Updated October 25, 2022
Before the recent kayaking craze and the development of the myriad of water sports available today, there was canoeing. As enthusiasts know it can be as peaceful and relaxing activity as you will find or the most invigorating. Canoeing has developed with the times, as well, though, along with the associated equipment. Of course, being the primary means of propulsion an effective paddle is imperative.
The many styles, features, and materials are worth serious consideration when looking for the right paddle for your needs. To lend an assist some top models with a range of features have been chosen to introduce to you. To begin there is a basic comparison table, followed by descriptions with key features, photos, and videos, and a buying guide to finish.
If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know in the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
Best Canoe Paddles
- Bending Branches BB Special Canoe Paddle
- Z & J Sport Carbon Fiber Dragon Boat Paddle
- Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles
- Carlisle Standard Polyethylene Clad Aluminum Canoe Paddle
- Bending Branches Sunburst ST Canoe Paddle
- Carlisle Beavertail Wooden Canoe Paddle
- Werner Churchill Adjustable Fiberglass Canoe Paddle
- Crooked Creek C11445 Synthetic Paddle with Hybrid Grip
- Caviness Marine Twin Stripe Paddle
- Bending Branches Cruiser Plus 11 Canoe Paddle
Best Canoe Paddles Comparison Table
| Picture | Paddle | Shaft/Blade Materials | Weight | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Bending Branches BB Special Canoe Paddle | Wood | 22 ounces | 50, 52, & 54 inches | $$$ |
  | Z & J Sport Dragon Carbon Fiber Canoe Paddle | Carbon Fiber | 12 to 13.4 ounces | 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, & 51 inches | $$$ |
  | Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles | Aluminum | 20.8 ounces each | 54 inches | $ |
  | Carlisle Standard Polyethylene Clad Aluminum Canoe Paddle | Aluminum Shaft Polypropylene Blade | 34 ounces (60") | 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, & 66 inches | $ |
  | Bending Branches Sunburst ST Canoe Paddle | Carbon Shaft Wood Blade | 17 ounces | 54, 56, and 58 inches | $$$$ |
  | Carlisle Beavertail Wooden Canoe Paddle | Wood | under 23 ounces | 54 inches | $$ |
  | Werner Churchill Adjustable Fiberglass Canoe Paddle | Carbon Blend Shaft Fiberglass Blade | 20.3 ounces | 50-58 inches Adjustable | $$$$ |
  | Crooked Creek C11445 Synthetic Paddle with Hybrid Grip | Aluminum Shaft ABS Polymer Blade | 24 ounces | 48, 54, 60, and 66 inches | $ |
  | Caviness Marine Twin Stripe Paddle | Wood | 24 ounces (54") | 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, and 72 inches | $ |
  | Bending Branches Cruiser Plus 11 Canoe Paddle | Wood | 22 ounces | 48, 50, 52, and 54 inches | $$$ |
| Picture | Paddle | Shaft/Blade Materials | Weight | Length | Price |
Bending Branches BB Special Canoe Paddle
The Bending Branches BB Special is beautifully handcrafted from red alder, basswood, and maple with a protective, wear-resistant treatment on the blade tip and a coat of commercial varnish on the rest for durable long-term use.
With the 11-degree bent shaft, wide blade, and palm handle, it offers reliable flatwater performance for an advanced recreational paddler.
- Shaft and Blade Material: multiple hardwood laminate
- Length: 50, 52, and 54 inches
- Weight: 22 ounces
- Sealed with commercial-grade varnish
- Wrap Around™ Rockgard® blade tip protection
- Comfortable asymmetrical palm grip
- Powerful wide blade
- 11-degree blade-to-shaft offset reduces the effort
- Price: $$$
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Z & J Sport Carbon Fiber Dragon Boat Paddle
The Z & J Sports Carbon Fiber Dragon Boat Paddle is a high-performance ultra-lightweight carbon fiber model designed for dragon boat racing that serves the recreational canoe paddler, as well.
It comes in a large range of 9 lengths from 44 to 52 inches and has a slightly curved ergonomic T-grip handle that comfortably fits in your palm.
Using hand lay-up techniques, it has quality PMI foam in the core with a carbon fiber exterior and a reinforced blade edge for durability to match the low weight.
Pricing is not low, but it does come with a 1-year warranty.
- Shaft and Blade Material: carbon fiber with a PMI foam core
- Length: 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, and 52 inches
- Weight: 12 to 13.4 ounces
- 1-piece blade and handle (no gap)
- Reinforced blade edge
- Shaft is shaped oval at the bottom and round at the top
- Ergonomic T-grip handle
- Straight blade
- IDBF approved (International Dragon Boat Festival)
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $$$
The Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles come as a set of two at a great bargain price.
The durable aluminum construction is lightweight, and the paddles float if they happen to get away from you.
You can use the second paddle for a friend or as a backup for emergencies.
It comes with a comfortable T-grip handle and a drip ring to stop water from running down the paddle into the boat.
- Shaft and Blade Material: aluminum
- Length: 54 inches
- Weight: 22 ounces each
- Set of 2 paddles
- Easy-grip T-shaped handle
- Floating
- Drip ring to decrease water entering the canoe
- Price: $
Carlisle Standard Polyethylene Clad Aluminum Canoe Paddle
The Carlisle Standard is a strong and reliable basic canoe paddle.
Built with a durable UV-resistant vinyl-wrapped aluminum shaft and a high-impact polypropylene blade, it comes in a range of lengths and several colors or combinations.
The blade supplies a smooth and powerful stroke while withstanding dings and scrapes and the T-grip handle gives you an effective, comfortable grip.
To top it off, it comes at a very friendly low price.
It’s a great choice for touring or recreational paddling.
- Shaft Material: vinyl-wrapped aluminum (UV-resistant)
- Blade Material: sturdy polypropylene
- Length: 51, 54, 57, 60, 63, and 66 inches
- Weight: 34 ounces (60-inch paddle)
- Easy-grip polypropylene T-shaped handle
- Currently available in olive, green, and yellow/blue
- Price: $
Bending Branches Sunburst ST Canoe Paddle
The Bending Branches ST is not only a great high-performance paddle but also a work of art.
The handcrafted Sunburst design wooden blade of basswood, roasted basswood, and alder is wrapped in fiberglass with proprietary Rockgard® blade edge protection for durability.
The blade partners with an easy-grip ovalized carbon shaft and symmetric palm T-grip handle for lightweight smooth paddling you can do all day with little fatigue.
The blade is buoyant and has the “Sugar Island” shape ideal for many flatwater paddlers.
- Shaft Material: T-700 carbon
- Blade Material: fiberglass-reinforced wood (basswood, roasted basswood, red alder)
- Length: 54, 56, and 58 inches
- Weight: 17 ounces
- Ovalized shaft
- Comfortable wooden symmetric palm, T-grip handle
- “Sugar Island” blade shape
- Rockgard® blade edge protection
- Price: $$$$
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Carlisle Beavertail Wooden Canoe Paddle
The Carlisle Beavertail Canoe Paddle has a classic straight shaft and beavertail blade of laminated basswood for an easily controlled efficient stroke on flat water.
It has a polyurethane coating and a urethane tip guard on the blade to protect against bumps and scrapes.
The ergonomically designed wooden shaft and palm grip are comfortable and warm and Carlisle backs it up with a 1-year warranty.
- Shaft and Blade Material: wood (laminated basswood)
- Polyurethane finish for durability
- Blade has a urethane tip guard for durability
- Length: 54 inches
- Weight: under 23 ounces
- Comfortable wide palm grip
- Beavertail blade design
- 1-year warranty
- Price: $$
Werner Churchill Adjustable Fiberglass Canoe Paddle
The Werner Churchill is a top-class paddle based on technical design, comfort, durability, and performance.
It has an adjustable, straight, shaft with a light swing weight and a balance between flex and stiffness.
The durable, lightweight, carbon-blend blade with a long rectangular shape and dihedral ridge, and 10-degree blade-to-shaft offset, deliver smooth, stable, powerful strokes for cruising or river paddling.
This is probably the best paddle on the page and has a high price tag to show for it.
- Shaft Material: carbon blend
- Blade Material: fiberglass
- Length: 50-58 inches adjustable
- Weight: 20.4 ounces
- 10-degree blade to shaft offset
- Long, slender, rectangular blade
- Blade is dihedral in the middle of the power face for stable and smooth forward paddling
- Comfortable ABS palm grip
- Price: $$$$
Crooked Creek C11445 Synthetic Paddle with Hybrid Grip
This Crooked Creek Canoe Paddle comes with an ultra-low price and durability and performance that defies it.
It is constructed of rugged, relatively lightweight aluminum and ABS plastic that will give you years of reliable use.
The hybrid grip and rubber shaft sleeve make for a comfortable grip on this model that comes in four lengths from 48 to 66 inches to satisfy almost any size of paddler.
- Shaft Material: anodized aluminum
- Blade Material: durable ABS polymer
- Length: 48, 54, 60, 66 inches
- Weight: 24 ounces
- Rubber sleeve on the shaft for a good grip
- Floating
- Hybrid grip for a natural wrist and hand motion
- Price: $
Caviness Marine Twin Stripe Paddle
The Caviness Marine Twin Stripe is a solid performing low-price wood paddle.
It has a wedge insert and cross-grain end lamination for added strength and a comfortable palm grip to go along with the distinctive double-stripe look.
There is a large range of sizes available from 3.5 feet up to 6 feet in increments of 6 inches.
That means there is a size for all members of the family or for an easily stowed backup paddle.
- Shaft and Blade Material: wood
- Length: 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, and 72 inches
- Weight: 24 ounces (54-inch model)
- Twin-stripe design
- Cross-grain end lamination
- Wedge insert for increased strength
- Varnish finish
- Comfortable palm grip
- Price: $
Bending Branches Cruiser Plus 11 Canoe Paddle
The Cruiser Plus 11 Canoe Paddle is another in the excellent line by Bending Branches.
This one is similar to the BB Special described at the top, with a few differences.
The laminated wood used here is exclusively basswood and the blade is fiberglass-wrapped for extra strength.
Also, the blade at 8.5 x 20 inches is a little larger.
These subtle differences add to the power and set it up as a paddle for longer trips on lakes and rivers.
- Shaft and Blade Material: basswood laminate
- Length: 48, 50, 52, and 54 inches
- Weight: 22 ounces
- Fiberglass-wrapped blade for durability
- Wrap Around™ Rockgard® blade tip protection
- Comfortable palm grip
- Oval extra-strong 18-laminate shaft
- Powerful wide blade (larger than the BB Special)
- 11-degree blade-to-shaft offset reduces effort
- Price: $$$
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Canoe Paddle Buying Guide
Length
Choosing the length of your paddle is an important consideration. It needs to reach the water at the most efficient angle and it should be proportionate to your height. To determine the right length you can measure the distance from the floor to your chin when sitting at the height of your canoe seat. This explanation and video can help you determine the correct size.
One easy way to assure the right length is to purchase a paddle with an adjustable handle.
Weight
The weight of the paddle can have a big impact on your level of fatigue and endurance. If your strength or conditioning is a concern, a lightweight paddle will make a big difference.
Wooden paddles tend to be the heaviest. Aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, and carbon are all lighter and often used. Each has its special characteristics aside from weight like durability and flexibility to consider.
Materials
Traditionally canoe paddles were made of wood and many still are today and are preferred by many. Several other materials are used that can be mixed and matched to get the right performance, weight, durability, and price, among other characteristics.
- Wood – Still the most commonly used material, wood is the heaviest. For increased strength, it can be laminated and is usually coated in varnish or other materials like fiberglass or has a tip guard for more durability. Wood is warm to the touch and remains popular.
-
Plastic – Lightweight and affordable, plastic is often used in beginner or cheaper models most usually in the blades.
-
Aluminum – This is also a lightweight material that is durable and most often used in shafts but does more rarely appears in blades. Often an aluminum shaft will come with a plastic blade made of ABS or polypropylene, for example.
-
Fiberglass – This durable material is also lightweight and can be used as a reinforcement or as the main material in shafts or blades. It is practically maintenance-free and usually more expensive than wood, plastic, or aluminum.
- Carbon Fiber – Used in blade and shaft construction, carbon fiber is the lightest of these materials and is also exceptionally durable and expensive.
Blade Shape
Blades come in a range of shapes but for our purposes, they can be broken into two categories:
- Long, thin blades are best for cruising on flat water.
- Short, wide blades perform best in shallow water and rivers.
Shafts
The shape of the shaft can be round or oval. Many paddlers believe that oval shafts are more comfortable to grip. Some round shafts also have an oval portion at the gripping point.
Tradition shafts are straight which can be effective in all-around paddling. Bracing and maneuvering strokes can be well executed, so river and whitewater paddlers tend to prefer a straight shaft.
Bent shafts perform better for cruising and flatwater paddling. Maneuvering is not as important in such straight-line paddling. This type allows the blade to remain vertical in the water during the most powerful section of the stroke and aids in the paddle entering and exiting the water more smoothly. Commonly the angles run from about 7° to 14°.
Grips
Canoe paddles usually come in two shapes:
- Palm grip – The grip is shaped with a curve to fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. Also known as a teardrop or pear grip, it is ergonomic and can be comfortable over long periods of paddling.
- T-grip – This type is shaped like a capital T and allows you to wrap your fingers around the handle for a firm grip and more precise control of the paddle.
For more reviews of canoes, kayaks, boats, and accessories, please check out these popular posts:
Canoes Kayak Shoes Kayak Helmets Kayak Wetsuits Kayak Roof Racks Kayak Carts Kayak Drysuit Review Kayak Paddles Kayak Life Vests Women Kayak Life Vests Marine VHF Radios Small Outboard Motors Kayak Trolling Motors Kayak Fish Finders Marine GPS Marine Binoculars Women’s Kayaks Touring Kayaks Tandem Kayaks Whitewater Kayaks for Beginners Lake Kayaks Ocean Kayaks Fishing Kayaks Beginner Kayaks Recreational Kayaks Inflatable Kayaks Inflatable Boats
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