ABOUT OUR PADDLES

Cricket Designs make hand made canoe and kayak paddles for boaters who want custom quality and features and personal service at a competitive price. Cricket Paddles are beautiful to look at but it’s what you can’t see that really counts. Our philosophy on building paddles is very simple. Do the best job we can. If can find a way to make them lighter, stronger, more durable or prettier we do it. We just changed to Dynel edges on all paddles except the Greenland style as it reduces the weight, improves the balance on canoe paddles and lowers the swing weight on kayak paddles, looks better and significantly improves the durability. What more can we ask for.

With the price increases due to the greater time it takes to put on these Dynel edges, we are now just a little more than garden variety composite paddles and significantly less than the high end shoulder killer graphite paddles.

What Makes us different

You may wonder why you should even consider a premium-quality wood paddle -- cheaper plastic and wood paddles are certainly available.

But do consider this: Wood paddles such as our laminated Cricket Paddles, have a tough resilient flex that reduces the strain on the arms and shoulders. Premium wood paddles are designed for the most efficient paddling possible while retaining their light weight. Reinforced tips and fiberglassed blades create a paddle that is strong and durable -- yet they are crafted to show the beauty of the wood.

Don’t let the lovely, glossy finish fool you -- our finish is pretty because it’s durable! To explain, we coat the entire paddle with two coats of epoxy resin which saturates, hardens and seals the wood. Then we top it off with three coats of polyurethane, wet sanded between each coat, and they become...well, to pretty to use, some say!

But it is this five-step finishing system which gives the wood a far more durable surface than wood which is varnished only. And it results in that wonderful glass-smooth finish that only SEEMS too pretty to use! So remember: that glossy finish isn’t just for show -- these paddles are built to be used!

Durability. Designed to withstand adrenaline-powered strokes and rocks which inevitably crop up from nowhere!

Laminated Shafts Don’t Snap in Two. This is an important point when taking strong, powerful strokes. Our five-piece laminated shaft is stronger than a one piece or even three-piece shaft. Lamination, good design and the choice of specific woods keeps the weight light without sacrificing strength. (We don’t want you left up a creek without a (Cricket) paddle!)

Reinforced Tips and Edges are Tougher. Our epoxy -saturated Dynel™ forms the most indestructible tips and edges we have found. It is strange but the premium wood paddle builders have used this material for years and several of the big name composite paddle companies just found it in the last couple of years.

Fiberglassed Blades Last Longer. To further enhance durability, the blades are covered with fiberglass cloth and epoxy which provides high dent- and abrasion resistance.

Performance. Designed for hours of tireless paddling with a very quiet entry into the water, smooth, powerful strokes and good bracing ability.

Less Fatiguing on the Body. Balance is critical in touring paddles. If a paddle is well balanced, it will be less tiring over a day than a blade-heavy paddle. In fact, balance is more important than ultra-light weight for comfortable paddling over long distances.

An added advantage of wood is the slight “give” or flex of the resilient shaft which reduces fatigue in shoulders and back muscles. Remember too, wood is warmer in your hands.

No Flutter in the Water. One of the basic advantages between wood and composite paddles is that the thicker, profiled wood blade doesn’t slice and flutter as many thin-blade composites do, yet it still provides the solid leverage as you power your boat forward. And, the rounded corners of Cricket Paddles allow them to enter the water smoothly and quietly.

Why is a Cricket Paddle Worth More Money? The larger manufacturers of wood paddles are unable to add the durability and performance features that we do--our paddles are nearly custom-made, yet sell for competitive prices. They have hand-crafted care and additional time put into important extras: reinforced blades, edges and tips, a five-coat finish and well-designed, well-balanced blades, shafts and grips. Cricket Paddles are readily customized -- most have their owner’s name on them and wood selections can be tailored to the owners wishes. As shown on the paddle descriptions, other options are available.

We Guarantee Satisfaction. Our paddles carry a one-year warranty against manufacturer defects. All standard paddles have a “return if not satisfied”guarantee, the buyer is responsible only for return shipping.

Here are just three comments from satisfied customers: “I’d like to order a paddle. I borrowed one of your paddles about a year ago, and I’ve tried several paddles since but never found one with quite the “feel” of the Cricket.” David. And, “It was great to feel the natural energy of this paddle. Love it! Mark. “The flex pattern is great and it has a good bite in the water. Just love it!” Ron