Canoe paddle

The canoe paddle is an essential part of a canoeing trip. It is both the method of propulsion as well as the primary means of steering the boat. Without a paddle, a canoe would be useless.

Traditionally, a canoe paddle was typically made from wood. While this type of paddle is still quite common, many today are made from lighter-weight materials such as plastic and aluminum. Because lighter paddles cause less fatigue, these paddles are increasingly popular.

A canoe paddle is often sized for the person using it. In most instances, a paddle will be about 50-60 inches in length, but again, this can vary. In addition, one must decide between a straight and a bent-shaft paddle.