About Andy Convery

Andy's various careers over the years seem to have conspired to bring him to the point of starting this company: he studied visual arts, completed a Masters in Fine Arts – in sculpture, and maintained a wood shop for the past ten years. Simultaneously, he operated The Path Less Paddled canoe tripping and instruction company, taught ORCA moving water courses, both privately and at Madawaska Kanu Center, and worked as an Outward Bound instructor and high school environmental education teacher. His concern for environmental impacts has been a lifelong venture, and his vision includes eventually taking the Echo Paddles workshop off the grid to use solar and wind power exclusively.

As an avid canoe tripper, playboater and slalom racer, Andy is constantly refining what makes a paddle great to use in different circumstances and different boats. Innovative designs and construction techniques are what keep him excited about making paddles, along with striving to make that perfect paddle. Perhaps when he achieves that he will pack it in and make boats or something, but until then he hopes you enjoy using your Echo Paddles as much as he enjoys making them.

Andy's commitment to his craft has been recognized with grants and awards on a number of occasions:

• Ontario Arts Council Project Grant, 1996
• Canada Council Short Term Grant, 1995
• Ontario Arts Council Project Grant, 1995
• Ontario Arts Council Project Grant, 1994
• Sheridan College President’s Award, 1990
• University of Toronto Sculpture Award, 1989