THANK YOU/FAREWELL FROM NORTHPOINT PADDLES

Our last Greenland kayak paddle has sold, and now, after almost 14 years, NorthPoint Paddles is closing its doors.

We have had an amazing time on this fun venture. We have met so many wonderful people and have had great experiences along the way. Our Greenland paddles are in the hands of kayakers around the world. We have been truly blessed and have really enjoyed serving everyone!

Life is now taking us in a new direction. We are sad to bring this chapter of our life to an end, but its time to move on to the next chapter. We will end up relocating as a family, but we'll be staying in the local area.

We can't thank you enough for your support through the years! It has meant more than you know and it has been a real joy! Thank you so very much!

Take care and Keep on Paddling!

Randy and Brita

 

NorthPoint Paddles Is Back to Making Paddles Again!

Hi Everyone!

Brita, here. We are back in production, but not full steam ahead yet. We are fitting in making our paddles, while still caring for my mom. So, we apologize ahead of time for any unforeseen delays in responding to emails, as well as in filling orders. We will do our best to take care of things in a timely manner, but appreciate your continued patience and understanding during this new chapter of our life.

The new chapter?

Well, just when we hoped my mom, Beth, might turn a corner for the better, we got word just this week that her current chemo treatment has stopped working and her cancer has spread once again. So, now they are switching (immediately) to a new chemo infusion treatment, as well as radiation treatments to some areas on her bones.

Despite all of this, she is still being a trooper and is determined to keep fighting. She is thankful for everyone's thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.

With all that has happened in our NorthPoint Paddles family during the last year, the closeness of family and loved ones has become even more important than before. So, we want to take a moment and express our heartfelt wishes...

...to Dads everywhere...

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

...to Moms, too (just a little late :D)...

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY!

and on a special note...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY BROTHER!

Keep on Paddling!

Brita

What is Happening Now at NorthPoint Paddles

Hello, Everyone!

We want to keep you informed as to what is going on with us, here at NorthPoint Paddles. You all have been so gracious and understanding as we have gone through these difficult months and we thank you for all of your encouraging words and support.

Here we are in the middle of November and Brita’s mom, Beth, is still struggling with health issues. Her long-awaited heart valve replacement finally took place a few weeks ago and the surgery itself went well, but, unfortunately, she has had multiple complications afterward, including a mini-stroke last week that, thankfully, didn’t last long and did not leave any ill effects. She is such a trooper and such a strong lady. She taught us kids to survive and that is what she is doing now…surviving. Next, in the weeks to come, she is going to need a stent put in the main artery of her heart that is 80% blocked – which we were not expecting. Currently, she is regaining her strength and recovering from the latest ordeals. Your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

In light of what is ahead for Beth in these next couple of months, we have made the decision to wait until after January 1^st, 2023 to resume our paddle production.

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding – it means so much.

Take care,

Randy and Brita Isselin

NorthPoint Paddles

Here’s another one of our favorite pictures of Beth – taken a few years ago at a local pumpkin farm...

Thank You, Thank You to All of Our NorthPoint Paddles Customers!

Hi Everyone...Brita, here!

Randy & I just want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of our amazing customers who have supported us during this challenging time. We have been blown away by the continued interest in our handcrafted Greenland kayak paddles, despite the difficult times we all live in. You have made it possible for us to keep doing what we love to do - putting the beauty of wood in the hands of kayakers. So, thank you - truly, thank you!

What Are Customers Saying About NorthPoint Paddles?

As makers of Greenland kayak paddles, our customers range from kayakers who are experienced using a Greenland paddle, to kayakers who have never used one before. And as a small family business, we love being able to devote the time to answer questions, walk through the process of determining the right size for each customer, as well as help explain the benefits of using a Greenland paddle. Plus, we love that we get to chat/email with some wonderful, interesting people along the way.

Here is some feedback, along with photos, that we received recently from a couple of our customers - their smiles speak volumes!

 

"Hey Brita and Randy!

I received the paddle tonight...I am admiring the workmanship and detail...what an amazing gift of work I would never have imagined owning. It is much lighter than I thought and it feels so natural in my hands. I love the long gain and the light and dark transitions of the wood is absolutely beautiful. It has movement just sitting there. I cannot imagine what your upper end paddles must be like."

A little while later, after his first time using his NorthPoint Paddle...

"I promised a pic on the maiden voyage with the new paddle and here it is. [see above]

...I have had two people stop me to ask about your paddle and I proudly point to your logo with a big smile."

Wayne K   [purchased the Rosario model]

 

"Hey there Brita. The paddle came via FedEx yesterday and I got a chance to take it for a spin this morning. Works like a charm. Perfect fit. All that measuring paid off. One of my friends said "Wow, that looks like a work of art." I said "It is." Please say thanks to your husband for making it."

Chris B   [purchased the Classic model]

 

Thank you again, Everyone!

Stay safe and Keep on Paddling!

Brita Isselin
Co-Owner, NorthPoint Paddles

 

Yes, NorthPoint Paddles is Still Alive and Well, and...

Still making paddles and still taking orders. It's just that we have been devoting our time to caring for my parents, Norm and Beth, instead of keeping our blog updated.

Norm and Beth - 2017

My mother, Beth, had a setback this summer with her fight against cancer - the treatment she had been on for the last three years stopped working and the cancer started to grow again. She has been put on a new treatment and so far, so good - it seems to be working!!! She, now, has to be extra careful to not get sick or any infection while on this treatment - it is pretty strong stuff and messes with the immune system. But, even though she has gone through so much, she is doing pretty well. She is such a trooper!

My father, Norm, underwent hip replacement surgery in October - finally able to do so after two years of clearing up some other health issues. The surgery was successful and his recovery was going well. Then, this last week, he also experienced a setback - he ended up in the hospital for 4 days due to a complication. Thankfully, he is home now and regaining his strength.


Life has a way of making unexpected turns and we are grateful for the time we have together - family is very important to us.

In light of my parents' current health issues, we have decided to not participate in Canoecopia 2020. As much as we all will miss being there - it is a highlight for us each year - we need to be home this time around taking care of our family.

We will continue to make our Greenland-style kayak paddles, and continue to sell them and take orders. So, if you have questions or would like to place an order, please feel free to email us at northpointpaddles@gmail.com.

Keep on Paddling!

Brita Isselin
Co-Owner, NorthPoint Paddles

SPRING HAS FINALLY COME!!!

Which means…the flowers & trees are finally blooming, the grass is green…

AND

it’s time to get out and go
kayaking & canoeing!

Thank you to all of our customers who participated in our Spring Sale! It was great having the opportunity to chat with you all and hear of your passion for kayaking.

Wishing you a great Spring!

Keep on Paddling!