Rosario - Customer's Maiden Voyage

Hi Brita and Randy, 

Full report: LOVE the Greenland paddle. Essentially silent and smooth, more of a flowing motion. But a somewhat different technique. Was able to get closer to the birds on the water without disturbing them. Circumnavigated Baby island on solo trip and didn’t seem to perturb the eagle sitting on the rock outcropping, though only a few feet away. As a "maiden voyage" opted to test the paddle with my Eddyline kayak because it is more maneuverable. Can't wait to try it with the Pygmy Osprey next. Thanks so much!

Manfred B

 

Classic Storm Paddle - Customer Feedback

Hi Randy and Brita:

I LOVE my new Classic Storm paddle. It's beautiful, (as I knew it would be.) But it's also so cute! The short size really grabbed my attention. (I'll probably just keep it here in my office to look at for a few days. It's that lovely!) It will fit perfectly as a backup paddle on my kayak. But it will also be my primary paddle on those extra windy days and days that I want to explore all the narrow channels on the Elkhorn Slough. Also, I recently added outriggers to my plastic kayak so I will feel more stable with my camera even when I'm zoomed in on an otter or a bird. This paddle will be perfect to use because it won't hit the outrigger.

You make amazing paddles and the quality just shines through. I look forward to many years of great paddles with the Storm, just as I've had with my Latona.

Thanks, again.

Michael M

Latona Paddle - Still Going Strong After 2,000 Miles!

I thought to write you because the Latona you made for me just hit approximately 2,000 miles! I bought it in 2019, I think. Most of the miles have been in sloughs and rivers, with perhaps 300 miles in Monterey Bay. I continue to LOVE my paddle. It has a few scratches and I've sanded and finished it perhaps 4 or 5 times. But other than that, it looks and works like new. Great craftsmanship! (And it continues to look wonderful with my Pygmy Arctic Tern kayak!)

If you've ever wondered what a Latona looks like after so many miles of hard use, here's a picture of the most scratched face. (It's probably the face I used to dig tires out of the mud on Elkhorn Slough clean-up trips, but I suppose I shouldn't mention that I do such a thing to such a work of art!)

So thanks for making such a quality paddle...and for helping me create such great memories on the water!

I wish you and your family the very best.

Michael M

 

What Our Customers Are Telling Others...

My partner and I purchased custom sized Greenland paddles [from NorthPoint Paddles] last summer. We agonized over sizing but all for naught. We got one on one assistance from Brita and her husband to help us refine our measurements and selections to our exact specifications. I met Brita in person to pick up our paddles. It did take a while to receive our paddles but it was worth the wait. The paddles were perfect—beautifully carved...and a perfect fit. I received it just in time to use for a Body Boat Blade class I took at Bowman Bay. The instructor had a carbon  Greenland paddle for class use that was much heavier and less responsive in the water—I tested it out and was very happy with my selection at a fraction of the cost. The instructor couldn’t believe how light it was and was impressed. I’m a relatively new paddler so I feel like I made a good decision :)

I also learned the Greenland paddles are more efficient and just as fast as euro blades, just not for sprinting short distances. I was able to effectively use mine right off the bat after just watching a couple YouTube videos for basics and have never felt limited.

Not only do I love my paddle but I made a great connection with Brita and her husband. We have a strong recreation community here...and Brita and her husband are a wonderful asset to that community. They were so forthcoming and helpful with all kinds of paddling advice and recommendations. I got much more out of the experience than my paddle alone.

All said, I am very pleased with my purchase and have yet to see or find a paddle that I think I would enjoy more.

Heather G 

Customer Feedback - NorthPoint Paddles

 

 

We lucked out and had perfect weather yesterday- 13.5 miles in under six hours. 
This photo is me entering the Strait of Juan de Fuca from Discovery Bay.

I am not sore today, so I think the paddle helped!

                                                                                                 John K

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

 

Kayaking in the Winter??? But, of Course!!!

We know for some of us that summer is almost here, but for others winter is just about to start. As these pictures show, a couple of our customers will go kayaking any time of the year – even in the heart of winter!

Shown above - John paddling on Lake Michigan using our Rosario model as part of his personal challenge to paddle at least once every month, year round – which he managed to do for almost 10 years. Way to go, John! His “100^th month of Paddling” commemorative paddle is our Kinloch model (pictured on the right). John purchased his Rosario from us the very first year we participated at Canoecopia (2012) in Madison, WI. He has since become a dear friend and has a special place in our hearts.


Shown below - During a snowstorm in the Pacific Northwest – in Utsalady Bay - Myles had fun with his very own Kid’s Greenland Paddle by NorthPoint Paddles. The smile on his face says it all!

 

NorthPoint Paddles for All

Not just one NorthPoint Paddle or two, but three! That’s right! The whole Langlie family fell in love with our paddles and each year at Canoecopia they added to their collection till they all had their own paddle. How fun is that!

With only 9 days left before Canoecopia 2017, we are busy with last minute details. Can’t wait to once again participate - this will be our 5th time! In case you don't know what Canoecopia is...it is the world’s largest paddling expo at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI. Come check it out next week, March 10-12 - you won't be disappointed. And while you are there, stop on by our booth (#L2) and check out our Greenland kayak paddles in person. We'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Hope to see you there!

Randy & Brita Isselin
Owners of NorthPoint Paddles

Can You Really Get Up to Speed Using a Greenland Paddle?

I remember the first time I saw someone paddle with a GP and thinking, “Really?! They are going to paddle a kayak with a toothpick?!” And to my surprise, they did. It was impressive, actually. And it definitely got my curiosity up – so much so, I went home, took a 2x4 and carved it into my first Greenland paddle (a rough resemblance of one, anyway). Then, out on the water I went to give it a test run. I could tell the difference right away. There was noticeably less strain on my shoulders & elbows and I was able to paddle longer with less fatigue…plus, I was able to paddle just as fast as I did with my other kayak paddle. I was definitely impressed.

I put my GP to the real test when I raced in Bellingham’s Ski to Sea race. I not only kept up with other kayakers, but I passed a number of them up (I stopped counting after 30-something). After that, I had no doubt about the efficiency and speed with which I could paddle my kayak with a Greenland paddle.

So, to answer the question, “Can You Really Get Up to Speed Using a Greenland Paddle?” I would definitely say, “Yes!” 

But, don’t just take my word for it…

This young lady’s father recently ordered a NorthPoint paddle, a custom-sized Rosario, from Pygmy Boats (see below) to go with her just built Pygmy kayak, the Selkie, and here’s what he shared with us: 

“…The NorthPoint paddle is terrific; everyone is surprised how fast she can get it [the Selkie] going with that little paddle. …”     Eric

Taking in the Gulf Islands paddling with a Rosario

Logan Hybrid - Customer Review

I’ve been ocean kayaking for 25 years and have used a Greenland paddle exclusively for the last 4 years. I've tried a lot of Greenland paddles (wood and carbon fiber) and can easily say that Randy simply makes the best Greenland paddle I have ever used. 

Randy's paddles are light, strong, powerful and perfectly shaped for my body size and paddling style. His lamination technique reflects a level of woodworking craftsmanship that is seldom seen. The hardwood tips and blade edges are not only beautiful, but strong enough to minimize the normal “dings” that wood paddles tend to acquire. 

The most important factor to me in a Greenland paddle is strength. Many wood paddles eventually break and that can be dangerous to a kayaker. The paddle Randy made for me has a thin carbon fiber strip down the center. It adds incredible strength without adding weight or causing the blade to become stiff. I feel very confident about using this paddle in virtually any conditions. I highly recommend NorthPoint Paddles.

Mac C