5 Reasons To Get Your Own Paddle According to A Passionate Portageur and Paddling Pooch

The following article was written by paddler, "portageur", best friend to Nancy, and blogger; Preston Ciere of the informative website, Portageur.ca. It is entitled: Get Your Own Paddle... where Preston - and Nancy - walk us thru 5 great reasons to possess and use your own canoe or kayak paddle(s). Thanks to Preston for allowing us to publish the following post, but an especially big thanks to Nancy, the loveable and loyal paddling pooch - who looks as comfortable paddling in her PFD as she does running the portages with Preston. We know this great article was all her idea!

Preston Ciere with his loveable
 and loyal paddling partner, Nancy.

Preston was born in Hamilton, Ontario. As a young child, he would wander off into the woods looking for what was out there, and has never really grown out of that. He spends every chance he can get wandering around the Ontario wilderness. When back in the city, he spends half his time entertaining other. He started his website as an outlet to tell his tales to the right audience. He’s also particularly funny and when not portaging enjoys writing in the third person.

Nancy was born somewhere in Louisiana (probably), and after migrating north into Canada, bulked up to become the ideal portageur. Her job is threefold: reconnaissance, security and ambassadorship. She stays alert to keep her group aware of any present dangers, especially small critters that would otherwise surely steal supplies. She’s always paving the way along and around the perimeter of portages, scouting the route for any dangers and showing the group how to get past obstacles – though she often forgets the lesser skills of her comrades. Of course the greatest asset she brings is her natural ability to greet new friends along the trails and rivers.  As a trade off to these skills, she rarely carries anything, and paddles even less, but all things considered, no one ever minds.

Guest Badger Blogger, Preston (and Nancy) Ciere,
www.portageur.ca (Ontario, Canada)

Preston and Nancy lookin' cool in a canoe that has seen many miles.

Get your own paddle!

5 reasons why having your own

makes for a better paddling experience

After the movie “The Color of Money” came out, thousands of pool halls were filled with people walking in carrying a little case under their arms. They’d look down their mirrored sunglasses, pop it open and screw together their custom cue, peering around at who was watching them - no doubt, with “Werewolves of London” playing in their head. This was an annoying new trend to say the least - especially when once they started to play it became obvious that a custom cue didn’t make them any good. 

Paddling is nothing like pool (for one thing, you don’t want anything to sink). Having your own paddle has nothing to do with showing off, and isn’t just a luxury for professionals. It’s more about comfort and preference - making your paddling trips as enjoyable as possible. Admittedly, like a custom cue, it will make also you feel pretty cool. 

1 - Better than the rentals
Generally, when you rent a canoe it comes with paddles. So why would you want your own? Well, the paddles you get when renting a canoe are not the greatest. More often than not they’re those small bladed plastic and aluminum ones that dig little water, so they’re slow and offer little control. They’re also terribly uncomfortable, without the give of wood, or shaped to fit your hand properly. The odd time you’ll get yourself a nice wooden paddle - or one that may have been nice a few years ago. If you’re lucky it may be in a size and style that suits your needs, but usually rental paddles are pretty generic, not to mention scratched and worn from years of use.

2 - There’s a paddle for that
How do you paddle, and why? Getting yourself the right paddle for your style of paddling makes for a great experience. For example, ask yourself whether you are more of a “Destination” or “Journey” kind of person. If it’s all about just getting somewhere as quickly as possible, you may want a wider bladed paddle. On the other hand, if you plan on spending more time floating around exploring than where you’ll eventually end up, you may want a longer but thinner blade for control. Run a lot of rapids? Travel long distances? Prefer to be in the stern or the bow? There are paddle styles to suit all those needs. Talk to a good paddle maker and they’ll recommend something to suit your style. 

3 - Get a grip
A truly under-rated element of the paddle is the grip. If you’re going to do a lot of paddling, a nice comfortable grip is what is going to make the experience much more pleasant. Cheap paddles and rentals will have very basic grips designed to just do the job, leaving you with sore hands and blisters. Look for a paddle with a nice contoured shape that feels good in your hands. Pick it up and take some air strokes so you can judge how good the shaft feels as well - too thin or too thick might make for hand cramps. The best part of having your own paddle is that it’ll be free of all those scratches and marks that will cut up your hands after a day’s paddle, because you’re the one taking care of it, and you can even have them fixed - cheaply for you DIY types.

4 - Size matters
Often you may not be able to choose the size of your rented paddle, but even when you have a choice you might find yourself with a bad fit. A poorly fitted paddle can make you bend at the torso during your stroke, making you shift your weight unnecessarily for an unstable and uncomfortable ride. One measuring technique is to check the paddle’s height up to your chin. Unfortunately, this only works for one type (size) of blade. It’s the paddle’s shaft that’s important. The other more common method is to hold the paddle over your head, checking for your arms resting at right angles. This might be a better way to measure, but you still might not be happy with the size of your paddle. The best size will be the one that meets your paddling style. Some like to reach out further, some sit lower or tilted in the canoe. Try out some different sizes and see what makes you more comfortable and stable. 

5 - As special and unique as you are
Recently, when my friends and I were choosing new paddle styles, I took it rather seriously. I spent hours deciding on what size and style I needed. After I finally decided, I asked what made one friend choose his. Turns out, choosing between two similar types, he simply chose the cooler looking one - a completely valid deciding factor. Paddles have all kinds of looks with all kinds of options. You can get paddles in all kinds of colours and stains, in unique woods, with special logos, imprints and even custom paint jobs. 

Bonus - The Connection
There are some that can look at their paddle, show you each and every scratch and tell you a great story about where it happened and why. The first paddle I owned came from a friend who took great care with his, and  insisted I take it, with all the stories attached to it. I was lucky to find it was exactly the right size. Sure, it had been worn in for me, but I soon knew every nook and cranny. It felt perfect in my hand, and it moved the water just right. It was like that old t-shirt you love because it fits you just right. This paddle had been many places, and maybe I was imagining it all, but after all its travels it felt like the paddle was guiding me. 

And that, is why you want your own paddle.

Written by Preston (& Nancy) Ciere [of www.portaguer.ca] for Badger's Blog, August 2011.

Thanks to these two adventurers for
sharing their insights on the benefits
of paddle ownership.

Thanks again to Preston, that guy in the stern, for keeping the canoe so steady so Nancy could look great in so many photos! Plus another big thanks to them both for compiling such a great list of resources and information for paddlers and campers on their website. If you are thinking of doing a wilderness canoe trip, looking for the straight up goods on an Ontario park route, camper's tips and tricks, or how to prepare for your very first real canoe trip, then be sure to add www.portageur.ca to your list of favourites - 'cause you are going to want to visit this website more then once. You can also follow Preston (portageur_ca) on Twitter, "friend" Nancy, or find portageur.ca on Facebook. And if you happen to meet up with Nancy and Preston on the trail one day, be sure to tell them Badger says "Woof ". (Don't worry - Nancy will know what it means... even if Preston isn't too sure! *wink*)

Note: Comments and opinions of our guest bloggers do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Badger Paddles and are the expressed writings of the "guest" only. All content has been published on Badger's Blog with permission of it's author and is original to the guest writer. All copyright inquiries should be directed to the guest writer/blogger where necessary.

Canoeing the Petawawa River à la Sub(urban) Tourist

The following article was written by sometime paddler and new Badger friend, Margaret Antkowski of The (Sub)Urban Tourist. It is entitled: CANOEING THE PETAWAWA RIVER, EARLY IN THE MORNING... where Margaret delights us with her beautiful photos and short journal of her paddling adventure one morning on the Petawawa with her man, Frank. Margaret has graciously allowed us to publish the following article, and thankfully accepted our invitation to be one of the first guest bloggers on Badger's Blog, as well as guest photographer!


Guest Badger Blogger, Margaret Antkowski,
The (Sub)Urban Tourist (Mississauga, Canada)

Margaret Antkowski, the founder of the popular and very creative The (Sub)urban Tourist blog, is a Toronto-based PR professional by day and outdoor explorer on the weekend. She has been described as a Renaissance woman with many interests. A few that stand out are a love of good food and dining, travel, history, the outdoors and Latin dance. When not getting hot on the dancefloor with salsa dancing or communing with nature, Margaret is learning to take pretty pictures with her DSLR. She lives with her family and dog in Mississauga, Ontario.

Canoeing the Petawawa River,

Early In The Morning...

"Petawawa River early in the morning - mist"

There’s always somebody who has to be steering the ship, and in some cases, the canoe. 


I’m not much of a paddler, but I do enjoy getting out on a lake or river in a canoe, particularly in the early morning or late evening. 

"Frank in the morning sunlight"

Last year I had the opportunity to enjoy an early morning sunrise on the Petawawa River, where my boyfriend’s family has a cottage.  We rose early thinking that we would perhaps go for a walk, with my camera in hand. Instead we were politely but firmly told by Frank’s cousin-in-law that the best sights were seen from the river itself. 

The sun was just rising, and there was a slight mist coming off the river. The air was almost still, giving the water just a small ripple. With my camera slung over my neck, and paddle in hand, my boyfriend Frank and I started out, exploring the river.  


After a little while, I eager to take photos and had to stop paddling. Frank took over, keeping us moving along the length of the river. The one thing I quickly learned is that it’s not easy to take photos while a canoe is in motion. Even a slight bob in the water can affect the steadiness of your hand when trying to snap a photo in low light.

"Reflections Petawawa River"

"Still Waters"

Although it was a challenge, I did manage to get great photos of the sun rising over the Petawawa River, all thanks to the man steering the canoe – Frank. 

Written by Margaret Antkowski [of The (Sub)urban Tourist] for Badger's Blog, July 2011.

_______________________________________

Thank you, Margaret, for being a
guest writer for Badger's Blog!

Thanks to Frank, the man in the stern, for keeping the canoe steady so Margaret could take so many great photos! And thanks to Margaret for sharing with us, her photo journal of amazing adventures and places to go, this paddle down the Petawawa River being only one of many similarly detailed on her illuminating blog, The (Sub)urban Tourist. One of our favourite blogs to follow and read, it is virtual travel-to-go with many beautifully magical pictures to entice you into any one of Margaret's adventures and chosen destinations. Her's is a blog that it is definitely worth the click! You can also follow Margaret (@OutdoorMaggie) on Twitter or find The (Sub)urban Tourist on Facebook. We know you will enjoy her and Frank's (Sub)urban escapades as much as we do!

Note: Comments and opinions of our guest bloggers do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Badger Paddles and are the expressed writings of the "guest" only. All content has been published on Badger's Blog with permission of it's author and is original to the guest writer. All copyright inquiries should be directed to the guest writer/blogger where necessary.

Steve Johnston: Solo Tripping Meets Social Networking (An Oxymoron?)

The following article was written by avid paddler and Badger friend, Steve Johnston. It is entitled: SOLO TRIPPING MEETS SOCIAL NETWORKING (AN OXYMORON?) where Steve gives us his insights on "Facebooking in the forest". This post also marks the first in a series of articles to come from various talented writers with Steve being our very first ever, Guest Blogger!

Guest Badger Blogger, Steve Johnston (Thunder Bay, Canada)

Steve Johnston is an avid paddler who spends much of his free time on the water. He doesn't yet own a Badger Paddle but he would really like to. When he's not paddling you will find him blogging or Facebooking about it. Steve is engaged to be married and is also destined to be the first official Team Fat Paddler representative in Canada. Which he is understandably stoked about! Steve’s main stomping grounds are in the beautiful waters of Lake Superior where many overnighters and longer trips take place.  His long term goal is to explore and camp at as many lakes as possible in Northern Ontario and Minnesota.  You can join Steve’s adventures on Facebook or check out his blog www.northpaddling.blogspot.com

SOLO TRIPPING MEETS SOCIAL NETWORKING (AN OXYMORON?)

Ahhhhh....Solo Tripping, a chance to get away from it all, the traffic, the work, the house, the chores, the people,  the telephone. Wait a minute, back up, the telephone?

Like the popularity of the calculator when it replaced the slide ruler and or abacus, the smartphone is taking the world by storm. While having a mobile device is not necessary to live, living can be made easier by having one.

Never will I advocate that having access to the internet in your pocket is better than preparedness. Mobile technology comes with plenty of limitations. Battery life, reception, weather conditions, or the ability to simply use the device… just to name a few. 

Having a mobile internet device (like an iPad) can be
comforting when going solo into the wilderness.

Having a cell phone or mobile internet device can be very comforting when going solo into the wilderness, so can having a good sense of direction, maps and a compass or GPS.  I had my smartphone with me on my last solo trip and it alerted me that it was too hot to use and had to be cooled down before it would work (much like myself at that time).

Recently in my neck of the woods, the cellular network was expanded so that no matter where I ended up, I had excellent service. I have the ability to play movies or music right from the net. I can play games, download new apps and keep in constant communication with whoever I need to. Which brings us to social networking websites. Some people are for them and some people are dead against them. I will sum up my thoughts about that very quickly. Social networking allows me to organize ( and waste ) my free time.  If I want company on a paddle, all I have to do is post where and when and people will show up. The key word is sharing. I love to share all the fun that I am having with as many people as I can.

One of Steve's extra paddles stays protected in a Badger Paddle Sock.

I belong to a couple of paddling communities here in Thunder Bay, Ontario. For each, there is a "group" on Facebook. New paddlers are joining the groups daily and looking for fellow paddlers to paddle with, do some tripping and/or learn new skills. There is a very strong sense of camaraderie amongst the paddlers both new and old.  Pictures and videos are posted from most events so that everyone can re-live their adventures. This is what seems to "drive the machine" for a lot of paddlers I know. It inspires them as they realize "Hey, I could do that!"

Steve looks relaxed & comfortable with his feet up on deck.

On the flip side, a lot of people are addicted to social networks, spending hours updating their status, posting photos and videos, sharing links and playing games.  As a social media commando, one often feels it is very important to be the fastest, sharpest or wittiest commenter out there in cyberspace. If you find yourself relating to this, you are missing out on the beauty that you came out to enjoy in the first place.

I use social networking sites for practical purposes as well as entertainment.

For example; THE TICK

Up until a few weeks ago, I'd never seen a tick. All of a sudden, I had to remove seven of the little nasties off me. I was a little nervous (ok a lot nervous) about the whole thing, having heard the most horrible terrifying stories about the deadly diseases they carry, so I posted my plight on Facebook. Within minutes, I found out the type of tick, and the many various ways of removing them along with a few jokes at my expense.  Even though I was in the middle of nowhere and a half day paddle back to my car, I knew I was going to be just fine.

Thanks to some Facebook Friends, Steve's mind was put to ease
so he was able to relax and enjoy his trip after removing
7 "nasties" (a.k.a. ticks) from his own skin while out solo.

So, assuming that you have the time, space and battery power to bring your social network with you..... I say "Why NOT"?

Written by Steve Johnston (of northpaddling.blogspot.com) for Badger's Blog, July 2011.

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A special thanks to Steve, from our whole Badger sett, for taking time out of his busy paddling schedule to accept our invitation to be a guest writer on Badger's Blog and for giving us his thoughtful (and entertaining) insights on the ways that mobile technology is changing the way we are exploring the out-of-doors. If you would like to be a guest writer on Badger's Blog, please contact us by email.

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Note: Comments and opinions of our guest bloggers do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Badger Paddles and are the expressed writings of the "guest" only. All content has been published on Badger's Blog with permission of it's author and is original to the guest writer. All copyright inquiries should be directed to the guest writer/blogger where necessary.