Any paddler who has had the privilege of paddling a koa canoe knows that wood has a specialized feel about it that is hard to describe. A koa canoe in the water feels magical, it floats exceptionally well, flexes with the ocean and feels like it truly belongs. We believe that a well made wood paddle can have those same magical qualities that make a paddle a true extension of the paddler. With those intentions in mind, we select from a total of seven wood species and three bonding agents to meet specific functional needs. Species are chosen and placed in the portions of the paddle where strength, weight, and durability are of foremost importance. Cosmetic appeal is achieved from the variety of color and grain that the chosen species possess, and enhanced with a sprayed on clear coat that is tough, durable and provides UV protection to the wood. The end result is a well intentioned meld of form and function. These paddles look pretty, but function at a raw level that needs to be experienced.
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It has long been known that a hollow tube can be as strong as a solid rod, as long as the wall thickness does not get too thin and cause point failure on the compression face when the tube is under stress. When paired with the fact that a tube is obviously lighter than a rod, it makes perfect sense that most synthetic paddles are made with completely hollow shafts.
We have taken this to heart in the manufacturing of our paddle shafts, and have perfected a process that allows us to hollow the shaft components pre-assembly when the wood machining can be precisely controlled. The end result is an oval shaped shaft with a round hollow core, with thicker wall thickness at the compression and flexion faces, and thinner wall thickness on the sidewalls. It is lighter but as strong as a solid shaft. Steering shafts are glued together in a press that puts a prestress load on the woodfibre that ultimately resists the stress that the steersperson puts on the blade while poking. Our steering paddle shafts are not hollow. They are also glued up with a completely different combination of wood laminations because of the different loads that a steering blade must endure. While it is unlikely that we will maintain a perfect performance record, to date, we are unaware of any paddle failures of any kind. Our oldest blades hit the water in July/2010. |
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Available Grips |
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Hana Hou custom canoe paddles come in three different blade sizes; small (Kokanee), medium (Sockeye) and large (Chinook). Our steering paddles are available in two sizes - regular (Coho) and large (Tyee).
This is our smallest surface area blade. The Kokanee is suitable for a smaller paddler or a beginning paddler, and is preferred by some for small-boat (OC1/OC2) paddling. (Polynesian design optional)
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
This is our mid-sized surface area blade. The Sockeye is suitable for a stronger or more experienced paddler. Suitable for both 6-person and 1-person canoe paddling.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
This is our largest surface area blade. The Chinook is suitable for a larger, strong paddler. It is also suitable as a Sprint blade
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
The Coho is a steering blade (8.5" wide), suitable for calm to moderately rough conditions.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
The Tyee is our larger steering blade (9" wide). Suitable for calm to rough conditions.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.
Cost: $240 CAD, + tax, shipping & handling
To purchase, please contact us.