natural world around you, then a highly-engineered composite material that uses resin transferred moulding is probably the last thing you want, and almost a contradiction of what it’s all about.
There are some beautiful production and bespoke wooden paddle options that turn the manufacturing process into a near art form that will more likely be the thing for you if this is the case.
Ultimately the right canoe paddle for you is going to end up being a very personal choice, and just remember that although you generally get what you pay for, you don’t have to re-mortgage to get a perfectly serviceable canoeing paddle for casual use.
If it has a blade, shaft and a grip it will get you to where you want to go.
At the same time, if you’re keen you’re going to spend a lot of time with your paddle, and little niggles will exacerbate over long days on the water and present themselves in the form of sore wrists, achey backs and your own frustration at not achieving the performance you’d like.
Try out as many as you can, talk with other canoeists about their experiences and preferences.
Hopefully this guide, and our other published paddle reviews, will serve as a handy leaping-off point in your search for the prefect paddle.
