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This is Ray's most recent design, developed to meet the needs of paddling instructors and others who want perfect control of their canoes, with a minimum of effort, especially those who paddle solo Canadian-style. Compared to the Special, the blade is longer, narrower, and the shaft generally shorter. Everything that can be said about the Special applies to the Quill, but more so. Because of the length of the blade and its smooth-working design, the Quill is best recovered underwater, rather than up in the air. The Quill then works to control the canoe at all times, even during recovery.
Every Quill has to be, and is, perfect. Every Quill has to be made of a particularly good grade of wood. The Quill was developed to be a solo paddle, Canadian-style, but with the longer shaft can be used for tripping solo or tandem. Lengths: Blade - 33" or 35" Shaft - 26" to 29" (The most popular shaft length has been 27") Quills really are a custom item. Please be sure to specify blade and shaft length for your Quill using the options provided in the order form's size menu. Price: $140 (Price shown is in Canadian $) "As I do paddling demonstrations for the Swift Canoe Company, I needed a paddle that best demonstrates technique and the canoe I am paddling. I enjoy solo paddling and paddle northwoods style. After speaking with Ray on the phone last year I ordered a Quill design. Ray was very helpful in suggesting shaft and blade length based on the information I gave him on the phone. The beauty of the paddle is evident at first glance with its cherry wood. The real beauty of the paddle is when it is in the water. Under water retrieval is very smooth and quiet with no chatter. Because of my Kettlewell Quill paddle I believe my paddling skills have improved. I believe it to be an excellent solo and cruising paddle. Thanks, Ray, for making great paddles!" Skip Taylor Corfu, New York, USA |