Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Paddlers & Pantyhose

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.


Pantyhose is a Paddler's Friend.
We all know we are supposed to re-use and recycle items to help lesson our impact on the environment, right?!! But what does pantyhose have to do with paddlers? While there's actually a lot you can do with an old pair of nylon tights, for paddlers and campers, there are definitely at least two...

1) At the campground: Soap Stockings
Your bar of soap* (or you can take all the old soap slivers and left overs - you know, like when the soap gets too small to hold in the shower) and an old pair of pantyhose can make for a great soap dispenser in the bush. Cut off the leg of an old pair of clean nylon tights around knee height (or just use a pair of knee-highs). Add your soap (or soap pieces) into the sock you just created. Tie off the end near the soap. Hang the soap stocking near your wash/kitchen station while camping for hand-washing, etc., Now the soap won't slip out of your soapy hands or get dirty when you drop it. It also helps to keep the soap drier (not mushy) after use so it is easier to pack away at night (if little critters or bears are a consideration).


2) In the shop: Nylon Varnish Applicator
One reason that people tend to lean towards a varnished paddle is the lack of maintenance over an oiled paddle. But that doesn't mean that varnished paddles don't need a coat of protection every once in a while (depending on use). If you have a hard time with dripping varnish or only need to apply a light coat of protection, old nylons can be of great use. Just cut off the toe and upper portions of stockings, keeping the soft nylon and leaving the rest. Now simply apply the varnish to your paddle (after a light sanding to scuff up the surface a bit) using the nylons like a pad. Rub the varnish gently, making sure it is evenly dispersed, only using enough to cover the area with a light coat. Then leave to dry. You don't have to worry about cleaning your brush with Varsol or other harsh chemicals/spirits as discarding the old panty hose is your only clean up. The whole process takes only minutes but will lengthen the life of your paddle and it's finish. Note: you will want to use a pair of paint gloves to protect your paws!


One last tip: natural pantyhose works the best in most cases where strongly dyed tights or hose can possibly lose some of it colour while being re-used. (eg. You may notice the colour of your pantyhose showing up slightly in your varnish).

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.


*Biodegradable or earth friendly, please.

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NEW Badger SPLASH Cub WaterColours at Algonquin Outfitters

Our Badger Cub WaterColours have proven to be popular with the kids for obvious reasons. They just love the vibrant colours and the fun they bring to the paddling and cottage experience.

But this year, our Cub WaterColours have become even more colourful and original with our new series of "SPLASH" paddles! Exclusive to Algonquin Outfitters, these one-of-a-kind paddles are individually handcrafted and hand-tinted with a unique rainbow splash of colour!

Badger Cub WaterColours "Splash"
Canoe Paddles for Kids 'n Cubs
only at Algonquin Outfitters this summer!
(image courtesy of the AO Huntsville store)

Reminiscent of nature's spectrum, our colourful Cub WaterColours SPLASH paddles, are like the beautiful arch of colours like those formed in the sky. After all, who doesn't "dig" a rainbow?!!

Want to see more pictures? Visit Algonquin Outfitters for details and all your Algonquin Park needs this summer!!!

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 Paddles' Tip of the Week - Getting The Most From Your Oil

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

To ensure that you are getting the best penetration when oiling your wooden paddles, gunwales, thwarts or seat parts - include the following tips into your oiling process.


Starting with a clean rag, poor the oil onto your folded cloth - not the wood. After applying a fairly liberal amount of oil* evenly to the entire surface, "WET SAND" it (using the oil as a lubricator) before you leave the oil to penetrate the wood (allowing the oil to permeate for up to 30 minutes). Using a good "waterproof" sandpaper (320 grit or finer) when oiling the wood, not only helps to open the grain (during the sanding process) but it also helps to take care of any slight raised grain issues as well as minor scratches. Sanding, a step we highly recommend, is what helps to give the wood a silky, smooth to the touch, finish. Please note that some people suggest to use a fine steel wool but we find it leaves bits of the steel fibres behind where as the sandpaper does not.

Applying a coat of oil with a clean cloth. 

Another tip, from Poppa Badger, is to use your hand to rub the surface (quickly) to create some heat. Do so in small sections until you have covered the entire area. When the oil is exposed to this frictional heat, it becomes like a polymerization effect, as a slight thickening occurs - along with the help of oxidization - resulting in a harder finish while helping to speed up the drying/curing process. If you do use your hand to rub the paddle down, be sure to take off any rings or other jewelry that may scratch the surface and always sand or rub in the direction of the grain.

Wet sand using the oil (NOT WATER).

Don't forget to remove the excess oil (after several minutes of penetration and wet sanding) by wiping away the excess with a clean, dry cloth.  This will prevent the oil from gumming** up and allow for a beautiful smooth finish. By removing the extra oil from the surface, the drying time is also faster. Remember, it is better to repeat this process a few times, in thinner layers, then to try to apply the oil too heavily.

To see all of our Oil and Varnish Maintenance Tips, visit:

How to Maintain Oiled Gunwales/Gunnels and Wooden Paddles

Canoe Paddle Maintenance Tips - Oil or Varnish

Badger Canoe Paddle Maintenance

*Oil can refer to a few different substances: Tung; Linseed; Badger Wood Oil (Hemp); a 50:50 mixture of oil and spirits (which also helps the oil to permeate the wood and speed up drying time); or a store bought concoction.


**If a too heavy coat of oil has been left for too long - or you get a gummy feel to the finish -  get out your fine (waterproof) sand paper again and "wet" sand (with a bit more oil) then immediately wipe the surface of any residual oil and leave to dry. Note: if the oil has been applied too heavily, or penetrates too deeply, you may have to check back within in few hours as the excess oil may seep out during this time. If this does occur, just wipe away the extra with a clean rag and leave to dry (checking back again as needed).

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger Results - Mystery T-Shirt Contest

When Algonquin Outfitters presented us with the bright red T-Shirt and we saw the humourous phrase screened onto the shirt- we just knew we were going to have some fun! And so we did.

Badger's Contest Recap:

We started by inviting participants to guess what the funny phrase was - 'cause we weren't telling! The first 10 people to guess and email us the correct phrase were to be entered into a draw for the T-shirt, Algonquin Park Canada Ceramic Travel Cup, and a Badger Paddle Sock too.

With just a few hints, the contest was underway!

CONTESTANTS HAD TO FILL IN THE BLANKS:

_ _ _ _ _ _     _ _ _ _ _

_ _ _    _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _    _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ 

And there was an image clue to start as well:

Contest Image Clue #1

The only other clues were the mention of the words "NATURAL PADDLER" by way of question:

Then there was another image clue given:

Image Clue #2

Plus there were a couple of missing letters added:

By this time the entries were coming in fast!

As a special surprise, our first correct entrant received a lil' Badger WaterColours Paddle KEYCHAIN. Christine (Chris) J. of Ontario took this honour and decided on a blue one!

lil' Badger Paddles KEYCHAINS
Ash WaterColours shown.
These little paddles are HAND PAINTED!!!

It wasn't long before all 10 finalists had their CORRECT answers in with the final list being:

1. Christine J.

2. Liz S.

3. Frank D.

4. David C.

5. Jimmy B.

6. Wilbur W.

7. Karen M.

8. Laura O.

9. Mike O.

10. Bev E.

And the winner (selected by random) is:

Liz S.

Congrats Liz! Liz has won the following SWAG from Algonquin Outfitters and Badger Paddles: One (1) Red T-Shirt; one (1) Algonquin Park Canada Ceramic Travel Cup; and one (1) Badger Paddle Sock. Prizes as shown below:

Liz S. is the lucky winner of this SWAG!!!

But it doesn't end there! As another surprise, we also randomly selected 5 more winners (from all who participated beyond just our list of 10 finalists). Eligible were all those who "answered" the question "Are you a NATURAL paddler?". Chosen by random,  the winners of a Mini Badger SWAG kit (which includes the following: One (1) lil' Badger Paddle KEYCHAIN - Hand Painted (Cherry) plus one (1) AO Sticker and one (1) Badger Paddle Sticker) are:

Bev E.

Jimmy B.

Karen M.

Joey R.

Frank R.

Bonus Random Drawing
for a mini Badger SWAG kit:
(a lil' Cherry Badger Paddle KEYCHAIN*,
an AO STICKER, and a Badger Paddles STICKER)
*Hand-painted, may not be exactly as shown

So there you have it, the winners and the mysterious winning phrase:

PADDLE NAKED

ADD SOME COLOUR TO YOUR CHEEKS

Thanks to Algonquin Outfitters for supplying us with such fun and as always for their great generosity! Make sure to check out AO's other great contests and prizes - right now they are giving away a canoe trip into Algonquin via their Wildlife Photo Contest and more! (Plus Badger Paddles has added a small prize for "Badger's Best" photo!!) And be sure to stop into Algonquin Outfitters locations (in Huntsville and Oxtongue) this season and check out Algonquin Outfitters' one-of-a-kind Badger Cub WaterColour "Splash" Canoe Paddles for kids. Perfect for the cottage or campsite - these rainbow effect paddles will be sure to get your kids 'n cubs excited about paddling this summer!!!

Badger Paddles Contest - For Natural Paddlers

So.... Algonquin Outfitters gave us this red T-shirt* to giveaway and it's a pretty funny one!!! Do you consider yourself a "natural" when it comes to paddling? Be the first to guess the HUMOUROUS phrase on this paddling T-shirt and you can actually win it, plus win a Badger Paddle Sock and a few extra goodies from Algonquin Outfitters too!

Prize package valued at over $75 CAD

GUESS THE PHRASE AND

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

_ _ _ _ _ _     _ _ _ _ _

_ _ _    _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _    _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Have you guessed yet?

Here is another clue: 

Picture Clue #1

SEE MORE CLUES:
BADGER'S CLUE #2

How to enter:

Guess and Tag to Win Some Swag!

Just Guess:

Figure out what the possible fun phrase on the prize t-shirt is by filling in the blanks:

 _ _ _ _ _ _     _ _ _ _ _ 

_ _ _    _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _    _ _    _ _ _ _    _ _ _ _ _ _ 

Email your guess to Badger Contests. Note: the above phrase does use the Canadian spelling of a word - but that's all we are going to say! 

And Tag:

Answer our question: "Do you consider yourself a 'natural' when it comes to paddling?" by tagging yourself in the appropriate "Answer Photo" in our Facebook album here: Badger on Facebook 

Now, remember - don't post your answer on Facebook - we don't want to give the answer away! Just email your best guess to us. When we have 10 finalists - the first 10 correct submissions via email -  the winner will be selected by random draw.

Don't worry if you can't figure it out yet. Just keep checking back with us because we will be adding image and/or letter clues every few days until we have a winner.  Plus check out our sponsor Algonquin Outfitters and their fabulous Wild Life Photo Contest that is currently underway. Lots of great prizes to be won!

Contest Rules:

No purchase necessary. You must "like" the Badger Paddles on Facebook in order to interact with the photos for "tagging" purposes. There is only one (1) mystery t-shirt - size small* (apparently the staff at AO were hopeful to see this particular T-shirt on a lady only!), one (1) ceramic travel mug (with a Algonquin Park/Canadian flag motif) from Algonquin Outfitters, and one (1) Badger Paddle Sock to be won as our top prize. Other prizes may include stickers and/or other Badger merchandise. Prizes are approximately as shown. Yours must be the first of 10 correct answers (submitted via email to Badger Contests) to be a finalist and therefore be eligible to win the top prize. Our top prize winner will be selected randomly out of the 10 finalists. Upon entering this contest, you acknowledge that this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and that winning this contest is not contingent upon you taking any action on the Facebook website/social utility.  Winners for the top prize will be determined by email entry only. All 10 finalists will be announced by their first name with the initial letter of their last name online.  Contest is open to persons over the age of 18. Only one (1) entry per email account will be accepted. In the event the contest sponsors are unable to notify the selected entrant within 14 days of the draw, that selected entry may will be disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Only one prize will be awarded per contest winner, household, family, group or organization. The odds of becoming a finalist will be determined by the number of eligible entrants received by the contest and the timeliness of these entries. Once the 10 finalists are chosen, odds of winning will be approximately 1 in 10.
Upon entering this contest, via the methods proposed or otherwise, you have released Badger Paddles from any and all liability and/or damages resulting from your participation in this contest. This contest is open to all entrants where legal and in accordance with Facebook's contest policies and Canadian law.  

The contest sponsors accept no liability for errors on material distributed for this program.  

All entries successfully submitted become the property of Badger Paddles, who assumes no responsibility for incomplete, lost, late, damaged, illegible or misdirected entries or email, nor for technical, hardware or software failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connection, or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmissions which may limit a user's ability to participate. Badger Paddles reserves the right to cancel or suspend this contest should a virus, bug, computer problem, unauthorized human intervention or other cause beyond its control, corrupt the administration, security, fairness or proper play of the contest. 

By participating in this program, all participants and award winners agree that Badger Paddles, its partnerships, subsidiaries and affiliates and each of such entities' respective officers, directors, agents and employees are not responsible or liable for any injury, loss illness, litigation or damage that may occur from participation in the promotion or acceptance, possession, use or misuse of prizes. In the event that any dispute arises regarding the meaning or interpretation of these official rules, participants agree that the dispute shall be resolved by applying the laws of Ontario and that it shall be resolved by and within the course of that province. 

By entering this contest, entrants agree to be governed by these rules, and, if requested, agree to have their name and photograph used without compensation for advertising purposes related to this contest.  

Entrants also agree to receive communications via email or telephone from Badger Paddles as a condition of entry. Contact may be made to validate the entry.   

Entrants may withdraw their entry at any time. Requests to unsubscribe from the contest should be sent to Badger Paddles.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - Mike's 3 Toilet Paper Rules

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.


As promised to Mike, this week's tip is about toilet paper and how to pack it. Toilet paper, while not a usual comfortable subject of conversation, is an obvious necessity for any trip into the bush (unless you prefer leaves and birchbark). Mike has 3 rules about how to pack his toilet paper for trips which he wanted to share...

Mike's #3 rule is you gotta keep it dry. His (along with many other travellers) solution is a zip-able plastic storage bag. But the rolls (especially the nice plush stuff) can sometimes be a bit big for the medium sized bags. 

Which brings us to Mike's #2 rule: Try to set aside a few rolls in the weeks before your trip that have had some paper removed during regular household use. That way, you aren't trying to stuff a big double roll into the bag, but are left with a smaller, more condensed roll instead.  Mike also believes in leaving the cardboard tube (usually found inside). You can always squish it down when packing to further condense the size of the roll but don't take out the cardboard tube. Without the tube, it can become a bit more difficult to remove the paper from the "roll" at your campsite - which can cause some real frustration when the mosquitoes and black flies are out! Besides, the tube can always be brought back to shape (for hanging convenience) and is a great fire* starter too when the roll is done. Plus the empty zip-able storage bag can be re-used to pack out garbage (that cannot be burned) or other unmentionables, as well as things like expired batteries from the flashlight.

And finally Mike's #1 rule is to remember to leave one roll in an easily accessible pocket or at the top of your pack (with a few extra ziplock baggies) while travelling, portaging, etc.  Just like your first aid kit - you may need it in an emergency!

Plus every one at Badger recommends you try to look for environmentally friendly toilet paper to take into the bush - especially if you don't have to pack it out with you when you leave.

*check with the regional municipality or local park staff to inquire about fire regulations and seasonal fire bans which can occur at any time. At the very least, the cardboard can be useful in the case of a needed emergency fire.


Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week - How to wRite in the Rain

Badger Paddles' Tip of the Week includes information on paddling, camping, portaging, boat transport, and maintenance tips, as well as any other information that we may find to be useful around our sett.

This week Mike wanted us to do a tip about toilet paper - but with all the inclement weather we have been having in Muskoka, and elsewhere, we were more inclined to tell you about how to wRite in the Rain  .... However we did have to promise Mike that we'll talk about toilet paper next week!


How to wRite in the Rain:
Keeping your memories alive in a trip journal is a favourite amongst many outdoor enthusiasts, while others simply like to take notes about the features of a route or secret fishing spots. Since extra-curricular activities can be limited during a long wilderness trip (especially when the trip includes lots of rainy days), writing is definitely one popular way to pass the hours of solitude and has often been used to record the memories of a lifetime.  Besides, the best time to write your outdoor journal is when you are actually in the outdoors... especially when it is raining! And while usually paper and rain don't mix, Rite in the Rain is one paper maker who has solved the issue... Check out their line of (environmentally responsible) all weather writing paper that sheds water - allowing you to wRite in any weather condition!  You don't have to let the inclement weather stop you anymore since you can now write it out while you wait it out (while on the trail, shore of a portage or in camp). Watch the video (below) to see the writing paper in action or see: www.riteintherain.com for more info and where to buy.

Do you have any tips to share? Send us your tips and paddling advice - and if your tip is featured here - we will send you a free Badger Paddles sticker!!! All you have to do is email us your suggestions.