Carlisle Ausable Wooden Canoe Paddle

Have no previous canoe experience but from first to third times out using this paddle, it seems comfortable to use but can get pretty slippery, tends to slip when transferring from right to left side of the canoe. Otherwise, seems to be OK so far, however, we've only been using this for a few days. With more experience with the paddle, it seems that the slipperyness is well controlled by using cycling gloves. Now it seems like it is inefficient because the paddle blade is narrow. We have a salt water lagoon and I wonder if the bottom the paddle may be affected by this, the bottom of the paddle is now rougher.

Exactly what I expected for the money. Not superb quality, but fully functional. The shaft was slightly warped when you look down the length, probably from some moisture in storage somewhere, but hardly noticable. Bottom edge of paddle has a rough cut on the wood, that needed a bit more sanding. Clear coat finish a bit rough, but again, just a few seconds of light sanding on the grip and shaft does the trick.Light and strong. They make the perfect Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Paddle for kids that grow quickly and when parents are not ready to invest in an actaul SUP paddle. Less chance of injury or damage to baord than you would have with a plastic, carbon, or fiberglass blade.Highly recommended for the right uses (kid's SUP, occasional recreational canoeing)

The intended use of the paddle was to have it in a small boat as back up if the engine did not start. The paddle would be outdoors for 5 months exposed to the elements. When I received the paddle I realized that the varnish on the paddle was thin and would not hold up for a summer season. I decided to lightly sand the paddle and apply several coats of marine varnish. To my disappointment, the varnish came right off while using 220 grit sandpaper. I stripped the varnish with using 120 grit sandpaper with little effort and will now finish the paddle properly.

Yes, it's a paddle. It's wood. It's been sanded and has a factory quality polyurethane finish. About what you'd expect, and not much to mess up you would think. So, you would expect that at least they'd have the size correct. Not so. Just so you know, the actual length of the paddle is 2 inches shorter than the item description. I bought a 54" paddle, because I wanted a 4 1/2' paddle. The paddle I received measures 52" exactly. So if you need the length to be exact, take note and order accordingly. Does the 2" difference really make a difference? I decided not enough of one to return the paddles, but it's annoying none-the-less. For that reason, I'm only giving 3 stars instead of 4. It's still a nice, wooden, paddle.... just 2" shorter than I expected.

Works just fine as a paddle. Bought two, each had dust nubs/grit in the finish. I broke the nubs with some sand paper and sprayed on a few coats of spar urethane. The paddles have held up well since then and are much more pleasant to hold.If you go the same route as me, get yourself some painter's pyramids to dry the paddles on.

We uncertain about canoeing so we bought these paddles. They work just like any other paddle; you have to put them in the water and pull in the proper direction to go forward. Not pulling in the proper direction will cause you to turn around or go backwards. And if there are two paddlers, it is VERY important that they both paddle to move in the same direction. Otherwise, you simply do not move at all.

We bought a pair and they were each totally different from the other. Not a good look no matter one is used at a time.

I was concerned with how cheap these were when purchasing them, but they are fine sturdy paddles. They are not super rugged and the top handle is a bit rough, not sanded or finished very smooth. Outperforms its price point for sure.

This paddle is great for a starter or spare, very light but well made and a good price to bargain

size OK, varnish so-so, tip of paddle poorly finished, not worth the price