The Swift Guelph Lake Spring Event - It's More Then Just A Sale

Every Spring, for over twenty years, Bill has been taking his crew down to Guelph Lake for one of the biggest outdoor canoe and kayak sales you can find in Ontario. Stocked with hundreds of boats, from new to used, as well as paddles and paddling accessories, the show has become a popular tradition for many paddling folk - both novice and skilled alike.

VISIT THE SWIFT WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS
OR CALL 1.800.661.1429

But it's not just the boats that make the event so special. It's the people. First off, the Swift Crew (i.e. Bill, Mike, Jon, etc.) are the most fun and knowledgeable that you will ever meet. The atmosphere is very welcoming to everyone, families included. There is even an area for you to "try before you buy" where you are able to test paddle the boats to help you find the right fit for your paddling needs and life style. If you have questions, this is where they will get answered.

It's a Badger Fact: This sale is where Badger® Paddles first launched to the public - and Mike will be there, representing Badger® and Swift Canoe, again this year as he has since the Spring of 2009.

But beyond the sales aspect, The Swift Guelph Lake Sale is just a fun place to be. Smiles abound and laughter is aplenty. It is Spring after all, which may or may not have something to do with the fact that the Swift Spring Guelph Lake Sale is also where Mike and I (Fiona) fell in love over a decade ago! Okay, well maybe not fall in love, but it was the scene of our first kiss! But it is the place where I met and fell in love with my Mattawa. That is how much fun it is, people!

Love is in the air...  must be Spring!

CLICK HERE NOW FOR A PRINTABLE $50 COUPON FROM SWIFT CANOE TO USE AT THE SPRING 2012 GUELPH LAKE SALE: MAY 4 - MAY 6TH 2012.

You just never know what the Swift Spring Guelph Lake Sale will bring to your life - whether it be the love of a good man, woman, canoe, or paddle - so why not go and find out?! At the very least, you will get to meet some great people and get some time on the water, if you can dig it!

SWIFT SPRING 2012 GUELPH LAKE

MAY 4 - 6th, 2012

SHOW HOURS:

Friday 2 pm to 8 pm

Saturday 9 am to 6 pm

Sunday 10 am to 4 pm

FREE TEST PADDLING

TIE DOWN ASSISTANCE

ACCESSORY SALE

FREE DEMOS

VISIT THE SWIFT WEBSITE

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® HOLIDAY STOCKING SALE!

Badger® and our fellow paddling friends at Swift Canoe & Kayak are having a "Stocking Sale" on our paddle stockings... er... um... we mean socks!

Right now, and up until December 24, 2011, we have reduced the price on our one-size-fits-most, stretchable, Badger® Paddle Sock - from our regular retail price of $18.95* to only $14.95* - all in celebration of the holidaze. Perfect for the paddler on your list, especially when you can now put this Paddle Sock on your index for Gifts Under $15!

To purchase a Badger® Paddle Sock from Badger® Paddles:

 Call 705-783-6016 or email us. 

To purchase a Badger® Paddle Sock from our friends at Swift:

Call 1-800-661-1429 or email Swift Canoe for more details.

To find out more about our versatile paddle sock, visit www.paddlesock.com.

So... we don't want to badger you, but... remember... you only have until Christmas Eve to take advantage of this holiday sale price. Thanks to our friends at Swift Canoe & to Digger for giving us the idea!

Happy holidaze everyone!

*Taxes and shipping not included

Badger® Demo Paddles For Sale Autumn 2011

BadgerPaw - Photo credit: R. Parnis

It's that time of the year where many outdoor manufacturers and retailers sell off some of the old demo gear to make way for the new. And so that means it's also the time for YOU to save $$$.

If you are looking for a handcrafted Badger® Canoe Paddle (or two) to add to your collection, be sure to check out the following list for some of the paddles we have available for quick sale.

And if you see something you are interested in, be sure to contact us A.S.A.P. to ensure that get your paws on the paddle you are diggin' on!

How to purchase from this list:
Contact: Mike Ramsay Ph: 705-783-6016
Email: sales(@)badgerpaddles(dot)com

List of Demo Paddles & Blems*
Note: All prices are listed in Canadian Funds and do not include tax(es) or the cost of shipping (where applicable).


Demos (A Series - Like New)
57" Sliver, Cherry, Oiled - $100.00
60" Sliver(s), Cherry, Oiled - $100.00
57" BadgerPaw, Cherry, Oiled - $100.00

Demos (B Series - Used)
57" Tripper(s), Cherry, Oiled - $90.00
60" BadgerTail(s), Ash, Oiled - $85.00
60" BadgerPaw(s), Ash, Oiled - $85.00

Unfinished Blems (with identified issue)
60" BadgerPaw, Tulip (A-symetrical blade shape) - $70.00
60" Digger, Cherry (Thin grip) - $80.00
57" Tripper, Cherry (Filled in knot on blade) - $70.00
57" BadgerPaw, Cherry, (Varnish sanded off blade) - $80.00
57" BadgerPaw, Cherry, (Fill in on blade) - $65.00

Finished Blems (with identified issue)
63" Sliver, Cherry, Oiled, (A-symetrical blade shape) - $90
60" Tripper, Cherry, Combination Finish [oiled shaft/grip and varnished blade] (filled in knot hole on blade - under Badger® logo) - $90.00

Questions? Contact: Mike Ramsay Ph: 705-783-6016 or Email us: sales(@)badgerpaddles(dot)com. But don't forget to hurry - because at these end of season sale prices these paddles won't be available for long!

*Blem (or blemished paddles) refer to paddles with slight imperfections that do not affect the over-all usefulness of the paddle but may not be as strong as we would like. These paddles may or may not bear a BADGER® logo. For the record, we do not believe in blems based on aesthetic appeal otherwise known as cosmetic blemishes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Wood has many features; very small knots or discolourations, and/or variations in grain that do not affect the overall strength of a properly maintained paddle, are not considered seconds. Whereas our blemished paddles (or seconds) refer to paddles that have slight imperfections that have been fixed or may affect the strength of the paddle. Paddles that are unfixable or deemed unusable are sold as paddles for paintings, wall hangers, and made into Badger Paddle Slice necklaces. Demos (or demonstration paddles) refer to paddles that have been used as sales samples (A Series) or have been lightly used (B Series) for demonstrations, in canoe photo shoots, etc.

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!!!!

Fall Canoe Clearance Sale

Yes, it is that time of the year again, when fellow paddlers begin the transition to warmer paddling gear and gloves, and when Swift Canoe & Kayak puts on the best Fall Clearance Sale in Ontario!

This year they are having their usual fall sell out of Rentals, Demos, Trade-in's, Blems and other Clear-out items and promises to have some fantastic deals, not only on canoes, & kayaks, but on paddling gear too.  

Click on the image to enlarge.

Visit one of their many store locations or take the family to the famous Guelph Lake Sale at the Guelph Lake Conservation Area this September 24th to the 26th - always a fun event - with free paddle testing of all boats!

Lots of knowledgeable staff, like Mike from Badger Paddles, will be ready to assist you in finding the right boat for your needs and possibly the right Badger Paddle too.  A "Tie-down Crew" will also be available for assistance where needed.  Bring your family - see how you all fit in your canoe and make a day of it too.  Guess we'll see you there!

When is a Badger not a Badger?

Nature isn't perfect and neither are we.

Sometimes Badger Paddles comes across some imperfections in a piece of wood that, while can affect the overall strength of the paddle, are still alright to paddle with.  Or a slip of the "paw" and other human errors gives us some "Badger Blems" to deal with.

Each paddle that falls into this category will be tagged with their specific information and, usually as a rule, are either left blank (no logo) or they have an UPSIDE DOWN Badger Paddles' PAW branded onto the blade.

Badger Blems, Badger Seconds and even some Prototypes are sometimes available.

Contact Badger & Son in Toronto to see what we have kicking around... but only if you dig deals!!!

Badger & Son

416-251-9326

Ask for Mike a.k.a. Poppa Badger

See the Google Map below for Badger & Son's location:

Please remember to call first to ensure someone is on site before you drop in!

View Larger Map

Swift's Guelph Lake Canoe & Kayak Demo/Sale

It is the Spring event we all look forward to every year!

Stop by the Guelph Lake Conservation Area for some fantastic deals on new & used canoes, kayaks and of course, new Badger Canoe Paddles.  Check out the latest products like the Badger Paddle Sock, Swift's new Barracuda cloth option,  and more!  You can test paddle the many models right on site to try before you buy with great prices on all PaddleSports accessories as well.   This sale is not only a great place to check out and pick up a great deal on a great boat - but - it is a lot of fun too!

Mike, from Badger Paddles will be there and will be able to answer all your Badger Paddle questions as well as any Swift inquiries with the rest of the Swift Team. For more information on this great canoe and kayak sales event, visit the Swift website or call 1-800-661-1429 for details.

You won't want to miss it!

View Larger Map

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!!!

Canoes & Paddles at the AUTO SHOW!!!

Sorry we are only telling you now but we just found out the exciting news ourselves!

Swift Canoe & Kayak are going to be present at the 2010 Toronto Auto Show and they are taking a rack of Badger Paddles with them!

Come see the Swift booth in the North Building - Level 100 (Booths # 605, 607, 609, 704, 706, & 708)

The AutoShow runs February 12-20, 2010 from 10:30 a.m to 10 p.m. (and on the Sunday February 21, 2010 the show opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m) at the North & South Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Tickets can be purchased online from the official Auto Show website (which gets you a 10% discount).  Otherwise, ticket costs are as follows:

Adults: $20

Children (7-12 years) $7

Children (6 and under free)

Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Kids):  $40 

Multi-day Pass (Any 2 Days):  $30

Click here for the show floor plan:  http://www.autoshow.ca/maps/ or here to visit the official AutoShow website.

See you Auto (& Paddling) Enthusiasts there!!!



View Larger Map

Come see Badger Paddles at the Toronto Boat Show

If you are in the G.T.A. this week - be sure to stop by the Toronto Boat Show*.  Badger Paddles will be represented at the Swift Canoe & Kayak booth by Mike as well as the very knowledgeable Swift Staff.  Swift has some great deals on canoes, kayaks and of course - Badger Paddles - lined up for you boating enthusiasts.... a great time to get a great price!

Besides a great line-up of boats, Badger Watercolours and even some paddles with custom hand-painted graphics will be available - each paddle a completely one-of-a-kind piece of art.  Lots of beautiful cherry paddles too.  Also available are many with our hand-rubbed varnished blades - a highly demanded paddle finish so be sure to get there early in the week to ensure the best selection!


A grand tradition - the boat show is sure to please you and your family during this cold winter weather and take you into the world of boating again.  Visit the Swift website or call their store (1-800-661-1429) for more information or click here to visit the TBS website for ticket information.


*The TBS runs from January 9 - 17, 2010 at the Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto.

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!!!