Ray Special
All paddles take up to 3 weeks to craft and 4-6 days in shipping.
My fiancƩ purchased this paddle for me Christmas of 2021. It arrived in January of 2022. I've been canoeing since I was ten years old. I've always preferred wood paddles. I'm older now and have some arthritis in my shoulders. This paddle is the smoothest paddle I've ever used and is the easiest on my shoulder. The control that it gives me is second to none. I want to take care of this paddle, so I always take a second for when it gets too shallow for the Ray Special. This is also the quietest paddle I've ever used. I chose the oil finish. I keep a bottle of mineral oil and a rag where I store my paddles. I pour a bit on and rub it in all over. I wipe it off so it's dry when I'm done. Quick and easy. This paddle is truly a gem.
Very light weight. Be respectful and use only for its intended purpose. And don't be critical of a little blemish or asymmetry in the grain. This is made from a natural substance called wood, and constructed by a human being. So don't expect it to look exactly like the picture on the website. I much prefer this to my fiberglass/carbon fiber/plastic paddles. It just looks and feels right.
I got the traditional all-varnished special because I just don't have the time to oil my paddle at this point in my life. Maybe I can handle putting some varnish on it once a year. It's a great paddle, and I will buy another.
This is my third paddle based on the designs of Ray Kettlewell, but my first Ray Special. Beautiful to the eye, balanced in the hand, encourages a long and full stoke which feels like little effort. Very pleased with the outcome. Opted for the varnished blade and oiled handle-great choice and highly recommended if you are willing to oil it as Greg suggests.
Ordered two paddles one for myself, and one for my wife, both arrived perfectly packaged, both were beautiful in appearance and craftsmanship. We have not yet use them, however, we will be using them in the near future. But so far very happy with the appearance of these paddles.
Good afternoon, I received my paddle yesterday (24/06/18) and I have been staring at it since last night, amazed in the beauty, the lightweight and just that smell of the oil.
I took it out this morning for paddle around the lake with a group of high school kids (I run a youth program and have an inventory of canoes)...
I took out my personal 14 foot Clipper packer and within two strokes was absolutely amazed how beautifully this paddle handles. It slices through the water like a hot knife through butter. The stroke is easier to do and with the blade length less effort is needed to maintain speed and it just feels like an absolute joy to use. Thank you so much.