Ottertail Canoe Paddle

Ottertail Canoe Paddle

Long, slender and beautifully smooth through the water — a traditional paddle made for deep-water paddling.

The Ottertail is one of those paddles that reminds you canoeing doesn't always have to be about getting somewhere as quickly as possible.

Its long, narrow blade enters the water smoothly and quietly, delivering a controlled, efficient stroke with a wonderfully natural feel. The slender blade also spreads the work over a longer stroke rather than demanding a large amount of power all at once.

The result is a paddle that's simply a pleasure to use — particularly for long, relaxed days on the water.

Made for Deep Water

The Ottertail features a traditional long, narrow blade measuring approximately 26" in length and 5½" to just under 6" at its widest point.

Unlike the shorter blades of the Neebing or Mackenzie, the Ottertail is happiest where there's enough depth to fully immerse that long blade.

Once it's in the water, its narrow profile allows it to move smoothly through the stroke, while carefully shaped thin edges provide a clean, quiet entry and exit.

It's particularly well suited to deep lakes, touring and traditional-style paddling, where smoothness and efficiency matter more than brute force.

Easy on the Body

One of the things we particularly like about the Ottertail is how comfortable it can be to paddle.

Its long, slender blade produces power progressively through the stroke rather than loading the shoulders, elbows and joints with the feel of a large, wide blade.

For paddlers who appreciate a smooth stroke — or simply want a paddle that's comfortable to use for hours — the Ottertail is a beautiful choice.

Handcrafted from Premium Woods

Each Ottertail is individually laminated primarily from carefully selected Western Red Cedar, with contrasting wood accents used to give individual paddles their own character.

Every paddle is shaped and sanded by hand before being finished with multiple coats of 100% pure Tung Oil.

The combination of Western Red Cedar, the slender blade and careful shaping produces a paddle that is both beautiful and remarkably light in the hands.

And because every paddle is made from real wood and individually laminated, no two Ottertails are exactly alike.

Built by a Paddler

Joe O'Blenis has handcrafted and sold more than 2,000 paddles, drawing on a lifetime of canoeing, sea kayaking and expedition paddling — including a 6,000 km solo canoe journey across Canada.

That experience influences everything from blade shapes and edge profiles to the way a finished paddle feels after hours on the water.

These aren't simply paddles made in a woodworking shop. They're built by someone who has spent a lifetime using paddles.

Ottertail Specifications

Blade length: approximately 26"
Maximum blade width: approximately 5½" to just under 6"
Available overall lengths: 54"–62"
Best suited for: Deep water, lakes, touring and traditional paddling

Handcrafted in Canada. Built by a paddler, for paddlers — paddlers like YOU.

Ottertail Canoe Paddle: