Of Badgers and Portageurs :: Canoecopia 2013

Badger® WaterColours at Canoecopia 2013
Photo by attendee Stephanie Rochon

Our second year at Canoecopia was another whirlwind of sales and smiles. Mike was happy to see all the familiar faces as well as many new ones too. Without Fiona, who stays home with Makobe (but really hopes to be able to attend next year if Badger is invited back again!), Mike is all alone in the booth for the entirety of the show. Thankfully, both this year and last, popular blogger Preston (from Portageur.ca) attended as well - offering to help out so that Mike was able to catch a break here and there while Preston closed sales and made himself otherwise available to people for questions and conversation (about canoeing and portaging, what else?!).

The calm before the storm -
the booth is ready for Canoecopia 2013.

At first, there was some confusion about our paddle shapes. Mike hadn't had a chance to review the Canoecopia Gazette/Show Guide but realized something was up when people were coming into the booth looking for the bigger bladed paddles. Thankfully Mike had brought some Diggers with him so those really hoping for the larger blade surface, over our more traditional shapes, were satisfied and left with an ash or cherry paddle of their preference. He later realized that the mention of a paddle that was a "tad larger" (in the show guide) had gotten everyone a bit confused but he was able to match up paddles to people's preferences without a problem once he knew what they were.

Mike, as it happens, was really excited for this show as both the Badger-Tripper and the BadgerTail were NEWLY redesigned this year for a more fluid paddling experience.

BadgerTail (top)
Badger-Tripper (bottom)

The BADGER-TRIPPER, a very effective and popular canoe tripping paddle, is based on our "slicy" modified ottertails. A hybrid paddle, we have taken our favourite aspects from the original BadgerPaw and Tripper designs and combined them into one. The result is an extremely fluid, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing paddle. This design is definitely a top choice for trippers - or those who spend most of their day in the canoe.

The BADGERTAIL paddle has a deep and wide blade with a lot of surface area to move large amounts of water but still sits deep enough to be a very effective rudder. Based on a traditional beavertail, the Tail is also great for prying strokes. By redistributing the volume of the blade, we have created a smoother paddling experience. With the bulk of the blade’s volume pulling in the deeper, more still waters - instead of higher up where the water is bubbling and gurgling from your stroke - the paddler's energy is conserved.

Mike was also excited to meet and see everyone again and to talk paddles and paddling. But there was another subject on his mind as well this year as he had brought with him a blue scarf from The Six Degree Project - which aims to get celebrities to wear their scarves in the name of autism awareness. We had already approached Kevin Callan - The Happy Camper (and Hap Wilson!) who (both!) agreed to help bring awareness and attention to autism for the next little while as totally willing participants.

Author and popular outdoor celebrity Kevin Callan wearing
a Six Degree Project Scarf in the name of Autism Awareness
in honour of Makobe & people living with autism every where!
photo credit: Portageur.ca

So this is where Portageur.ca comes in again as he was asked in an *urgent* message pleading with him to photograph Kevin wearing the scarf as he was running around the show. Preston, always a trooper, came thru with a flying spectrum of colours and tracked Kevin down for a shot and included Mike (Kevin's connection to autism is through Makobe) in a great photo. Thanks to Kevin Callan (The Happy Camper) and to our portage loving friend, for helping to bring autism awareness to Canoecopia this year!

A happy portageur and a happy paddler too.
Thanks for being such a great salesman Preston!

On Sunday, Mike was excited again to be able to present our Maple Pancake Pitch to those he shared breakfast with. Last year Mike brought down some Bow Jam with him but this year, the Canoe Trippers' Syrup proved to be really popular with the pancake eating paddlers.

Prepared by Yummies in a Jar located right here in Muskoka, we were more than delighted with the flavour of our specially made "pancake glue".

Our Maple Syrup was a favourite
at breakfast this year!

We only made up a few bottles of this novel, but very delicious Canadian pure maple syrup, however we are definitely going to be getting more soon due to it's deliciousness and popular demand (we got a more than a few private inquiries from family and friends who would like to try it after seeing it posted on Facebook and those who did try it want MORE!).

If you are are wanting to try some yourself, send us an email or drop us a line via our Facebook page.

At the end of the breakfast, full of pancakes, Mike was ready to greet the last day of the show and was soon on his way home. But not before he made lots of new friends and made sure that many of his Badgers had found new paddling families.

Copy of the label on our (imaginative) Maple Pancake Pitch.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make Canoecopia 2013 another great success for Mike and Badger Paddles. We were even honoured by Canoe & Kayak Magazine by being picked for their Best In Show list (we just found out ourselves!). So thanks to you all for helping us become the Badgers we are today. Paws up to everyone! And paddles up to everyone too!

Badger® WaterColours make Canoe & Kayak's Best In Show list!

Special thanks to Preston (Portageur), Stephanie, Kevin Callan, Darren & family, Roch, Scott, David, Seaward Kayaks,  Jerry Vandiver, Jeff Fitch and his very lovely wife, the very happy lady paddlers Donna and Joan, as well as Lou,  and the Kayak Sailors, and the nice lady who let Preston make a sale -  plus many more who helped to make Canoecopia so much fun for Mike again this year. Hope to see you all next year (when I hope to be able to come too)! ~ Fiona

Dig This :: Authentic Canoe Paddle Necklaces

lil'Badger Paddle Key Chains

We've seen the paddle inspired jewelry out there - and we dig it! But what we dig even more is the inspiration paddle themed jewelry has on us when we are not able to get out on the water. Fiona feels that looking at her lil'paddle key chain during a trip to the big city helps to remind her of a way of life that we cherish. So now we have taken that inspiration to another level with our authentic canoe paddle necklaces (and key chains).

Made from an actual slice from a real wood canoe paddle, our necklaces and keychains are all crafted by hand in the heart of cottage country (Muskoka, Canada). Most are sliced from the shaft area (and into the neck and/or grip of the paddle as well). And... just like a real Badger Paddle, these paddle slices/pendants come as oiled, varnished, or even as our trademark WaterColours finish!

Paddle slices in progress of becoming pendants.

We sand each little slice by hand (or paw).

Crafted by hand, each paddle slice pendant is unique.

Authentic Canoe Paddle Necklaces can be found at AO.

Each necklace cord is tied with a double fisherman's knot (to allow for various sizing) and some also include an extra wood finished bead (we will have glass beads accents by AdR Beads coming soon too!).

COMING SOON: AdR Glass Bead Accents
AdR Glass Beads are hand made in Perth by Amy deRidder
(She is an autism mom too - like Fiona!)

Portageur.ca and Nancy dig their paddle slice keychain!

Visit or contact Algonquin Outfitters to purchase your very own one-of-a-kind (real) paddle necklaces - just delivered yesterday!!! (If you can dig it!) Price: $19.98 CAD (taxes/shipping extra where applicable). Or you can contact us too - we don't mind being badgered...

Badger DIGS Canoecopia 2012

This paddle (set) - close up view - will be unveiled at Canoecopia with
Nova Craft's Jackson Pollock inspired abstract art canoe.

Nova Craft's Jackson Pollock inspired abstract art canoe.

This is a very special season for us at Badger® Paddles. We almost felt like we "got a golden ticket" when we received our invitation to attend Rutabaga's renowned Canoecopia this year. Not only will this be our first official booth at a trade show or event, but this is also our first real official debut in the U.S. and we could not be more excited. It almost feels like it did the time Badger® attended our first ever event at the Swift Canoe & Kayak's Guelph Lake Sale only a few years ago.

Hand painted paddles that will be
available at Canoecopia 2012

But this time, instead of just 6 styles of oiled paddles, Badger® Paddles has grown to include WaterColours™(colourfully tinted solid wood canoe paddles for kids or adults), combination finish paddles (the best of both worlds - a varnished blade with and oiled shaft/grip), Badger® Wood Oil, T-shirts, Badger® toques (hat), and more! Plus, unlike when we first launched, now every adult length  Badger® Paddle includes it's own Badger® Paddle Sock - a sock that will protect and stretch to fit almost any style paddle you have in your collection up to 65" in length - not just your Badger® Paddle.

Combination finished paddles -
varnished blade with oiled shaft/grip.

We are really having as much fun with this event as we can so be sure to stop by the Badger® Paddles booth and say hello to Mike and check out some of the hand painted paddles Fiona has done for this special occasion - including the Jackson Pollack inspired art paddles to be unveiled with Nova Craft's abstract art canoe (see above photos).

So if you want to just talk paddling, or have questions about how our paddles are made, or are interested in purchasing a paddle from it's maker, then Mike will be more then happy to chat with you. Just look for the Badger® Paddles booth. Canoecopia is held annually in Wisconsin, U.S.A. by Rutabaga. This year Canoecopia will be the weekend of March 9 - 11th. For more information and/or tickets, please visit www.canoecopia.com. Or read the 2012 Canoecopia Gazette. Hope to see you there if you can dig it!

Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil - NEW for 2011

As popular as varnish is, there is still a very large following of paddlers who prefer to oil their paddles.  Many like the idea of the oil penetrating deep into the wood, other's like the way it feels in their hand when in use and even report less blistering and that slippery feeling (that varnish has when wet) is greatly reduced.  While the oil maintenance issue is described by some as being easier - others find varnish to be less demanding of their time.  Badger believes in the superior qualities of an oil finish but still offer both oil and varnish finishes to our customers.

About Badger Oil:
Badger Paddles uses their own Oil Recipe, passed down from Great Grampa Sydney Badger.  Badger's standard oil is a mixture that contains some varnish properties, linseed, and other chemicals.  Not the most environmentally friendly concoction but it is a time-proven formula for protecting your paddles and other wooden surfaces.  For maintenance, we usually recommend a tung oil (e.g. Behr's Scandinavian Tung Oil or another "marine quality" product).  Again, not very environmentally friendly.  And for some, the fumes prove too harsh or they have concerns about the heath and environmental impacts of using harsh chemicals.  Well, not any more!

At Badger Paddles, we take our commitment to the environment very seriously.  We really "dig" the Earth!  That's why Badger is proud to announce that they will now be offering a choice of OIL FINISHES for your paddle(s).  While we still recommend Grampa Badger's Oil (our standard oil finish); we now offer a 100% ALL NATURAL Paddle & Gunnel Oil that is safe for the environment and your health!

Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil - NEW for 2011 - is 100% All Natural Hemp Oil that has no harsh fumes and is even food safe.  That means you can use the oil on your paddles, canoe gunnels, wooden thwarts, etc., without worry the of harming the environment or the health & safety of your family or the lakes you paddle in.

Our new Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil is not only food safe* but is easy clean up too - just use soap and water!  And, unlike our standard oil - our 100% All Natural Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil will be available for purchase!

Badger Paddle & Gunnel Oil - 100% Natural (250 mL tin) is coming soon!  And if you choose the All Natural Oil Finish instead of Standard - it's still the same price!  Stay tuned to Badger for more information and launch dates.....


*You can even use it to maintain your wooden cutting & chopping boards/blocks.

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Badger Paddles T-shirts now available!

Badger Paddles T-shirts seen here in black.

Our new Badger Paddles T-shirts are made exclusively by Llama Yama Designs... ecocentric, eclectic and human friendly.  This really cool design (by our friend Carmen B.) was printed on black shirts (with white ink) and on gray too (with black ink).

The best thing about these shirts is that they are "fair trade" merchandise bought from an El Salvadorian women's co-op, and, we have been told, that some of the shirts could even consist of "fabric ends".  So we at Badger are really happy that the shirts are both socially and environmentally conscious merchandise.

Bob & Asako of Llama Yama Designs choose to only use fair trade products as they are own & operate this very socially conscious & respectful company. Locally printed at the Llama Yama's retreat just outside of Algonquin Park, Canada, these Badger Paddle T-shirts are sure to inspire you to get out and dig the water! 

Our Badger Paddles Fair Trade T-shirts are only $25.00*

Become a fan of

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

or follow Badger on Twitter & you can

purchase a T-shirt for only $20.00*

*(plus shipping & taxes where applicable).

Email or contact us to order yours today!

And speaking of T-shirts, here is a cool video of how to fold a T-shirt as seen in Japan that our friends Bob and Asako shared with us.  Why not try it with your new Badger T!  Or check out Llama Yama Designs' online store for some more great designs or become a fan of Llama Yama on Facebook.  According to the Llama Yama Designs' website, their "graphics pack a subtle, not in-your-face message which are ecocentric and quirky" as their "goal is to create images that reflect the whispers of nature, bio-diversity, and the complexity of simple machines and mechanisms inspired by ecological design and mutually contradictory images."  How cool is that?!!

 We'll be watching for you in your Badger T's this summer - so hope to see you out on the water!!!

Hot News from Badger

We have a couple of new & exciting items to tell you about.

To start - we now offer Badger WaterColours in 2 and 3 colour combinations!  See the example of the blue and purple "Splash" in the image below (and sorry for the glare and extra reflections!).  Truly these paddles are one-of-a-kind as each one is carefully blended and tinted by hand.  Get your paddle personalized with your name for that added touch, just like Cali (see the orange paddle below).  Order one or check out whats in stock at Swift Outdoor Centres today.

The best thing about our Badger WaterColours is that they are still fun to have around even when not in use.  So be sure to pick up a paddle hanger so that you can hang your one-of-a-kind Badger Paddle as an added feature to a favourite room at the cottage or at home too.  It'll be sure to get compliments and will continue to inspire you to get out on the water more often.  Kid's just love to add them to their bedroom decor!

Don't take the Badger WaterColours too seriously?

They aren't just for fun!  We recommend our vibrantly tinted paddles to Paddling Instructors as they help to improve visibility for students when trying to view how an underwater recovery or other strokes look in the water.  Choose from bright orange (so bright one of our favourite paddling bloggers suggests the possibility of it improving visibility during hunting season!), there is also hot pink, yellow or just about any other colour you feel would work for you and your students.  Contact Badger for Pro-Deal details today and save.

Traditional Fire Branding

Also new is the addition of our brand.  The brand is heated with fire and then the image of our "Badger Paw" is burned into the wood.  While we do still hand paint our paddles - you now have the choice of a branded logo too.  In the near future we will be offering our vibrant WaterColours paddles with the brand unless otherwise specified.  The brand is approximately the same size of the hand painted image that Fiona usually adds to the paddles - but a wee bit smaller.  And it looks really sharp too!!!

And lastly - a quick update for Grady's Paddle.... we are sitting at about $400 in pledges to date and have heard from the organizers that they have over 80 participators registered for the event.  Wow!  Thanks to all those who pledged and to Poppa Badger for helping to bring in so many donations!  Learn more about Grady's Paddle for Sick Kid's Hospital on the official Grady's Gift website. 

Badger in America with Swift & Mountainman!

Finally we Canadian Badgers are going to see our American Badger Cousins.


Thanks to Swift Canoe & Kayak, for the first time Badger Paddles are going to available in the USA in the state of New York!


Thru the Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company for one weekend only!*


Mountainman is New York's largest Canoe & Kayak dealer and they are going on the road to the Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center... and, they are taking Swift with them.

And... Swift is taking Badger!

This is an event you don't want to miss with great pre-season deals on boats and a chance to check out the BadgerPaws and Slivers as well as a few Cub WaterColours.  Not to mention - the very new and very versatile Badger Paddle Sock will also be available!  It'll fit just about any canoe paddle - from a thin solo blade to a bent shaft style so try one on (your paddle) and see what you think!  (Will work for 2 pc kayak paddles too - just buy 2 and cinch them together.)

Make sure to look for Swift and Bill (see photo on right) at the show.  You can even tell him "Badger says Hi!" or "Fiona sent me".  Let us know what he does!


The Adirondack Sports & Fitness Summer Expo takes place April 24th and 25th (Saturday and Sunday).  If you are going to be in the area - be sure to stop in and enjoy this fantastic show!  We just know you will "dig" it!

*If there is enough interest for Badger at this show there is a better chance you will be seeing Badger available thru Mountainman in the future so don't wait to adopt a Badger into your paddling home!!!

Paddle Socks - the new way to protect your paddles!

Badger Paddle Socks... for those who dig their gear!

Just new on the market this season, Badger Paddle Socks are causing a buzz this spring.  One of the most interesting thing about this product is it's versatile fit for paddles (up to 65" in length).  Not only will the sock stretch to fit every Badger Canoe Paddle style available - but it also fits many of the blade styles and widths available from other paddle makers and manufacturers as well! (See how nicely it fits on a Werner Compulsion Bent Shaft in the image below - thats a wide blade!).

The socks slip on fast and easy providing your paddle the protection it needs in transport or storage.  They are also compact and lightweight.

How does it work? We recommend sliding the paddle in handle first.  Then folding over the excess sock (if any) and cinching around the paddle blade using the elastic cord and barrel closure.  Or you can cinch it up like a sack as well - what ever your preference. (See image on right)

Save your paddle the scratches and scars that are caused when you throw them in the back of your truck, trailer or car.   And seeing the cost of some of those paddles we are buying are $100 to $450, it is worth investing a mere $18.95 (MSRP*) to add some protection for your valuable asset.  Looking to protect your high-end 2 piece kayak paddle?  Just buy two socks (one bag for each piece) and use the elastic cord to cinch the 2 parts together in their individual socks.

For more information, visit the Badger Paddle Sock website.  Click here for the background story of why Mike came up with the idea for this new product and it's application.

Are you part of a Canoe, Kayak or Paddling Club?  Are you part of the paddle sports industry?  Screen your logo on the sock to resell or promote your club or business!  Our socks are available to dealers and clubs with or without our logo screened onto each paddle sock.  See an example of our logo as it appears on the socks in the image on left.  Add your own logo with ours or just have your own!  Contact us for details and a quote.

 Gotta get yourself a Badger Paddle Sock... 'cause you know you dig your gear!

*Price in Canadian Funds.  Not including the cost of shipping or taxes where applicable. 

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Badger Canoe Paddles now available in Europe!

Guten Tag! Badger Paddles are now overseas!  Newly available in Europe thru the fine paddlesports shop in Austria, the Carinthian Canoe Base, CCB now has a selection of Slivers, Trippers and Cubs as well as other high quality boats and gear like from Swift Canoe.  Visit their website for details and available services or contact Wolfgang Hölbling @

Carinthian Canoe Base

Johann-Offner-Straße 16

A-9400 Wolfsberg

+43 664 253 8044

Badger now tweets on Twitter too!

Whew!  Say that title 10 times fast!!!  "Badger now tweets on Twitter too!"

Yep, it's true... Badger Paddles has joined Twitter and our social networking trisector is now complete!  We are still only a few days old on Twitter so be sure to start following Badger's tweets and growls for special offers and exclusive news.

We just hope that cute little blue Twitter bird doesn't mind sharing it's virtual nest with a "badger"!

Find us on Twitter here:  www.twitter.com/BadgerPaddles

Don't forget... you can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/badger.paddles

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?

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!

First Official Badger's Blog Post

Hello fellow paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts and welcome to the new Badger Paddles' Blog!

Be sure to stay up to date with new products, special offers, and just general Badger news.

For those who are on facebook: be sure to become a fan of Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water to receive your special discount!