I've paddled around many lakes and rivers in the 20 odd years of camping I've been doing with my family. I love canoeing, and exploring different waterways. Although my daughter detests canoeing, which we found out very early in our camping adventures (lots of tears were shed in those days), my son is enthusiastic about it as my husband and I. He did a long canoe trip this summer with a couple of friends with numerous portages. I was impressed by how far they went! He has his own kayak, but after he bought a beautiful paddle this summer, he's anxious to try more canoeing (kayaks are a pain to portage since you can't carry them over your head).
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| My husband bought me my first paddle years ago ... cherry by "Red Tail Paddle Company" |
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| Another paddle given to me by my husband by "Grey Owl Paddles" |
While camping this summer, we stopped in at Algonquin Outfitters to check out canoes and kayaks (window shopping only), and to browse their amazing store. This is where my son bought his own paddle with his hard-earned money.
As we were leaving the store we noticed a stack of unfinished canoe paddles and a clerk came up and explained that the paddles were for a contest in celebration of Tom Thomson's death 100 years ago next summer. You buy the paddle and enter the contest for $25. Then you decorate the paddle any way you choose. Well, that sounded right up my alley! The best part is you have until next summer to complete the paddle :) Thank goodness because I have a tough time deciding on an idea. This is my paddle. It's pine and rather small, but I have been scribbling down all kinds of ideas for it since we came home.
If you are interested in the contest yourself, you can check out the details here. After you submit your paddle, it will be (hopefully) auctioned off next September with the proceeds going to a couple of art centres (details included in the link). Sounds like fun right? I've got a "Canoe Paddles" board on Pinterest where I'm collecting various images for inspiration. There's not a whole lot out there, but I've found a few. This photo was sent to me by Algonquin Outfitters. We saw the Tom Thomson paddle (third from the right) in their Huntsville store. Looks like the competition will be tight!
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| Algonquin Outfitters |
Thanks for stopping by!
Wendy
Hello, what a neat idea and contest. The decorated paddles all look beautiful. I can wait to see what you do with your paddle. Have a happy day!
ReplyDeletelove this
ReplyDeleteSome creative work on those paddles. I like canoeing, though it's been awhile since I've done it.
ReplyDeleteThe decorated paddles look really cool! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteHave fun decorating your paddle!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea such delightful art existed. Thank you so much for this informative post.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! I can't wait to see what you come up with. :) xx
ReplyDeleteThat will be an interesting project Wendy. The array of fancy paddles is beautiful. I haven't paddled anything in almost 40 years (other than a paddle boat. lol). We have an old Chestnut canoe that has seen better days and that is what I paddled in when dating my hubby. Good luck with your project. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteWishing you every success and lots of fun designing! Some great designs there indeed!
ReplyDeleteLove the view of the lake. Paddling is such fun! Looking forward to your next post!
ReplyDeleteWow what a fun contest and I can't wait t see the paddles all painted.
ReplyDeleteSo nice of your hubby to buy you cute paddles ♥
ReplyDeletesummerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
What a great contest, and of course I love Tom Thomson's painting. I do hope you show us what you product Wendy, and good luck with the competition.
ReplyDeleteI once made a long paddle from cherry, that has never been in the water. It was a workshop project, and I learned a lot about hand tools that day! I originally made the paddle with the intention of giving it to a friend and coworker, but when another friend saw the paddle and heard my plan, she looked so genuinely shocked that I realized it might have been "too much" to give to a fellow I worked with, so I just kept it. It's not decorated, but I guess it qualifies as "decor" ;)
ReplyDeleteThe paddles are gorgeous. I'm going to love seeing your results on your paddle design, what a great and unique contest.
ReplyDeleteThe paddles are gorgeous. I'm going to love seeing your results on your paddle design, what a great and unique contest.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely paddles. I never knew there was such variety. Good luck in the contest!
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