10 Best Canoe Paddles In 2023

Thanks to its multi-ply laminated construction and waterproof polyurethane finish, the Crooked Creek paddle ranks as one of the best options when it comes to durability. Additionally, the blade comes with epoxy resin reinforcement for added protection. On the other hand, the weight is surprisingly low for a wooden paddle (only 1.5 pounds).

The wooden palm grip combines with the smooth shaft to provide a firm but comfortable grip for both hands. As we’ve mentioned, the entire paddle is coated with PU that delivers top-level protection to the wood no matter if you use the paddle in fresh or saltwater. It’s available in four sizes, including a 6-foot version for tall paddlers.

Lightweight and well-balanced, Carlisle Economy aluminum canoe paddle is a great option for all types of canoeing. Its aluminum shaft provides a high level of firmness, while the strong polypropylene blade creates a very decent thrust on every stroke. The blade dimensions of 20 x 8 inches make it versatile to use in both flat and fast-moving water.

A detail we particularly like is the UV protection on the blade and handle that prevents any material changes that come as a result of sun exposure. This, combined with the corrosion-resistant shaft, makes this canoe paddle for rivers ready to tackle any challenge. Despite being in the lower price range, it’s a very durable model that even comes with a 1-year warranty from the manufacturer.

The thing that separates the Carlisle Ausable canoe paddle from others is the softness of the stroke. Namely, the canoe paddle wood allows a slight flex, which is responsible for absorbing shock that is created when the paddle moves through the water. On top of this, its long and narrow blade does wonders on flat and open waters like lakes.

The wood we’ve mentioned is high-quality basswood that is laminated for exceptional durability. As a bonus, it’s able to retain warmth from your hands which makes it a good choice for paddling in cold weather. Finally, you can get it in 7 different sizes (36 to 72 inches) so both kids and tall adults can find a good fit.

The Caviness wood canoe paddle is the ideal choice if you enjoy family canoeing adventures. The package comes with three canoe paddles inside, so all members of the group can paddle together. While it’s not the highest-performing model out there, it’s excellent for recreation and having fun on flat water.

The entire paddle is made of tough and durable wood that won’t get cracked or damaged easily. It even features cross-grain construction and vertical stripes as reinforcements that prevent it from breaking under pressure. It’s a popular model among paddlers, mostly because the price is very good for a wood canoe paddle.

If you enjoy touring and longer paddling sessions, Bending Branches BB Special is the best canoe paddle for you. It features a unique bent shaft design (11 degrees) that improves the paddle’s performance in flat water and makes it more energy-efficient. This way, you can paddle canoe over longer distances without too much arm fatigue.

Besides excellent performance, the BB Special canoe paddle looks awesome too. It’s made of high-quality Wisconsin wood and comes with Rockgard protection on the blade so it doesn’t crack easily. The classic palm grip feels wonderful in the hand and relieves you of any discomfort. It’s also worth noting that the paddle is buoyant, meaning that it will stay afloat if you drop it.

Thanks to its unique Hybrid grip, the Crooked Creek canoe paddle offers both comfort and precision while stroking. It gives you a nice natural wrist motion, so your arms get tired much slower compared to standard paddle models. The paddle comes in 4 different sizes (48 to 60 inches) so every adult canoeist can find the one that suits them well.

To keep the weight as low as possible, the canoe paddle design combines an aluminum shaft with a tough ABS polymer blade and handle. Weighing only 1.5 pounds, it won’t put too much strain on your hands. Furthermore, the materials are also resistant to corrosion, so the Crooked Creek synthetic paddle is great for using in marine environments.

The SeaSense aluminum paddle is an excellent choice for recreational canoeists – it’s lightweight, strong, and, most importantly, very affordable. The shaft is made from corrosion-resistant aluminum, while the blade uses strong polypropylene to ensure durability and damage-resistance. This combination of materials makes it one of the lightest canoe paddles on the market and a fantastic option for people with weaker arms.

To further boost the comfort while paddling, the SeaSense paddle comes with a padded grip area for the bottom hand. The T-Grip handle is made from the same material as the blade and feels very secure. The model comes in 4 available sizes, but the interesting thing is that you can also get a 36-inch version that will be great for kids.