Canoe paddles are no longer limited to traditional wooden options, with consumers having the choice of synthetic or metal materials. Different shapes and designs, such as straight or cupped blades and bent shafts, are also available. However, each material has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability and resistance to the elements.
The stereotypical and traditional view of canoe equipment includes long wooden paddles for rowing. However, a quick perusal of any sporting goods or other retail establishment that offers canoe accessories reveals many other options regarding the different types of canoe paddles. In short, consumers have the option of paddling wooden, synthetic, or metal canoes. Examples of options specific to canoe paddles include traditional wooden shafts, aluminum with synthetic blades, synthetic wrapped canoe paddles, or all-synthetic construction. Consumers also have options in terms of the overall shape of the paddle, with options for straight or cupped blades, as well as bent shafts.
Traditional wooden paddles are made from select hardwood. Typically such paddles appear as one piece and are treated with a water resistant epoxy finish. The blade, the section of the paddle placed in the water to push or pull the canoe through the water, is made of several strips of wood, joined together to provide a seamless surface. Although waterproof, wooden shovels are not waterproof and are therefore subject to rot, mildew, separation of the seam on the blade, and other destructive elements.
Metal blades generally have an aluminum or other lightweight metal shaft. Handles, paddle blades, and other components are usually made of a synthetic material such as vinyl, plastic, or resin. Such paddles offer a lighter weight than wooden paddles. Also, metal canoe paddles are not subject to the same mold and rot problems as wooden paddles. Most fungus and similar damage is limited to the paddle surfaces and is easily cleaned.
Synthetic materials are also commonly used to wrap canoe paddles or to serve as the base for the construction of a piece. Canoe paddles may have a metal or wooden core, which is then dipped in vinyl or other resins to protect the paddle from exposure to the elements. Alternatively, the paddles can feature a fully synthetic design, with handles, shafts, and blades all made of synthetic material. In terms of durability, synthetic materials present the most protection against the elements, but such canoe paddles are not indestructible. Continued exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight can weaken plastics, warp vinyl, and cause resins to crack over time.
In addition to material construction, today’s canoe paddles also feature a variety of paddle and blade shapes. Wooden paddles have straight or bent shafts, allowing for different rates of water dispersal. Metal canoe paddles have options for straight or bent shafts, as well as straight or cupped blades. Cupped blades allow a shorter blade to disperse as much water as a full-size blade, often with less physical effort.
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