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Friday, Jul. 04, 2008

What is your canoe paddle made of?

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A canoe paddle made of lightweight material can reduce the fatigue factor of paddlers on a river or lake. But does a lightweight material always make for the best paddle? It depends.

A strong, stiff paddle will hold up to the frenetic energy and pace of whitewater adventure, while a more flexible paddle helps absorb shock with every stroke during flatwater canoeing.

What kind of paddle would serve you’re recreation needs the best? Here’s an overview of the two primary materials used in paddles: wood and fiberglass.

Wood: Transmits the feel of water well and has some flexibility to absorb any shocks. A layer of fiberglass covers the blade of many wood paddles today, and adds greater strength and durability. Wood paddles however, requires sanding and varnishing upkeep to maintain appearance. Hardwoods (such as ash and maple) and laminates that include hard and soft woods are more durable, but also more expensive.

Fiberglass: Lightweight, durable and low maintenance, fiberglass paddles can handle both calm water and rapids. Fiberglass paddles allow manufacturers more flexibility in design. But these paddles also tend to be more expensive.

SOURCE: REI

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