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PADDLE
BUYING GUIDE

HOW TO CHOOSE A PADDLE

Shop Paddles
So you’ve chosen your Old Town watercraft and now you can’t wait to get out there. But before you go, you’ll need the perfect paddle, and we’ve made choosing the right one even easier. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, we’ll help you find the most comfortable, durable paddle for your favorite way to spend a day outdoors.
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Paddles for All

Kayaking: whether you’re taking on choppy waters or just want a scenic glide across a lake, we have a kayak paddle to keep your turns sharp and strokes smooth.

SHOP KAYAK PADDLES

Canoeing: a leisurely day on the river calls for canoe gear as classic as the scenery. Using lightweight materials like aluminum, and features like ergonomic grip design, these paddles make for easy maneuvering, whether you’re on whitewater, river, or flatwater.

SHOP CANOE PADDLES

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Kayak Paddles

Recreation: find durability, performance and value in models like Magic and Magic Plus

SHOP RECREATION PADDLES

Touring: designed for power and efficiency over distance or more time on the water, paddles with dihedral blade designs and lightweight material help you glide through the water

SHOP TOURING PADDLES

Fishing: an asymmetrical blade with a cutout hook, like our Magic Angler model, makes getting to your fish, or retrieving your snagged lure, a breeze

SHOP FISHING PADDLES

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Canoe Paddles

Recreation: for a long-lasting and multi-use paddle with a sleek design

SHOP RECREATION PADDLES

Touring: for rivers and shallow water, look for a shorter and wider paddle

SHOP TOURING PADDLES

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PADDLE CONSIDERATIONS

KAYAK PADDLES
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BLADE SHAPE

Contemporary, asymmetrical blades like the spoon shape maximize surface area, capturing more water to pull you further through with each stroke. For stability, the ribbed center of a dihedral blade reduces flutter for a smooth stroke.
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BLADE SIZE

When combined with sturdy upper body strength, long, narrow blades create relaxed strokes ideal for touring. On whitewater, choose a blade with less surface area for powerful strokes that can still reduce the risk of injury.
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BLADE MATERIAL

Activity determines blade materials—a rugged day on whitewater calls for heavy-duty polypropylene that can withstand high impact, while the ultimate strength-to-weight ratio on longer touring trips favors lightweight fiberglass blades.
CANOE PADDLES
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BLADE SHAPE

For less fatigue on flatwater, choose a shape that was inspired by nature: the beavertail blade. To move water faster and get going, a square tip blade will push you forward.
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BLADE MATERIAL

From the warm, traditional feel of wood to transmit the feel of the water, to the durability of virtually maintenance-free polypropylene, there’s a perfect paddle for you.
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PICK YOUR PADDLE AND GET GOING

A leisurely day or your next great adventure, on the water is where you belong.