why choose us

custom design and special orders
Bruce specializes in making your paddle just the way you want it.  Do you want a solid paddle for extensive canoe tripping?  Would you prefer a more dynamic, flexible, finely edged blade for solo paddling?  Or are you looking for something in between? Do you like a large grip or a slender one?  Do you like it rounded or fairly flat?  Bruce will hand craft exactly what you want.

unique features 
The grip of Bruce's paddles is shaped to fit perfectly into the cup of your hand. The shaft is then carved in an oval configuration. This fits the lower hand more comfortably while paddling and increases shaft strength.  

Bruce’s paddles are also designed with a secondary grip.  This unique feature was introduced by Bruce 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.   

Bruce also thickens the tip by 2-3 mm in order to resist splitting when the paddle gets jammed between two rocks.  (Always use the tip rather than the grip to push off rocks since the grip is the part of the paddle that your hand holds on to for 8 to 10 hours a day. You don’t want this to split or become rough and worn.) 

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

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.  For this reason, experienced canoe instructors over 30 years ago referred to Bruce’s paddles as “paddles with life”! We invite you to try them and see if you agree.