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Canoe Paddle

A canoe paddle is used in the propulsion of the boat. They have a blade on one end which can vary in size depending on the type of water conditions it will be used in. For travelling long distances over open water large blades are used to maximize the force applied to the water. In rough conditions smaller blades are used to minimize drag from the wind.

To use a canoe paddle grip the top of the shaft, this often has a small handle, with one hand and use the other hand to grip the shaft a few inches above the blade. Now the blade can be dipped into the water and used as a lever to push the water backwards and the canoe forward. Repeat as necessary and switch sides to turn.

A canoe paddle can be made from a variety of materials. The earliest ones were made from wood and carved into their shape which made every paddle very unique and customized to the individual paddler. Many paddles today are still made from wood, but aluminum and plastics are increasingly being used for lower weight. Carbon composite paddles are the lightest and also the most expensive paddles and are typically used in white water conditions.

 

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