Our Pick of the Best Canoe Paddles on the Market After 2015

Canoeing is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and stay in shape, but you need the right paddle to make your adventure fun and enjoyable. It’s easy to assume that buying a paddle is a simple process, but it’s a bit more complicated than you might think.

Kwik Tek P-3 Telescoping Paddle With Boat Hook	Our favorite for 2020
Caviness RD Series Laminated Wood Paddle	A great value option
Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles	Nice paddle with durable aluminum construction

Whether you’re buying your first paddle or looking to upgrade your current one, here are some things to think about when you compare models:

• Paddle Type: Canoe paddle designs vary, and you’ll find both solid and adjustable models. Decide which type is the right one for you. While adjustable models can be used in just about any environment, the shaft is typically made of aluminum. Solid models are usually made of wood.
• Durability: When you’re out on the water, you want a paddle you can rely on. For this reason, it’s important to make sure that the paddle you’re considering is made of durable materials. Wood and aluminum are good options and will provide you with the durability you’re looking for.
• User Feedback: When you’re comparing paddles, look for user feedback. Most models have online reviews somewhere from real users. Their experiences will give you a good idea of whether the paddle is worth buying. Pay close attention to complaints, and avoid any models that seem to have serious flaws or defects.

Buying a canoe paddle doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve rounded up five of the top-selling paddles on the market to help you find the right one for your needs.

The Top 5 Canoe Paddles for 2020

Kwik Tek P-3  – The Kwik Tek P-3 is a telescoping paddle that offers an adjustable length of 25”-75”and a boat hook for easy use. With a variety of lengths to choose from, this is one of the most versatile paddles out there.

Featuring an aluminum shaft, the Tek P-3 is resistant to corrosion and features a bright orange blade that’s ideal for emergency situations. When you’re done using the paddle, the aluminum shaft disappears into the blade with a quick twist of the handle for compact storage.

The molded blade is designed to withstand high impacts, while the end of the handle features a convenient boat hook and easy locking device.

The extended length of this paddle makes it ideal for high profile boats.

Attwood Wood Canoe Paddle – Crafted with solid wood, the Atwood canoe paddle is compact in size and ideal for emergency situations. With a variety of sizes to choose from, you’re sure to find the right one for your boat size.

Atwood offers three lengths: 2-1/2 feet, 4-feet and 5-feet. Regardless of size, each paddle comes with a palm grip and a varnish finish.

While this paddle does not have a telescoping feature, it offers maximum durability and a sizable blade. Attwood also sources its items from the Feature Brand, which makes all of its paddles in the U.S.

If you’re looking for a wood paddle that will last, the Atwood canoe paddle is a smart choice.

Sun Dolphin Canoe Paddles – The Sun Dolphin canoe paddle comes in a set of two, and features an ergonomic T-handle that fits comfortable in your hands. Durable and lightweight, these paddles will help you get where you’re going faster and with less effort.

The polyethylene shaft is resistant to UV rays and corrosion, so you’ll get plenty of use out of these paddles. The durable black blade is also resistant to chipping.

One advantage that Sun Dolphin offers over its competitors is that these paddles come in packs of two. There’s no need to spend double the price just to get an extra paddle for your canoe. Plus, the two paddles come at a very reasonable price.

Caviness Marine Twin Stripe Paddle – The Marine Twin Stripe paddle from Caviness comes in a variety of sizes and offers a palm grip for comfortable use when you’re out on the water.

The Marine paddle comes in six sizes: 3’6”, 4’, 4.5’, 5’, 5.5’ and 6’. The blade is 6” x 16” and features a convenient wedge insert. The shaft is 1 1/4” at both the grip and the neck.

The wedge insert gives the tip of the paddle more strength for push offs on rocky bottoms or the shore.

Lightweight yet durable and reliable, this Caviness oar is a great choice for both beginner and experienced canoers alike.

Attwood Telescoping Paddle – Attwood’s telescoping paddle is ideal for emergency situations, with an orange handle and blade. The telescoping shaft extends up to 42” and the aluminum shaft is resistant to corrosion.

The high-impact plastic blade can withstand rough waters and push offs on rocky shores. A light weight of just 1lb 5oz makes this paddle a great choice for emergencies.

When collapsed, the paddle is just 20 3/4” – compact enough to fit neatly under a boat seat or storage compartment.

Durable and extendable, this paddle is ideal to keep on board for emergency situations. And its affordable price makes it hard to pass up.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right Option from All the Paddles for Canoes Out There

When buying a canoe paddle, there are several things you need to consider. Whether you’re planning on buying one for emergencies when you’re out on the boat or for actual canoeing, you want a paddle that’s reliable and durable. But aside from durability (which we covered earlier), you also want to consider:

• Canoe Paddle Length: The length of the paddle is one of the most important things to consider. Longer paddles are ideal for high profile boats and situations where you may need to push off a rocky bottom. Shorter paddles may be better suited for smaller users and boats. If you’re looking for a versatile paddle, consider buying one with a telescoping shaft that extends to different lengths.
• Weight: Naturally, you want a lightweight paddle, especially if you plan on using it for emergencies. The lighter the paddle, the longer you can row without getting fatigued. Aluminum paddles are extremely lightweight, but some wooden ones can be light as well. Always check the weight before you buy to make sure it’s in line with what you need.
• Material Type: When buying a paddle, you’ll generally find two types of materials: wood and aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, while wood is slightly more durable. The advantage of aluminum is that most models have telescoping shafts that allow you to extend the paddle’s length. Wood is typically solid and cannot be extended.
• Price: Finally, consider the cost of the oar. Don’t forget to factor in whether or not you’ll need to buy two. Some come as a pair, while others are sold in single packs. Having to buy two can boost the cost significantly, so keep this in mind.