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Sports & Fitness Water Sports

Best Canoe Paddles

Katy Duncan
Written by Katy Duncan
Updated October 2021
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Attwood 11828-1 Emergency Paddle
Attwood
Emergency Telescoping Paddle
Most Compact

With a compact design, this paddle is a great backup in case of a paddling emergency.

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Most Compact
Bottom Line

With a compact design, this paddle is a great backup in case of a paddling emergency.

Pros

Extending to double its length, this collapsible paddle is easy to store and travel with. When fully extended it offers a sturdy corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft and sturdy blades. This lightweight orange paddle also floats making it easier to spot and retrieve if it goes overboard.

Cons

Some users noticed the paddle can sometimes fill up with water after paddling and becomes difficult to collapse. Must be shaken out and allowed to drain before collapsing.

Best Bang for the Buck
Attwood 11764-1 Ergonomic Aluminum Canoe Paddle
Attwood
Ergonomic Aluminum Canoe Paddle
Best for Everyday Use

This 4 foot aluminum canoe paddle cuts through the water and makes paddling an easy experience.

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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

This 4 foot aluminum canoe paddle cuts through the water and makes paddling an easy experience.

Pros

A comfortable grip on the handle and shaft makes this canoe paddle ideal for long days on the water. This paddle offers a good grip, control, and easy maneuverability when you need it. Lightweight yet sturdy, this paddle is built for heavy-duty use.

Cons

If stored improperly for a long time, this paddle can become bent.

Field & Stream Aluminum Clad Canoe Paddle
Field & Stream
Aluminum Clad Canoe Paddle
Simple Yet Solid

This canoe paddle does the work for you with its lightweight yet sturdy design and durable blades.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This canoe paddle does the work for you with its lightweight yet sturdy design and durable blades.

Pros

A comfortable t-shaped handle provides stability, grip, and control while paddling. This canoe paddle is ideal for recreational trips to the lake or river and the blades glide through the water with ease.

Cons

The finish on the shaft of the paddle can become scratched over time with heavy-duty use.

Intex Boat Oars
Intex
Boat Oars
Best for Inflatable Canoes

Two lightweight aluminum 54-inch oars help glide you through the water with ease.

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Best for Inflatable Canoes
Bottom Line

Two lightweight aluminum 54-inch oars help glide you through the water with ease.

Pros

These easy to assemble, three-piece oars have retainer rings that fit most oarlocks on inflatable canoes. Ribbed blades allow for strength, durability, and better overall performance while paddling. The grip on the handles provides comfort while paddling.

Cons

Some paddlers report that when the locking mechanism isn't fully clicked into place, these oars separate easily. Be mindful to click all three pieces firmly together prior to use.

Carlisle Standard 2-Piece Paddle
Carlisle Paddles
Standard 2-Piece Paddle
Best for Beginners

This two-piece paddle is ideal for beginners in calmer waters.

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Best for Beginners
Bottom Line

This two-piece paddle is ideal for beginners in calmer waters.

Pros

A two-piece paddle that collapses for travel or storage. This paddle has larger blades that make for more efficient strokes. The sturdy design of this paddle holds up to rocks and choppy waters without breaking so you can paddle with confidence.

Cons

Some paddle users found the two pieces were tough to put together the first few times and needed to be broken in.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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First Reviewed
October 22, 2021
30
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
Category cover
Our Top Picks
Attwood
Best of the Best
Attwood
Emergency Telescoping Paddle
Bottom Line
With a compact design, this paddle is a great backup in case of a paddling emergency.
Shop Now
Attwood
Best Bang for the Buck
Attwood
Ergonomic Aluminum Canoe Paddle
Bottom Line
This 4 foot aluminum canoe paddle cuts through the water and makes paddling an easy experience.
Shop Now
Field & Stream
Top Pick
Field & Stream
Aluminum Clad Canoe Paddle
Bottom Line
This canoe paddle does the work for you with its lightweight yet sturdy design and durable blades.
Shop Now
Intex
Top Pick
Intex
Boat Oars
Bottom Line
Two lightweight aluminum 54-inch oars help glide you through the water with ease.
Shop Now
Carlisle Paddles
Top Pick
Carlisle Paddles
Standard 2-Piece Paddle
Bottom Line
This two-piece paddle is ideal for beginners in calmer waters.
Shop Now
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