O'Blenis "O-Tail" Ottertail Canoe Paddle

Another great paddle Joe.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture ,maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

Thanks Jim…appreciate the feedback :)

-- "Do what you like, Like what you do"

I didn’t know paddles could look so good. I really like this one.

-- John @ Myrtle Beach

Hi John…thanks for that. I’ve got another one, nearly the same layup, just about finished right now as well. In total, I’ve got about 10 paddles underway right now. It keeps me going.

Cheers…Joe O’

-- "Do what you like, Like what you do"

beautiful work.

Realistically, how well do you think it will paddle? I was wondering if the blade was too long for a smooth stroke or a bit of hindrance in shallow water…

As I was thinking of these things and letting my mind meander down a gentle stream, I just told myself that these paddles of yours are just too nice to ever allow to get wet.

Really well designed and executed.

-- Al H. - small shop, small projects...

Thanks for the comments. I do build the paddles to be used and used hard though. Being wood, they are easy to refinish.
As far as “How will it paddle”.. it is pretty much a traditional type of design, in fact shorter than many of the blades in use both now and back in the day when canoes were the main mode of transport back during the fur trade era and earlier.
Myself, I prefer a shorter blade, near 20” or so and wider along with a bent shaft. That is more like what I used during a 6 month solo expedition I did in 2004 across Canada.
This “0”tail” blade was built for those preferring the long, slender traditional shape. The one in the photos went to the creator of a solo canoe tripping website here in Canada, solotripping.com
Thanks again for your comments.

Cheers…Joe O’
http://www.joeoblenis.com/

-- "Do what you like, Like what you do"