Paddles

Reproduction Willits Brothers Paddles

$250 per paddle

The Willits brothers made their own paddles to propel their canoes. They were machine made of Sitka spruce and were amazingly consistent in size, shape, and quality. To accommodate machining they offered only three paddle lengths - 4 1/2, 5, and 5 1/2 feet.

I can't reproduce the exact machining that the brothers executed, but I can make a hand-carved version from clear, straight-grained Sitka spruce. Because I'm not tied to a machine template I can make any length paddle you desire. Each paddle is finished to perfection with multiple coats of spar varnish.

These paddles are must-haves for owners of Willits canoes. Come to think of it, they are a great paddle for anyone!

Northwoods Paddles

$250 per paddle

A Northwoods paddle features a unique extended flat grip that facilitates the recovery of the paddle in the water after the power stroke. It also allows you to choke up on the paddle by moving your hand lower on the grip when a shorter paddle is needed.

I carve these paddles by hand from clear, vertical-grained Sitka spruce. The blade is a classic beaver tail shape. Traditionally, the grip is left unvarnished, but I can finish your whole paddle with spar varnish, if desired.