Paddle Testimonials

Testimonials/ Joe O'Blenis Paddles

(This first review below was posted on Paddling.net and is from the first bent shaft canoe paddle I ever built)

Reviews for Joe O'Blenis Bent Shaft Canoe Paddle

Submitted by: mr_canoehead
06-12-2009
Yes, I gave it a 10. It is true that many reviews have high marks, but in my case, I mostly only review things I like. I have tried many paddles I don't like, and many that are acceptable. The bent shaft O'Blenis made me is spectacular. I will compare it to my Grey Owl Marathon, which was my favourite bent (also rates a 10!) until it was trumped.

The top grip is great on both, full and round so as to produce little hand fatigue or pressure points. The top grip has matching grain which is very attractive. The shaft is ovaled and a suitable diameter on both. The O'Blenis looks to have a laminated cedar shaft with ash facings for durability. The blade is a bit smaller on the O'Blenis paddle, allowing for a higher cadence, and better for long distances, especially in a loaded boat. The blade shape is similar to a Zav in that there are pronounced shoulders. The Grey Owl blade is obviously prettier, but the O'Blenis has a pleasing contrast of dark and light laminations.

The O'Blenis paddle has a curved bend at the elbow, and somewhat less angle than the 14 degree grey owl. The blade of the O'Blenis paddle is covered in s-glass which should make it durable, but there is no edging, which suggests that pushing off rocks is a poor idea. I inadvertently stepped on mine and it flexed nicely with no damage while I cringed in fear. The O'Blenis paddle is about 4 oz lighter (my kitchen scale says 16.5oz). The workmanship is first rate, with a smooth finish throughout and an excellent job on the glassing of the blade.

In the water the paddle is noticeable in its quick recovery time, and smooth, quiet entry. I found no flutter or imbalance in the stroke, and it performs as one would expect a premium paddle to.

In summary, the O'Blenis paddle will be my choice for a flatwater tripping bentshaft, and long-distance recreational races. I'm sure bigger blades are available, as he custom makes these paddles.
Contact info: http://www.joeoblenis.com/
Rating: 10 of 10

(The following posts are from a variety of people who have sent in their comments and feedback to me)

Matt Gunning, Nova Scotia: Sea Kayak Guide and 2009 Yukon River Quest Racer!

Hey Joe,

Peter and I got out for a nice long paddle on Saturday, Peter used a Wing blade and I used your...er...my new paddle...very impressed with how fast and effortless the paddle was - it paddles as beautiful as it looks. Best of all...no wrist or shoulder pain !!! When I'm not on the water it's standing in my living room so I can sit and stare at it !

Thanks Joe, it's a true work of art !!!

Matt Gunning,
Coastal Spirit Expeditions
www.coastalspiritexp.com

From Dave Clements, Sea Kayaker

Thanks for the fine craftsmanship and the labour you put in to making my paddle, I am in love for the first time in my life, and its all your fault it works amazing and I think unless I'm teaching I will never use anything but this stick for the rest of my paddling career (some how I think that it will be until the day I die).

From Angela Griffin, Sea Kayak Association of British Columbia; Pacific International Sea Kayak Association. Vancouver British Columbia

I just wanted to tell you how much I love my Greenland paddle and how I can't live without it and how I am so glad you let me try yours way back when because I would never have known about them. Thank you thank you thank you!