Badger Paddles Badger Tail

I bought the 60" Cherry Badger after consultation with Dan. I usually paddle whitewater, so I'm used to fibreglass and carbon. However, I do own a wooden Bending Branches Arrow that spends most of its time hanging in the rack.

I bought the Badger Tail to use in estuaries, calm rivers and lakes when paddling my 9 year-old Prospector. I was a little surprised with my first experience with the paddle. It was almost if... the paddle sensed my mood. The thin, long blade entered and exited the water quietly, with the few drips that shed from the blade during the recovery making the most noise. It became obvious that the paddle also performs well at strokes where the blade does not need to be removed from the water, such as the hunting stroke. The paddle has enough flex to remove shoulder strain and allow the paddler to feel the relationship betweeen the paddle, the water and the boat. I slipped into a moving meditation.

The Badger Tail is a fantastic paddle. Even though it is best paddled without rushing, it can get a boat moving reasonably quickly without the shoulder strain that some paddles will deliver. My impression is that it is an excellent paddle for getting close to nature.

It may be reasonably expensive, but I could argue that I got more out of that single paddling trip than I did from an expensive weekend at a yoga retreat. The craftmenship is excellent. The guidance and advice at Paddle & Portage Canoes is excellent. The paddle is easily worth the cost.

I am impressed at the speed the badger arrived. I have been on a relearning track for a few weeks. Useing a traditional paddle is so much fun and tiring as I need to use muscles that have become used to a carbon fibre paddle ,the extra weight and length gives more power and control in every stroke. I recommend a badger to everyone who enjoys paddling