The 10 Best Wood Canoe Paddles

Extremely durable and not as expensive as you might think, the Bending Branches BB Special (about $119) is a beloved choice for a wide range of reasons. It's comfortable and warm in the hands, for example, and it features the brand's Rockgard tip for outstanding protection.

The Carlisle Beavertail (around $89) is crafted from basswood, which makes it light and easy to maneuver. It comes in three sizes, 54, 57, and 63 inches, and each has a urethane reinforced guard that will keep the end protected for the long haul.

You may not even want to dip this Bending Branches Cruiser Plus 11 (around $140) into a lake, as its blend of dark and light hardwoods is eye-catching, to say the least. As with other models from this brand, it's handcrafted in Osceola, Wisconsin.

For extreme environments, the ZJ Sport Hawaii Hybrid (about $144) is a solid selection that blends a wooden shaft with a Kevlar and carbon fiber blade that can take whatever you throw at it. The former is handcrafted, bent slightly, and feels well balanced as you hold it.

This Bending Branches Sunburst ST (appx. $215) claims to be for the elitist, perhaps due to its combination of basswood and red alder paired with a T-700 carbon fiber shaft. The sum of these materials is an extremely light model that is as powerful as it is attractive.

If a day out in nature is just an occasional indulgence for you, you might find that the Shoreline Marine Propel (appx. $20) will suit your needs. You'd have to search high and low to get one that's much cheaper, so if you lose or break it, it's not the end of the world.

The Crooked Creek 4-Foot (around $15) may be on the inexpensive side, but it's ready to get wet thanks to a high-quality, waterproof urethane finish. The epoxy tip helps it stand up to bumps and scrapes, too, so you can venture into a variety of conditions.

Life can occasionally be tough for taller folks, but canoeing doesn't have to be, since the Carlisle Ausable (appx. $24) comes in ample lengths all the way up to 72 inches. It flexes slightly to give you feedback and retains warmth to keep your mitts comfortable.

The Attwood 2.5-Foot (around $13) is not exactly a sleek, professional model, but for first-time users who may not stick with the activity, it could work out fine. It's also the pick of those creating outdoorsy decor, since it's not too expensive and can be easily painted and hung.

The Caviness Marine Twin Stripe (appx. $28) gives you superior components you'd normally see on much more expensive options, including a first-rate grip and an elegant look with, you guessed it, two stripes. It's fine for general, all-around use for both novices and the experienced.