NorthPoint Paddles
was founded on a love for the outdoors and a love for wood.
For over 30 years, Randy Isselin has
partnered with his father-in-law in building homes —homes built with an eye for
detail and built to last. When he is not swinging a hammer, Randy can be found
at times tinkering around in his workshop—crafting special wood projects for
friends and family, using his attention to detail to bring out the beauty of
the wood.
Randy has always loved the
outdoors—hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, canoeing—and living in the beautiful
Pacific Northwest and on a lake certainly provides many opportunities to enjoy
these interests.
One day his love for working with wood
and his love for the outdoors came together when he was encouraged by a friend
to build his own wood-strip kayak. Working only from a blueprint and making the
wood strips himself—and once again, using his eye for detail to bring out the
beauty of the wood—his first wood-strip kayak turned out to be a work of art.
It was then that he took up kayaking (yes, it’s the story of putting the cart
before the horse!) - and he loved it! Next, it was on to building his second
wood-strip kayak, which he used in Bellingham’s 2010 Ski to Sea Race.
Intrigued by Greenland paddles, Randy
decided to make one for himself and give it a try. He soon learned the
advantages of using a Greenland paddle—less shoulder and elbow strain, less
fatigue, can paddle for longer periods of time and with easier maneuverability.
Being sold on the idea of using a Greenland paddle, he then shifted his detail
for woodworking to making the Greenland paddles you see today. They have
captured the interest of the kayak community, with some kayak experts stating,
“you have nailed the design of the blade; making the paddle not only beautiful,
but very functional. Keep up the good work.”
(quote from Warren Williamson, extreme kayaker in NW Washington)
- Putting the Beauty of Wood in the Hands of
Kayakers -
