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Otter Creek Paddle Features
- Balanced lightweight design
- Multi-laminated blade and shaft for strength and warp resistance
- Smooth, deep contoured grip
- Oval shaft for positive control
- Unbreakable plastic tip or hardwood insert for blade protection and abrasion resistance
- Tough, durable varnish finish
- Handmade by skilled craftsmen
- Only finest materials used
Sizing Your Otter Creek Paddle
Regardless of the model of straight or bent shaft paddle you have selected, the size should be determined by the shaft length rather than the over-all length.
The following formula applies: The shaft length should equal the distance from one's shoulder to the waterline of the canoe. To determine this distance, sit erect on a chair and measure from your chin to the seat. Add 6" to this figure to get the approximate shaft length.
Thus, someone whose chin to chair measurement is 26", would add 6" to come up with a 32" shaft length. *This is equal to a 52" Touring Bent Shaft, a 54" to 56" Sugar Island or a 60" Ottertail.
*This figure represents a rough guide from which a plus/minus 2" comfort range should be considered. Also, canoe seat placement will affect shaft length.
Choosing Your Otter Creek Paddle
Traditional:
These paddles are ideal for deep water wilderness canoeing, singling and style paddling. Its long, slender blade makes it aesthetically functional, and the resilient construction causes less muscle fatigue.
Recreational:
These paddles are designed for all-around touring, shallow rivers, and limited whitewater. The short, wide "laminar flow" blade and multi-laminted shaft offer strength, durability and good performance.
Bent shafts:
These are ecxellent shallow or deep water paddles that offer increased efficiency through paddle design and paddling technique. The blade of the paddle is offset from the shaft to allow the blade to remain vertical to the canoe's path throughout the stroke.  This improves the efficiency of each stroke and allows shorter strokes at an increased stroke rate. These factors coupled with a "sit and switch" technique -(i.e. changing sides every twelve strokes or so to reduce fatigue and steering correction), make Otter Creek bent shafts hard to beat for long distance paddling.
Care of Your Otter Creek Paddle
Although the varnish on your paddle is quite durable, it is no match for rock abrasions. Nicks and scratches should be sanded out and a new finish applied annually.
Solid wood paddles should not be left standing or leaning for long periods of time or warping may occur. It is better that they are left hanging from the handle, or laying down.
| BUNKIES! New for 2009 |
These custom made bunkies can be installed anywhere and are ready to go. Email us or call to order yours now!
Click on the bunkie to download a flyer.
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