Choosing the Proper Canoe Paddle Grip
5-minute read
Comfort, efficiency and performance are your three top priorities when canoeing (safety is a given!). Having the right paddle grip plays a big part in that.
When you choose your grip, be sure to consider the type of paddling you’ll do most, from short whitewater trips to long-distance touring and everything in between.
One of the advantages of choosing a Bending Branches canoe paddle—especially over the run-of-the-mill paddles you’ll find in big box stores—is that you have several grip options.
We hand-construct our paddles with one of three main types of grips:
- Symmetric or freestyle palm grips
- Asymmetric or directional palm grips
- T-grips
Let’s take a look at each of these in detail…
Symmetrical or Freestyle Palm Grips
We put symmetrical or freestyle grips on most of our straight shaft paddles. Many canoeists prefer this grip because no matter how you pick up and hold it, it’ll work for you.
It’s especially great for novice paddlers. It's easier to maneuver your canoes and helps keep things simple as you learn and become more adept at paddling. You can never hold your paddle the wrong way.
This contoured palm grip is super comfortable no matter which way you hold it.
Bending Branches has five paddle options with our symmetrical grip, all under $200 (2025 prices):
- The Traveler and Beavertail are the most affordable, and great for the family cabin. The Beavertail has the traditional long, narrow blade used in deep water lake paddling, a cool and classic look.
- Explorer Plus is a long-time straight shaft favorite, made with wilderness tripping in mind.
- Then we have the straight shaft versions of Java and Catalyst. Equally well made as their bent shaft counterparts (shown in the next section), but with a straight blade and freestyle grip for maximum flexibility on the water.
Asymmetric or Directional Palm Grips
All our bent shaft paddles and a couple of our straight shaft models have the asymmetric or directional palm grip. This means the grip is designed to be held only one way—it’ll feel awkward if you hold the paddle backward. Since many canoeists find it confusing to know which way to hold a bent shaft paddle at first, this is helpful!
The benefit of this grip is that due to its design, it provides for a more ergonomic paddle stroke. You'll be able to paddle for long periods with less effort, especially when combined with the bent shaft blade, which is also designed for an effortless stroke.
That means less fatigue over several hours, and less pain if you have wrist, elbow or shoulder issues.
Asymmetric grips are especially popular for all-day and multi-day canoe trips when you’re on the water for hours at a time. You’ll find it amazingly comfortable.
Bending Branches paddle options with our asymmetric grip include:
- BB Special and Cruiser Plus 11 are our most affordable bent shaft canoe paddles with the asymmetric grip. They both come in at under $200 (2025 prices) and are a couple of our best-selling canoe paddles.
- Our Loon and Arrow paddles are also very affordable. These are both straight shaft models with the asymmetric grip, making them extremely comfortable for those who love long days with a straight shaft over a bent shaft.
- Next is Catalyst 11, a unique blade made from first-quality wood scraps left behind from our other blade designs, giving it a mosaic look. It’s a great combo of performance and sustainability at an affordable price.
- Java 11 is our lightest all-wood paddle (only 19 ounces) with an attractive pinstripe design in the blade and a solid wood shaft. Despite its light weight, it’s still tough enough for most canoe adventures.
- The Viper is our most ergonomic paddle option for canoeists. It’s constructed with a double blend in the shaft for unbeatable comfort, especially because it’s combined with the asymmetric palm grip.
- Finally, we have the Black Pearl 11, our full-carbon model that weighs in at just 16 ounces. Designed for elite canoeists and anyone who loves the sleek black look and ultra-lightweight.
T-grips
T-grips give canoeists the greatest amount of leverage and control. Paddlers in whitewater and those who need maximum power and agility will often choose a T-grip paddle.Â
For these paddlers, control is more important than comfort—and you will sacrifice just a bit of comfort using this grip. That said, our T-grip is one of the most hand-friendly and comfortable on the market!
Five Bending Branches canoe paddles are constructed with a T-grip:
- The Twig is our paddle made just for kids. The T-grip makes it easy for small hands to handle and hang on to.
- Expedition Plus is our most durable canoe paddle, designed for the most demanding wilderness trips. Its Power T-grip helps paddlers take on up to Class II whitewater as well as large flatwater lakes.
- Sunburst ST and Sunburst 11 have a striking sunburst blade design with a carbon shaft, tying for our second-lightest canoe paddle at just 17 ounces. Sunburst ST is the straight shaft version with a symmetric/T-grip bled. Sunburst 11, the bent shaft version, has an asymmetric/T-grip blend.
- Finally, Black Pearl ST has a freestyle (or symmetric)/T-grip blend similar to Sunburst 11. It offers high maneuverability ideal for fast water and quick turns.
As a paddler or prospective paddler, it’s important for you to know the benefits of each grip style and to try as many as you can. Find a local Bending Branches dealer that offers a wide selection so you can get your hands on them and feel the difference.
Keep in mind what type of canoeing you plan to do the most, then decide which of these grip types will work the best for you. Grip size can differ between the different paddle styles as well, so it’s important you choose one that fits your hands well.
(Originally written in 2015 and updated in 2025)
Can our Wisconsin-based Customer Service team answer your questions about paddle grips? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com. Or choose our online chat option.
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