Single Blade Kayak & Canoe Paddles

We make a variety of single blade paddles both for canoe and kayaks. Our single blade kayak paddles are designed based on historical paddle shapes from across the north. We produce both custom designs and paddles based on historical shapes for personal use. A single blade paddle can be a great help when exploring a tight spot with lots of over growth such as mangroves and wetland areas. We have found that the single blade paddle can make a great spare paddle particularly for folks with smaller boats who have limited deck space.

Click on a paddles to learn more

The single blade paddle is often thought of as a canoe paddle. However, historically the single blade paddle has long been use with the kayak as well. In the Canadian Northwestern and Alaska, Inuit frequently used single blade paddles as a primary paddle. From the perspective of a traditional hunter the single blade has an advantage over a double blade paddle in that the single blade is more stealthy. Consider that with a single blade you would not have the visual distraction of the off water end of the paddle waving in the air with each stroke.  It is also very likely that the single blade evolved into the double blade over time and thus may have been an earlier paddle form

If you are a traditional kayaker it is both fun and challenging to try working with a single blade just to test your skills.

We also make a variety of canoe paddles in both traditional and modern styles. Choose from traditional Voyager and native American styles or modern paddle designs including wing and bent shaft paddles. For those paddlers with a specific paddle design in mind we will make custom paddles to fit you and your needs.

A variety of canoe paddles are available. The classic beavertail paddle (left) is a long time favorite. This blade shape offers plenty of surface area to dig in with. The comfortable T grip (shown) is my favorite however a variety of grip styles can be made to suit your needs.

Also available are our Ottertail canoe paddles. (images coming soon). Ottertail paddles came in 3 variation on the design. The Voyager has a longer and narrower blade then other Ottertail's. The Guide is Ottertail has a altered blade were the broadest section of the blade is above the 1/2 way mark on the blade. This allow for a more even level of resistance in the water along the surface of the blade by accounting for the change in water density with depth.  The Penobscot is the classic Ottertail design taken from the shape of a canoe paddle on display at the museum of natural history in NY. This paddle is identified as one made by the Penobscot and Abnaki peoples of Maine and eastern Canada.

Contact us at tuktupaddles@verizon.net or by phone (609) 412-9966

or write to us at Tuktu paddles LLC PO Box 162 Oceanville NJ 08231