Feel & Control
Hand paddles are an elegant and more precise way to navigate any body of water. Increased control, feel and stability are key factors. They are also much safer on the shoulder muscles and joints versus a standard shaft paddle. Many paddlers have converted to hand paddling due to past shoulder injuries. Hand paddling feels completely natural and is extremely intuitive.
Hand paddles are simply extensions of our hands so, It doesn’t take long to acclimate and feel comfortable using them. You’ll quickly achieve a kayak roll on both side of the boat as well. Due to the increased feel, stability and control you’ll learn to read water better and utilize river features to your benefit. With a deeper sense of connection to the river, water temperature, currents and energy you’ll feel elevated and enjoy the kayaking experience on a more intimate and spiritual level.
Safety & Environment
When I’m hand paddling I feel like I’m boating, swimming and dancing all at the same time in a very graceful and controlled manner. I feel empowered and more confident due to the increased control and safety. Using river features to my advantage keeps me more engaged and aware of my surroundings. My hand paddle roll is instantaneous, very reliable and feels almost effortless.
Go green… recycle and repurpose! Yep, I make hand paddles from cracked kayaks and used 55 gallon plastic barrels which benefits our environment positively by reducing landfill waste. Once the hand paddles have been cut the remaining plastic is recycled to be used for future boat production and/or various plastic molding. Want some free hand paddles… Donate a cracked kayak or barrell that I can use and you’ll receive a set of hand paddles for free!
Excited & Proud
I want you to feel excited and proud of your hand paddles, this way you’ll be inspired to use them and show them off to all your paddling friends. I’m hoping to change the old routine of buying hand paddles only as back up in the event you lose or break a standard shaft paddle on the water.
Ultimately, I just want to make hand paddling hip and cool by inspiring more paddlers to learn and better appreciate them. I forced myself to use them and be more prepared if I ever needed them. This effort turned into a love and passion for hand paddling which led to crafting my own. Witnessing paddlers go through this process with my hand paddles and electing to hand paddle rivers more often is the biggest compliment I can receive on the water.
Are you ready to give it a go… Contact me if you have any questions or need some hand paddling instruction. Check out the hand paddle gallery to review my past work.
Shapes & Sizes
Osborne2paddle hand paddles currently come in three different shapes and sizes (Youth/Squirt, Standard & Jumbo), these sizes reflect the actual dimensions of the hand paddle. Both the standard size and jumbo size for instance accommodate various adult sized hands. However, youth size are designed with a narrower strap gap which allows for various smaller child sized hands. Lastly, the squirt boat size paddle is the same dimensions as the youth paddle but has a wider strap gap to accommodate various adult sized hands. I do offer custom orders so if you want jumbo size hand paddles with a youth sized strap gap it can be done. I can also cut additional strap holes on any size set which would allow you to re-strap and accommodate both child size or adult sized hands.
Focus & Process
My focus is quality not quantity! With an artist’s eye for detail, every hand paddle set is unique and artistically designed. I use the kayaks or barrels molded shape and edges to my advantage when designing and templating cut lines. Once cut, I take time to finish each hand paddle, every cut edge is meticulously ground smooth and consistent then both sides are beveled equally. This gives O2P hand paddles a some what machined look and feel. I also clean any sharpie lines and remove adhesive or grime left from the outfitting.
On average I spend about 4 hours per set from start to finish. My process: acquiring the kayak/barrel, designing and templating the cut lines, cutting the kayak/barrel, cutting the webbing holes per paddle, grinding and cleaning each paddle. Final steps: heating, shaping and setting each paddle, then cutting webbing, attaching buckles and lacing each paddle. Every completed set is signed like a piece of art and numbered to better identify. This process takes time and effort but looks and feels well worth it!
Webbing Options
When it comes to hand straps I prefer Blue Water 1″ Tubular Nylon Climb-Spec webbing. This material is very strong and smooth to the touch which doesn’t stretch once wet and dries very quickly. This material comes in many colors to choose from. Some paddlers elect one color for the left paddle and a different color for the right paddle.
I can provide 1″ Flat Woven Nylon webbing which some paddlers prefer (examples are shown in the comparison/stack-up image above). I like the feel and texture of flat woven nylon however, it’s a thinner weight material so it’s not as strong but does allow for easier tension adjustments. The big problem with this material, it stretches when wet so you may find yourself constantly adjusting your straps when paddling. Flat woven nylon comes in many solid colors.
Lastly, I also offer 1″ Tubular Polyester (polypropylene + nylon) webbing. This material is strong and smooth to the touch which doesn’t stretch once wet and dries very quickly. The added polypropylene reduces absorption and dry rot which is ideal. What’s really cool… it can be printed on so, if you’re looking for a particular patten, mixing of colors or want your name/logo printed on this material it can be done. I don’t stock 1″ tubular polyester webbing but it can be custom ordered. Check out Strapworks.com to get the creativity flowing!
Wanna Place A Custom Order?
Which Hand Paddle Size, Lacing Method and Webbing Selection do you Prefer?
Osborne2paddle offers custom orders based upon materials available at time of order. Simply contact me and we’ll discuss options, materials and kayaks or barrels I have in stock or need to order. I can design custom paddle shapes and/or mimic existing hand paddle designs and lacing methods. Would you like wrist straps added? How about 1/8″ closed cell foam added for additional comfort, better grip and increased buoyancy? I’m open to your ideas, just let me know how I can better create the perfect set of hand paddles for you!
Purchase From Current Inventory
Logo Branded Sets $100 | Blank Sets $75 | Beater Sets (extremely scratched) $50 | Local Pick-Up Available
Not terribly picky, just wanna purchase some hand paddles and get on the river? Easy peasy… that works great for me. Take a look at my current hand paddle inventory then contact me to let me know which set you want. Webbing can be easily changed if you prefer a different color, material or lacing method.
Photography Credits (top to bottom): Rich Osborne | JC Hulings Photography
Let's Talk
Have questions? I’m typically open to talk about paddling, gear, rivers, guiding, instruction, opportunities and how I can help.