Explorer Plus Performance Wood Canoe Paddle

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Details
Explorer Plus Performance Wood Canoe Paddle

A favorite for wilderness tripping and flat water paddling, the Bending Branches Explorer wood canoe paddle is even more durable with a fiberglass blade wrap that will withstand heavy use. The nine laminate blade is made with butternut, basswood, and red alder for paddlers looking for a superb straight paddle.

Product Specifications
Blade Size: 
8" x 20"
Grip Type: 
Freestyle Palm Grip
Explorer Plus Performance Wood Canoe Paddle Freestyle Palm Grip
Lengths Available: 
52 in
54 in
56 in
58 in
60 in
Rockgard Color: 
Caramel
Shaft Type: 
21 Laminate : Shafts are ovalized for more natural feel and comfort.
Weight: 
23 oz : weight based on average weight of 54” paddle: due to the natural variations in wood, weight could vary by +/- 10%
Wood Type: 
Basswood, Butternut & Red Alder
Find Your Size

Beautifully-crafted from multiple hardwoods, these high-tech, ergonomically-sound paddles are designed for the canoe elitist who wants the finest in power, comfort, and beauty.

  • Designed for weeklong or day trips on lakes and rivers.
  • Blade tips should be made of resin for durability.
  • These exquisite paddles are typically available in both bent and straight shafts.

While many methods exist, a simple and accurate way is to measure your torso. Sit up straight on a flat surface and measure from the surface in between your legs to your nose. Follow the chart below:

Canoe Paddle Sizing Chart
Torso Size Straight Shaft Canoe Paddle Length
20" Youth 36"
22" Youth 42"
24" Youth 48"
26" 51" or 52"
28" 54"
30" 56" or 57"
32" 57" or 58"
34" 60"
36" 62"
38" 64"

An easy way to measure in the field is to place the grip of the paddle between your legs (while sitting) and mark where the shoulder is (where blade meets shaft). The shoulder on a straight shaft should be at your forehead; the shoulder on a bent shaft should be at your nose. Note: this is only a guideline to sizing. Seat height, style of paddling, and arm length can all effect the size you need. Demo paddling is always recommended.

Canoe Paddle Sizing Video
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Dealer search can use one of the following methods:
  • City, State/Province for United States or Canada
  • United States or Canadian Postal Code
  • United States or Canadian State/Province, full name or abbreviation
  • The name of a country.

Please Note
We’ve done our best to show you the dealers in your area who carry our products. However, please call ahead to make sure your local dealer has the specific product you want in the specific size you need. In the unlikely event that you can’t find exactly what you want, any of our dealers will gladly handle your special order for any Bending Branches paddle. All of our paddles are readily available from our factory.

Comments

Submitted by Tom R (not verified) on Tue, 08/23/2011 - 10:47
This is my "go to" paddle! Most of my paddling is done in shallow sand/rock/gravel rivers where there are lots of twists and turns. My Explorer Plus has performed just great in these conditions and really held up well. I even use it to "pole" our 17' tandem across the occasional sandbar and never worry about breaking this bombproof paddle. Whether you need to muscle against the current going upstream or finesse through the twist & turns you won't go wrong with an Explorer Plus. Love it!