Paddle Tips Blog

I was honoured to be commissioned again this year to make a paddle for the Honorary Riverkeeper.  This year’s recipient is Claudette Commanda. 

With this paddle, I wanted to use only edge tools and leave the hand of the maker that is so often erased in today's production methods. 

I dipped back in time to use a historical tool made by the legendary canoe and paddle builder Omar Stringer that was given to me several years ago. I was new to this tool and it took...

How To Take Care Of Your Wood Paddle

Our paddles are incredibly robust and can take quite a beating. But they do require a little care and maintenance. In this video, you'll learn how to take care of your Echopaddle so you'll have it for years of great adventures.

Learn how to...

• Inspect your wood paddle for wear and tear
• Choose the right sandpaper to clean up your paddle (and avoid making it look worse!)
• Care for your grip and find the right oil to refinish it
• ...

One of the first questions I get asked about Echo's composite whitewater canoes is "what if it hits a rock and pins?" 

I still think we should judge a boat more by how it paddles than by how badly we can damage it, however this is certainly a valid question. 

We don't want you stranded at the side of a river somewhere!

This summer we got our answer when we managed to pin our Starlight in a rapid on the Dumoine River (not by choice).

I had confidence in the layup but,...

 Contents Of The Kit:

Kevlar patch cloth

Fiberglass patch cloth

Peel ply

Epoxy resin and hardener

Kevlar cutting shears

Acid swab brushes

Nitrile gloves