Thank you for stopping by Island Oars and Paddles where “custom” is our middle name and every customer is given individual attention in finding their perfect oar or paddle for their needs. My belief is that wood is a beautiful natural entity upon itself and by using a variety of woods, with their individual characterstics, results in a unique balance of strength, weight, and visual appeal. The majority of wood I use is logged here on the coast of British Columbia and is hand selected by myself for it’s grain and lack of imperfections. British Columbia is known for its top quality Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce and I have access to some of the finest air dried lumber available (kiln drying explodes the cell structure of the wood and makes for an inferior product). I also use the very dense and durable purpleheart or maple for my blade edges to keep the blades in good form after many years of use (and abuse). My goal is to produce the finest oars and dragon boat paddles available and to keep the business small, rather than mass produce an inferior product where the customer has limited choices in options or sizes. I have built oars for river rafters, drift boaters, sculling shells, yacht tenders, sailboats, venetian gondolas, dragon boat steering oars, yulohs for sculling and of course for the fine pulling boats that are a sight to behold as they gracefully slide through the water barely leaving a ripple as they go. I have recently delved into the dragon boat paddle market and plan to produce the finest wooden paddles available. What makes these paddles top quality? A sculpted handle which fits the hand better than a T-handle and adds a more refined look. An ovoid shaft with flat sides so the shaft has less tendency to twist in the hand. A hollow core shaft (optional) to reduce weight yet has all the strength needed to keep the paddle performing strongly for years to come. A 5 laminate shaft with the grain orientated perpendicular to the forces imparted on them. This ensures a stronger, stiffer and straighter shaft than a 3 piece or 1 piece wooden shaft. The shaft is built with different types of wood including douglas fir, sitka spruce or an optional center strip of mahogany or black walnut for a more visually pleasing paddle. The outer laminates are tight grained douglas fir known for its strength and ding resistance. The next 2 inner laminates are sitka spruce (which is the worlds strongest wood for its weight) and the centre laminate being either fir, spruce, or the optional mahogany or black walnut (other woods available upon request). Todays glues are stronger than the wood itself and will perform flawlessly for as long as you use the paddle, (the wood always breaks before the glue joint does). These paddles weigh 10-20% more than a high end carbon fiber paddle but will have the feel and beauty that only mother nature can truly provide. The blade itself is built to IDBF 202a race specification (approval pending) and is comprised of different woods for their weight, stiffness and colour contrast. The largest laminate is sitka spruce to reduce swing weight, a strip of black walnut to add contrast, then a strip of mahogany that is renowned for it’s golden colour and irredescence and the outer laminate is either maple or purple heart known for their incredible stiffness and ding resistance. The tip of the blade also has a strip of maple or purpleheart that serves two purposes; as a protective end to the blade to cover the end grain of the blades laminates, and to add torsional stiffness to the blade so it won’t flex as much thereby adding more power to every hard fought stroke. Each paddle is given 5 coats of high gloss marine spar varnish that will last for years to come. If the paddle becomes scratched or dinged a quick sanding with 220 grit sandpaper and a coat or two of spar varnish will have it looking as good as new again. Feel free to call or email me with any questions you may have. These paddles are designed with two things in mind, to be strong and light and to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. If you paddle regularily and know the price of equipment in other sports you’ll realize that these may cost a little more than the average wooden paddle, but they will be a small investment for the hours of pleasure you receive using them. Imagine 24 of these paddles glinting in the sun and the pride your team will have with matching paddles custom built for your team! Each paddle will be built to IDBF 202a spec (approval pending) and is built to length so please specify the length you desire from 1050mm to 1300mm (41 3/8” to 51 1/8”). Price: $179 per paddle. All the best and happy paddling, 1-250-982-0003
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