Wooden or Plastic

[HikingGuy]

Which are the most practical type of oars for a canoe, plastic or wooden? We usually buy wooden because they are cheaper and I find that the plastic are too light, what is your choice?

[ChadTower]

It's mostly preference, I think. I've had many plastic ones and they do break far more often than a well made wooden paddle. Either way they aren't expensive enough that it's a big deal the way it is on a kayak.

[dinosaur]

I had a plastic paddle once. It was a two piece you screwed together. I had it for emergency use. Once I had to use it. Now I carry an extra wood paddle.

[jason]

For canoeing, I use wood. For my kayak, I use plastic.

[Bob]

There is just something that feels right with wooden paddles, and just something that feels wrong with plastic paddles. They just each have a different feel.

[FreshAirLover]

I've never used plastic paddles, so I can't make a comparison, but I agree with the users above that there is a certain feeling about the wooden ones that seems right for canoeing. I've never heard about wooden paddles breaking too often...

[HikingGuy]

Thanks. I was leaning closer and closer to wooden paddles because that is what I knew and was used to, I still am leaning towards wooden.

[Newanderthal]

Currently using plastic blades with aluminum shafts, but soon I'm ordering this bad daddy...

[HikingGuy]

What type is that? It is made for a specific type of boat? I think it would rip through some water quite easily, wouldn't it?

[outwest]

Originally Posted by jason

For canoeing, I use wood. For my kayak, I use plastic.

Is there a specific reason for this or is it user preference? Everyone I know has had to learn the hard way about taking care of their stuff when going to wooden route. Instead of leaving the stuff out during harsh weather, bring it inside like you do yourself.