Grand Rapids Paddle Co. designs and creates canoe paddles with unique and tactile qualities for the canoeist who appreciates the difference with every stroke. Crafted to each owner’s individual specifications, one size most definitely does not fit all. I create the paddles from carefully selected woods such as black cherry, sassafras curly or bird’s-eye maple.
My inspirations can be historical or whimsical-among the North American Woodland Indians, French voyageurs, or the wildlife small and large you may see while on the river. A hand-crafted canoe paddle that fills your heart as well as it does your hand. A tool with integrity, highly sensitive to your commend, enabling you to carve sweet water as quietly as you would traverse a spruce needle portage— A paddle not laminated from scrap or covered with fiberglass. Instead, one that is hand carved from a single piece of hardwood, watchfully removed from old-growth forest, and finished with multiple coats in oil or varnish. An uncommon tool such as this is not stored with others in the garage or potting shed. No, it most often earns a place within reach of a favorite easy chair, or in a place of honor above the mantle of a flickering fire. Scroll down to see our designs and character of the paddles. Yes, they are for sale, please email me info@customcanoepaddle.com Interested in having your own canoe paddle? I would look forward to talking with you about your ideas and what we can design for you. ”Man’s heart away from nature becomes hard.” -Standing Bear
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Model No 101/ Leap Frog Paddle
I was walking on a jack pine needle covered portage along the bank of a quiet pond when a huge leopard frog launched like it was shot from a circus canon. All tucked together, it pierced the water and disappeared under a pile of rotting autumn leaves, a puff of ancient mud erupted from the leaves as he dove in. I paused for a few moments to see if he would surface-but he stayed concealed. Materials: Michigan Black Cherry & Curly Maple Blade Width: 5.75 inches Paddle Length: 63 inches  |
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Model No 102/ Wild Feather Paddle
Inspired by an early photograph circa 1880 of a Kingsclear First Nation Maliseet Indian standing proud in his canoe. This paddle was most likely refined over many a stealthy trek in the pursuit of fish and game. The deep red transparent color is an attempt to duplicate the natural stains used long ago; sumac pods, beets or fruit from the cranberry bog. Materials: Michigan Black Cherry Blade Width: 6 inches Paddle Length: 62 inches |
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Model No 103/ French Voyager Paddle
Found near the current site of Stillwater Minnesota, the original inspiration for this paddle was on view at the Minnesota History Center. This interpretation is carved and (incised) from curly hard maple wood. Imagine the importance of a paddle if your life depended on getting to beaver country and back before the thin sheet ice covered your water trail home (sheet ice can easily slice a birch canoe in half at the waterline). I’m guessing the useful attributes of this most important survival tool was vehemently defended by its owner/maker. Most likely carved in the yellow glow of a neat riverbank fire at the end of a long day on the water. Would have been fun to set in on this continental little circle of fellowship ---trouble is the French have a different word for everything. Materials: Curly Hard Maple Blade Width: 6.5 inches Paddle Length: 62.25 inches |
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Model No 104/ Cabin 6 Paddle
The original of this paddle was found tucked behind the door of Cabin 6 (of 8) at the long closed ‘Camp We Wa Na Lodge-Tourist Rooms Live Bait’. The Camp was built in 1921 on the copper mining water storage basin “Au Train” near Munising in Michigan's upper peninsula. The paddle was spotted when Cabin 6 was being modernized? Really? Like there is something wrong with smoky toned logs, printed linoleum and a wall mounted bottle opener with a “Forest Stream” tobacco tin underneath to catch stray caps. Makes me want to take up smoking... The new owner Mr. Blanding takes a vacation kind of guy, was kind enough to let me trace the paddle outline on butcher paper acquired from a friendly butcher at the nearby blinker light. Locals say Ernest Hemmingway often stayed in Cabin #6. He would arrive with his canoe over turned on an early Studebaker built hay wagon. The colorful local brookies ducked under the tag alder choked river bank when he checked in. “Don’t call me and my black Woodard frying pan late for dinner”. Materials: Sassafras from Imlay City Michigan Blade Width: 6 inches Paddle Length: 64 inches  |
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Model No 105/ Green Snake Paddle
Originally found at a Greenville Maine home, I first saw the original version of this paddle at an auction for important folk art. Purported to be the instrument of a very colorful local fishing guide occasionally and affectionately referred to as “Sneaky.” I wonder if over a few tips on the brown jug with his paddle propped close by, anyone ever mistakenly blurted out “please pass the jug Snakey.” Makes sense, could happen...
Materials: Michigan Black Cherry Blade Width: 6.5 inches Paddle Length: 63.25 inches |
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Model No 106/ Red Snake Paddle
A folk relative of the Green Snake, the Red Snake is found in brighter climbs on higher ground. You may conclude this version as a bit petite. The shaft is 1 inch in diameter and certainly not poisonous. We ask you to politely refer to this little number as the “ladies cut” Materials: Michigan Black Cherry & Curly Maple Blade Width: 5.5 inches Paddle length: 63 inches. |
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Model No 107/ The Portage Paddle
Styled from pictures and drawings this paddle is a version of what a French voyager would use. The narrowed blade tip makes for very quiet entry into the water. Helpful if you are secretly gliding up on a moose to shoot for a picture in your adventure journal. Materials: Michigan Black Cherry Blade Width: 6 inches Paddle length: 60 inches |
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Model No 108/ Whitney Creek Paddle
As my daughter was about to graduate from an institution of higher learning, I wanted to give her a special gift; something to propel and protect her on the river… the river of life.
I carved this paddle to celebrate her achievement. The hand written inscription reads “May you always be self propelled.” It must of worked because she is an independent world traveler. Material: Western Red Cedar recycled from her original bunk bed Blade Width: 5.5 inches Paddle Length: 59 inches  |