Badger® Your Friends Contest

Since starting our Badger® Paddles... for those who dig the water page on Facebook, it's following has steadily grown. And we want to celebrate that growth with all of you "BADGERS" with a Badger® contest! Help us get over a 1000 "Likes" (we are at just over 700 presently) for your chance to win. The contest rules are simple - all you have to do is suggest our page (on Facebook) to your paddling friends (so they become "BADGERS" too!) and then email us the number of friends you suggested should "Like" our page in the subject line or body of an email. That's it! Full details and prize package descriptions can be found on our website here: Badger® Your Friends Contest.

EMAIL YOUR ENTRY TO: badgercontests@me.com

An example entry could look like this:
____________________________________________

From: Your Name Here [mailto: your email address here]
Sent: Tuesday, February 29, 2012 8:55 PM
To: badgercontests@me.com
Subject: Badger Your Friends Contest

I told 22 friends to like Badger Paddles.

____________________________________________

So just tell your paddling friends to "Like" us on Facebook for your chance to win - just don't forget you have to like us too!

We have some great prizes to give away too. Like a Badger® Paddle - value $130 or less - (with an included Badger® Paddle Sock), an Opeongo Day Fishing/Paddling Package from Algonquin Outfitters - value $85 ---- or choose Badger® gear if you can't make it to Algonquin. Plus we are giving away a copy of the newly re-published Hap Wilson's Temagami canoeing, kayaking and hiking guide book: "Temagami - A Wilderness Paradise". And it's signed by the author too, with a little drawing included to boot! Plus a signed CD of Paddle Songs by the very talented and celebrated Jerry Vandiver, plus Algonquin Outfitter stickers, Badger® T-shirts and more!

Jerry Vandiver's CD is full of songs for paddlers and campers alike.
A signed copy of his CD will be one of the great prizes available.
Fiona's favourite is "Under The Same Sky" What's yours?

Signed by the author, Hap Wilson also included a cute
sketch of a Badger® Paddle too.

Our "Profits of Paddling" T-shirt will also be a prize.

Another great prize from Algonquin Outfitters:
Departing from the store at the South end of Lake Opeongo,
a short water taxi ride will bring you to some of
Lake Opeongo's choice fishing holes. The Water Taxi will
return at a predetermined time to pick you back
up and return you to the base after a day of reeling in the big ones.
Click here for a full package description.

We will pick 5 random winners from our emailed entries when we reach 1000 "Likes" (after March 30, 2012*) or on April 30, 2012   - which ever comes first (see our website for full contest details and dates).

For a full list of Badger Your Friends Contest prize packs plus contest rules, visit our website. (www.paddlesock.com/socks/Badger_Your_Friends_Contest.html)

Good luck getting some of those prizes into your paws!!!

* Note: Draw will not be held before March 30, 2012 regardless of meeting our “Likes” goal (or not) due to the logistics of collecting of the “signed copies” of some sponsored items for this contest. If we do not meet our goal of 1000 “Likes” for our page on Facebook as of April 29, 2012, then winners will be chosen on (or around) April 30, 2012 and announced shortly there after.

MOpaddlers in MOvember Contest

Hey! It's MOvember again! And YOU CAN WIN some great prizes (and help to spread awareness for men's health), even if you can't grow a moustache!

Mike finally gives into the 'badgering' and allows us to take his picture.
Coming soon: Poppa Badger's photo.

For those who are not aware, this is the month of November (or MOvember as in MO for MOustache!) that marks the annual global awareness campaign for men's health (namely Prostate Cancer). It also helps to raise millions of dollars each year for the cause with almost 1/2 million participants who sported facial hair for the month of Movember just last year alone. That's alot of MO's!

We have always watched the month of Movember with interest. It is always fun to see how the mo's grow. But Poppa Badger has always sported a moustache and Mike usually has facial hair as well... especially as the colder months approach. But this year - after being contacted by participants Preston and Jim of Portageur.ca and H2O Paddles, respectively - Mike and Poppa Badger have decided to join in on the fun and grow a mo. But we aren't stopping there!

We have also joined with other paddlers and outdoor companies to show support for this important global initiative for men's health by providing various prizes for a number of draws over the month of MOvember.

Help Us Show That Paddlers Care:

All you have to do to enter this contest is simply retweet, like or comment on a post - or better yet post your own Mo pic to any one of the companies' (via Facebook or Twitter)- and you'll be automatically entered in to several draws throughout Movember for some great prizes from the participating companies including gear, gift certificates and more! 

Be sure to visit all the pages to participate and for best chances to win.

The Canadian Paddling Companies to visit on Facebook are:

Backcountry With The Kids

Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water.

Dog Paddling Adventures

H2O Performance Paddles

PARKBUS

Portageur.ca

Swift Canoe & Kayak

On Twitter:

@Swift_Canoe

@portageur_ca

@BadgerPaddles

@H2Opaddle

@parkbus

@backcountrykids

@dogpaddling

And, after entering this MOpaddlers Contest a few times, if you would like to donate to the Movember Campaign, please visit http://mobro.co/mopaddles. For full contest details please contact H2O Performance Paddles.

Another sure sign of Spring: Swift Canoe's Famous Guelph Lake Sale!

It's been happening for many years...  every Spring, Swift Canoe & Kayak loads up their trucks and trailers with hundreds of canoes and kayaks and heads over to the Guelph Lake Conservation Area where they put on the biggest canoe and kayak sale in the region. It's become quite the tradition for Swift. And although the faces and people have changed over the years, the one thing that does remain true are all the GREAT DEALS!

Click on this image to view full size.

And once again, Badger Paddles will be there too, delighted to be part of the tradition once again.

Did you know Badger Paddles was first officially registered as a business and launched at Guelph Lake in 2009, only 3 Springs ago!

This picture was taken at Guelph Lake the year Badger Paddles
 was officially introduced to the paddling community.
These are the first official Badger Paddles ever!

It's true! And to celebrate, we are giving away one lil'Badger Paddles Anniversary SWAG Kit* each to the first 3 people who buy boats at the show! That's right! One lil'Badger SWAG kit per Spring! Just be 1 of the first 3 people to purchase a canoe or kayak at the Swift Guelph Lake Sale and you will receive this lil' gift in celebration of Badger's Anniversary and for the fact that you really "dig" the water!

*each lil'Badger SWAG kit contains: One (1) hand painted Badger Paddle KEYCHAIN plus one (1) Badger Paddles Sticker (see image below) Only one per person and/or purchase.

The lil'Badger Paddles Anniversary SWAG Kit
Note: Our lil' Badger Paddle KEYCHAIN is hand
painted and therefore may not be exactly as shown.

Or... for those who don't happen to buy a boat but do buy themselves a Badger Canoe Paddle instead (at the Swift Sale at Guelph Lake Conservation Area) this weekend, we have something for you too. If you are one of the first of three people to purchase a Badger canoe paddle at Guelph then you will receive free 250 mL tin of our Badger Wood Oil for maintaining your paddles, gunwales/gunnels and even your wooden salad bowls and cutting boards too! Only one per person and/or purchase.

Just be 1 of the first 3 people to purchase
a Badger canoe paddle at the Swift Guelph Lake Sale
and you will receive a free special edition tin
of Badger Wood Oil (250 mL tin)
 in celebration of Badger's Anniversary and
for the fact that you really "dig" the water!

And as a side note, the Swift Canoe Guelph Lake Spring Sale is also the anniversary and location of Mike and Fiona's first kiss over 15 years ago!!! That's some history!!!!

Badger's Who's Who of Devoted Paddlers Contest

Badger’s High-Water Marks Honour Roll 

A Who’s Who of Devoted Paddlers Contest

Do you love to paddle?  Do you love to paddle so much that you love to talk and write about it?  Then this contest is for you!!!  Just take our exam (see questions below or on our website) - email your information to us at badgercontests@me.com and that's it:  you are automatically entered!  And, don't worry - it's a take-home exam and all in good fun!

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE EXAM QUESTIONS NOW!

What could you win?  Our winner will receive one Badger Canoe Paddle of their choice (MSRP of $120.00* CAD or less) and one Badger Paddle Sock (MSRP $18.95* CAD) PLUS A $50.00 GIFT CARD from Algonquin Outfitters!!!  And, there are four (4) runner-up prizes available to be won of one (1) Badger Paddle Sock plus one (1) $10.00 GIFT CARD from Algonquin Outfitters for each selected runner-up winner.  Plus all winning Exams will be published online and given placement on Badger's High-Water Marks Honour Roll!  To visit Algonquin Outfitters on the web go to: www.algonquinoutfitters.com.

_________________________________________________

Badger's Who's Who

Take-home Exam Questions:

_________________________________________________

Real Name: First and Last (will not be published unless otherwise specified)

Entry Name: Name you wish to use if published (if same as real name - leave blank)

Approximate Age:         *

Country:    To be published                             

1. # of Years Paddling:  (an approximation is acceptable)
2. How many boats in your fleet? (If none - then what self-propelled craft do you dream of adding to your fleet)

1. Oil verses Varnish?  Do you have a preference?  Why?

1. Where do you paddle? (Name of Lake or River and/or Province/State/Territory and Country)

1. Are you, or have you ever been, part of the paddle sports industry professionally?
2. Do you have a blog, facebook or twitter account where you advocate for the power of self-propusion?  What is it? (link to your blog or website and it's title if public)
3. Favourite wood and paddle shape?
4. If you were a Badger WaterColours Paddle - what colour would you be?  Anything goes here!
5. Have you ever tipped your canoe  & how did that happen? (On purpose doesn't count!)
6. What is your favourite wilderness tripping meal/paddling snack?
7. Do you solo?
8. What’s the best advice you have to give to a beginner paddler?
9. What 3 words best describes the way you feel about paddling or that inspire you the most to get out on the water, year after year??
10. Where does your heart truly lie: Wooden/Canvas, Composite (i.e. Kevlar, Fibreglass etc.), Plastic or Aluminum?
11. Who took you out for your first time paddling and what was your age when your took your first adventure in a canoe/kayak?
12. Who was your best paddling partner or inspiration?
13. Do you know of or can you describe a canoe/paddling game?
14. How tall are you and what length of paddle do you prefer? 
15. Have you ever tried Stand Up Paddling? (SUP)
16. Do you have nicknames for your boat(s), paddle(s), and other gear?  If so - what are they?
17. 17.Do you know of or can you describe a canoe/paddling game?
18. 18.How tall are you and what length of paddle do you prefer? 
19. 19.Have you ever tried Stand Up Paddling? (SUP)
20. 20.Do you have nicknames for your boat(s), paddle(s), and other gear?  If so - what are they?

Note: Exams are due by NOVEMBER 30, 2010 (midnight EST).  Extra credit will be given to those who take the test publicly thru their blog or "Facebook Notes" or who include a picture with their entry.  Exams will be graded by 3 Badger Evaluators - Carmen B., of Swift Canoe & Kayak; Randy M., of Algonquin Outfitters; and Fiona, of Badger Paddles.

*Giving an exact number is fine, but you can also answer this in general terms such as "old enough to know better".

_________________________________________________

How to Enter:

This contest is for Bloggers and Facebookers alike.  To enter our contest to win a FREE Badger Paddle and/or Sock just answer the Badger's Who's Who Exam Questions (There are 20 in total) by blogging about it or, for Facebookers, write a note and tag Badger Paddles in it from your profile on Facebook.  Don't worry - if you don't have a facebook account or blog - just copy and paste the Badger's Who's Who Exam Questions into an email, add your own answers and mailing address, and send your entry in by November 30, 2010 to badgercontests@me.com.  Visit our website to see full contest details.

Entry Instructions for Bloggers:

Step 1) Copy and Paste our 20 Badger's Who's Who Exam Questions into a new "post".  Step 2) Add your and mailing address Step 3) Publish your blog to the web like usual.Step 4) Most importantly - send the link to your blog post directly to badgercontests@me.com to be automatically entered in our contest for free Badger Paddle and/or Badger Paddle Sock. Note: Extra credit will be given for creativity, including pictures, humour, and other entertaining ideas.

Entry Instructions for Facebook:

Step 1) Copy and Paste our 20 Badger's Who's Who Exam Questions into a "Note" thru the Facebook website and add your answers.  You can find a link to the "Notes" section by visiting your profile on Facebook and clicking on the "Notes" tab near the top (beside other tabs like Wall, Info,etc.) or start here: http://bit.ly/highwatermarks .  Step 2) Publish your "Note" and "TAG" Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water.  Note: if you are unable to tag Badger Paddles for any reason just publish your note and proceed to the next step. STEP 3) Send the link to your note and mailing address to 

badgercontests@me.com to be automatically entered in our contest. (Just copy the URL address from your browser's address bar and paste into an email or use Facebook's interface to share your Note's link with our fan page @ www.facebook.com/badger.paddles or Fiona's profile @ www.facebook.com/badger.canoe.paddles.  Please note that due to the irregularities of Facebook's service as of late, we would recommend you not rely on Facebook's tagging system to alert us of your entry in this contest - please email the link to your note directly to us to be sure.  Also note: Extra credit will be given for creativity, including pictures, humour, and other entertaining ideas.

Email Entry Instructions:

Step 1) Copy and Paste our 20 Badger's Who's Who Exam Questions into an email thru your email program or online email service like Google or Hotmail, etc. Step 2) Add your answers and mailing information.Step 3) Send your email with your answers and mailing address to badgercontests@me.com to be automatically entered in our contest for free Badger Paddle. Note: Extra credit will be given for creativity, including pictures, humour, and other entertaining ideas so be sure to attach some photos (4 MB maximum size) but no videos please.




For COMPLETE CONTEST RULES & DESCRIPTION please visit our website www.badgerpaddles.com.

Win a Free Badger Paddles Necklace!!!

Please Note:  This contest is NOW CLOSED.  Winners announced Feb 4, 2010 were Erin F. and Stacey C.  Thanks to all who entered and congratulations to the winners!!!


Enter our Badger Paddles Draw for your chance to win a free Badger Paddles "Paw" Necklace!

*How to Play and Enter:

Just look for the contest image (see image on left) located somewhere on our website to enter.  When you find the contest image - CLICK ON IT - and follow the instructions from there!  Note:  You many enter as many times as you wish to increase your odds of winning!  But you can only enter once per day and you can only win once as well. Don't forget - you must first visit our website and find the "hidden" contest image (as seen on left) to enter!

About the necklaces:

Made from shed deer or moose antler, these hand-carved pendants were made specially for Badger Paddles.  Each pendant is made from actual antler and comes with an adjustable black cord for hanging around the neck.  

MSRP $20.00. (plus shipping) or ONLY $15.00 FOR FANS of Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water on Facebook!!!!

There will only be 2 lucky winners -  so good luck to you and to all our fans!!!  

Not a fan???  Become a fan of Badger Paddles on Facebook and play for your chance to win today!!!

*This offer is an exclusive promotion for Facebook Fans of Badger Paddles only.  You must be a fan of Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water on Facebook, and 18  years of age or older, to qualify for your free merchandise.   Draw to be held on or about February 14, 2010.  Entries must be received no later then January 31, 2010, 12 pm EST to be eligible for the draw.  Chances of winning depend on number of entries received.  Find and click on the "contest image" -somewhere on our website - for more contest details.

To Badger or not to Badger

Do you know the origin of the term "to badger"?

"Badgering"is also known as pestering, bothering, nagging, or teasing.  But these traits are not from the animal itself, but rather from the early sport of Badger Baiting whereas hunters would send dogs to harass badgers for entertainment and for blood sport.  Similar to dog fighting, badger baiting was forced combat between the badger and a succession of hounds.  Badger baiting, now thankfully illegal, would typically end with the death of the badger and most likely major injury to the dogs.  So it seems the origin of the term descends from human behaviour towards the badger and not the animal's behaviour towards humans.  Thus, this retired sport became a popular term still used widely today.  

But we love when fans "badger" us with questions and comments on our facebook page or by email.  In fact, we love it so much that we decided to award our most engaged and interactive fan of Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water a special token of our appreciation and gratitude for their continual encouragement and support.

And we already have our winner - paws down!  Patty from Southern Ontario has proven to be our most encouraging and supportive fan on Facebook.  Patty always has great feedback for Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water and we want her to know just how much we appreciate her support.

Patty will be receiving her NEW Badger Paw shed antler pendant necklace made specially for Badger Paddles for her contributions made to our fan page on Facebook.  It is our gift to Patty, who we hear loves fishing and spending time at the lake with her family in the Kawartha region.  Thanks Patty!  

Become a fan of Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water on Facebook for your chance to win some great Badger merchandise just like Patty.  Can you dig it?

Badger Paddles & Swift Canoe on Facebook!

Just this week Swift Canoe & Kayak, like Badger Paddles, joined the social networking site Facebook!!!

If you have a Facebook account be sure to check out the new Swift page and become a fan.   Swift Canoe has always had a close relationship with their customers and now it has become even easier to interact with your favourite canoe company.  Engage with other Swift Canoe enthusiasts, upload your pictures, write reviews of their boats and stay up to date with special offers and promotions through the Swift Canoe & Kayak Facebook Page.  


Not on Facebook?  That's okay because Swift Canoe & Kayak also maintains a blog for general internet surfers.  Click here to visit the Swift Outdoors Centre Blog.

And while you are browsing the internet, be sure to stop by our Facebook page at Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water and become a fan for your chance to win some great Badger merchandise over the winter!

Happy Halloween from Badger Paddles!

Here at Badger Canoe Paddles, we really dig Halloween and the traditions around this very old celebration - like carving Jack-o-lanterns out of pumpkins!
Find out about the history of the Jack-o-lantern here or click here for some great pumpkin stencils for you to use when carving your own pumpkin.

And when you are done carving those Jack-o-lanterns be sure to stop by Swift Canoe & Kayak this Halloween weekend to check out their great End of Season Clearance Sale and take advantage of the Badger Paddles' Free Gift with Purchase offer:   Buy a Badger Paddle and get a free Badger Paw necklace carved from real deer or moose antler (suggested retail value $20.00).  Don't forget this offer is only good while supplies last!


Click here for more information about this limited time special offer or see in store for details - Swift Canoe - Gravenhurst Location.

Have a safe and happy Halloween everyone!!!

Free Gift with Badger Paddle Purchase!

NEW!!!

Badger Paddles is really excited to share this great news!

Get a FREE GIFT with a BADGER Canoe PADDLE PURCHASE!

When you buy a Badger Canoe Paddle - you will receive a hand crafted badger paw necklace for FREE! (approximate retail value: $20.00)*

About the necklace: Each pendant is made from actual antler and comes with an adjustable black cord for hanging around the neck. The badger paw pendants have been carved from either moose or deer antler and are hand crafted by an artist from Owensound, Ontario. Each necklace has two colourful beads attached (glass beads for the Adult version and plastic for the Kids 'N Cubs)

View the Badger Paw Pendant Necklaces at this link.

For those who wish to purchase a badger paw necklace at the MSRP of $20.00 ea., please contact Badger Paddles for shipping costs to your location.

Happy Paddling and Holiday Shopping All!

*Supplies are limited, therefore please note this offer will not last for long!