why choose us

a master craftsman & canoeist who hand carves each paddle...

Bruce with the next paddle blank

Using the rasp for shaping

Sanding... then applying finish.. and more sanding with steel wool

Bruce is one of a rare breed of paddle makers who truly carves every single paddle by hand. While he uses the band saw and the occasional electrical hand sander in addition to his spoke shaves, rasps and good old-fashioned sandpaper, he does not use any copy lathes or CNC machines. With over forty years of experience, he is a master at the art of individually carving paddles. 

This individualized carving allows him to accommodate the innate features of each piece of wood, which always vary, piece by piece, even within the same species. For example, two pieces of Black Cherry can vary in density, flexibility and strength. Therefore, each piece will be carved a little differently; a little thinner here, a little thicker there. The end result is not only a unique, one-of-a-kind creation but also a paddle of superior performance.                                                                                                                                                                                             And of course, Bruce is an experienced master level canoeist. Because of his many years of paddling and tripping, he knows what characteristics are needed to make a paddle perform superbly in various settings. Carving canoe paddles over those many years, he has honed his craft to a quality that satisfies his own adventurous and aesthetic standards. It is this blend of experience that makes Bruce unique: the intimate knowledge of canoeing as well as an artist's skill in working with wood.  It is this blend that you receive when you "choose us".

custom design and special orders

Custom wood burning of initials and date

Modified Ottertail; blade widened & narrowed as requested

Bruce specializes in providing you with paddles that meet your individual needs.  

We offer a number of blade designs to choose from... and can also modify them if you wish. 
We can recommend the appropriate paddle. Do you want a solid, strong paddle for extensive canoe tripping? Would you prefer a more dynamic, flexible, finely edged blade for solo paddling?  
Are you looking for something in between - more multi-functional? 
Paddle lengths are obviously customized to your specifications.  

Bruce will either find something in his existing stock of unique paddles, or carve what you want. He collaborates with you to incorporate your custom features, yet ensures that the paddle is still well-balanced and functional.

Each paddle has Bruce's initials and simple, small "tree" symbol wood burned by hand into one side of the grip. 
To personalize a paddle, further simple, rustic wood burning of initials, names, dates or simple phrases can be done. (He's a man of many talents...)

unique features 

Black Cherry grip; wider secondary grip

Bird's Eye Maple Grip; narrower secondary grip

Thickened blade tips & oval shafts

The grip of Bruce's paddles is shaped to fit perfectly into the cup of your hand, is extremely comfortable and can also be customized for size.

Bruce’s paddles are also designed with a secondary grip.  
This unique feature was introduced in his paddles in the mid 1970’s.  Historically, many First Nations people used some form of this grip alone (without the top grip). It provides the opportunity to push from this grip, using the paddle as a fulcrum. This gives the paddler a second paddling position, especially useful on long trips. Canoe instructors have also found this feature very useful in one handed solo paddling manoeuvres like running and standing pry, and one-handed sculling.    

The shaft is carved in an oval configuration, fitting the hand more comfortably and increasing shaft strength.  

Bruce also thickens the blade tip by 2-3 mm for added strength to help resist splitting from those unforeseen times when the paddle gets jammed between two rocks... or whatever paddling situation arises. While it's always best not to abuse a beautiful wooden paddle,  this thickened tip helps to withstand normal canoeing contact. 

finest materials and workmanship

Picking out a paddle from his beautiful selection of figured black cherry, walnut and maples

Array of colours and grains smoothly finished

Bruce selects only the finest wood for his paddles with the highest grading standard. This yields striking and beautiful grain patterns and still provides great resistance to splitting at the tip. 

We've considered having paintings done on our paddles in the past - and decided against it. 

Because our paddles are made from such beautiful woods, the grain and colouring create natural "artwork" on the paddle, which we love. And Bruce is always on the lookout for cuts of wood that are artistically pleasing and unique.

Bruce's paddles are also sanded and oiled to the smoothest of finishes. Combined with fine blade edges, a flexible yet strong blade, an oval shaft and perfect overall balance, the canoeist is treated to luxury on the water. 

 Experienced canoe instructors have referred to Bruce’s paddles as 
“paddles with life!” 
We invite you to try them... and see if you agree.