paddle blade designs
the bruce smith classic
The Bruce Smith Classic is a multi-purpose paddle, popular with many canoeists.
In the 1970's Bruce was asked by a group of canoe instructors to design a unique hybrid solo/tripping paddle.
So he did.
High shoulders make it excellent for style paddling. Yet the straight, non-tapered sides make for an extremely reliable blade in every tripping situation, from shallow water to deep, still water to rapids.
Designed for solo paddling, lake travel, general tripping
the ottertail
The Ottertail has been a popular style since the 1970’s.
Like the Voyageur, this blade is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, but is generally more rounded.
This allows it to slice the water easily, performing dynamically in the water.
Designed for style manoeuvring, solo paddling, lake travel, general tripping
the modified ottertail
The modifed Ottertail, as its name suggests, takes the features of the regular Ottertail, and widens more at the top and tapers more at the bottom. It is a popular custom order due to the fact that the width and taper can be adjusted to preference.
Many find it an elegant looking paddle.
Designed for solo paddling, style manoeuvring and deep water paddling
the tripper
The Tripper blade is similar to the Bruce Smith Classic but with a fuller configuration.
This allows it to pull more water especially in rougher, windier weather situations.
Very good all-round design for canoe trips, shallow water and rapids.
However, it does generally require more strength to use.
Designed for general tripping
the voyageur
The Voyageur, as its name suggests, was historically used by the voyageurs.
Its long, narrow blade, widest at the top, pulls the water extremely efficiently without placing excessive strain on the paddler.
Designed for distance lake travel
the morning mist (formerly passamaquoddy)
The Morning Mist is based on an East Coast First Nation's design.
Bruce's version has less taper on the blade to add a little more strength to the tip.
It is a very attractive design and also an efficient paddle, especially in deep water.
Designed for deep water paddling
the beavertail
The Beavertail is a traditional paddle that harkens back to childhood camps and family cottages.
It has a greater surface area near the bottom of the blade, enabling it to move larger amounts of water when necessary, but also requiring a little more strength to do so.
Fun to use around the lake or on a quiet river.
Designed for light, recreational use