The Happy Camper Paddle
Limited Annual Run
“Consider this: you are likely to paddle well over 1,000 strokes an hour on an average canoe trip, which adds up to around 8,000 strokes per day or 56,000 strokes per week. I’m guessing a solid 20-day trip you’ll do at least 160,000 paddle strokes. It’s proof that the paddle you pick is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. My all time favourite is Badger’s traditionally shaped ottertail paddle called the Tripper.” ~ Kevin Callan, The Happy Camper
The Backstory
The Happy Camper really digs our Tripper. So much so that when we went to refresh his quiver, to see if he wanted to try something new, Kevin really only had one request at the time. That we make him a Tripper paddle with a custom grip similar to our Woodland (Northwood inspired) grip.
After some trials on the water trail, and a little fine-tuning, we asked if he would like to help us present this new Badger offering. Consequently, his answer brings us here, where we are all very happy to introduce The Happy Camper Canoe Paddle – the official paddle made for and in honour of Kevin Callan, The Happy Camper!
A collaboration that was years in the making!
THE HAPPY CAMPER PADDLE
Note: We are in the midst of updating the layout of the laser engraving.
May not be exactly as shown.
The Happy Camper canoe paddle is a custom hybrid design with a Tripper blade and a hybrid Woodland grip. Each of The Happy Camper canoe paddles will be numbered and laser engraved with official The Happy Camper mark.
TRIPPER BLADE SHAPE
This traditionally shaped ottertail paddle is extremely smooth and quiet for a paddle with such a substantial blade surface. Popular among solo and tandem trippers, as well as day paddlers, the Tripper is a great do-everything paddle for lake country. For The Happy Camper paddle specs, scroll to bottom of page.
HYBRID WOODLAND GRIP
The custom grip is hybrid between our traditional classic grip and our Woodland grip which is inspired by Northwood grip designs.
Thus, The Happy Camper Paddle grip is a little straighter and flared out with a larger surface allowing for changing hand positions, like our Woodland grip. But it’s also a little more rounded on top like our traditional grip, so it is a little better suited for “palming the paddle” as Kevin likes to do.
WOOD
Available in Cherry or Walnut, with an oiled finish. The Happy Camper canoe paddles are made to order and will need a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks lead-time for the building process before ready for shipping. Note: Build time will vary depending on time of year.
LIMITED RUN
A limited number of The Happy Camper canoe paddles will be made available for purchase annually and will be individually numbered.
Each of The Happy Camper canoe paddles will also be laser engraved with the official Happy Camper mark as well as a engraving of Kevin’s actual signature. Available exclusively from Badger Paddles and a few select retailers at this time.
PADDLING IT FORWARD
As many of you know, Kevin has always been a kind and generous soul. So it will most likely not come as a surprise that a portion of the proceeds from this special project will be going to a charity of The Happy Camper’s choice!
BADGER PADDLE SOCK INCLUDED
One size fits most, Badger Paddle Sock. Compact, lightweight. Protect your paddle in transport or storage. Made in Canada.
As a limited run, The Happy Camper canoe paddles are built to order. Please allow a minimum 2-3 weeks lead time before shipping. Badger will make contact via email shortly after purchase if the estimated build time will be longer than customary.
Kevin Callan, best known as The Happy Camper, has been an ambassador for Badger Paddles for the past decade, and there is no doubt this special collaboration has been a long time coming.
Kevin is the author of 19 books; his latest being Another Bend in the River: The Happy Camper’s Memoir. He is an award winning writer and a keynote speaker at outdoor events across North America.
Kevin is also a regular guest on several television morning shows and CBC Radio. He has won several film awards, writes a column for Paddling Magazine and Explore Magazine.
Kevin was listed one of the top 100 modern day explorers by the Canadian Geographical Society. He was also made Patron Paddler for Paddle Canada.
Please note: As a limited run, The Happy Camper canoe paddles are built to order. Please allow a minimum of 2-3 weeks lead time before shipping. Badger will make contact via email shortly after purchase if the estimated build time will be longer than is customary. Get in touch if you wish to arrange a Muskoka pick up instead of shipping – or to make a purchase by way of phone or email.
CLASSIC OTTERTAIL, GREAT DO-EVERYTHING PADDLE FOR LAKE COUNTRY
NAMED FOR AUTHOR KEVIN CALLAN, A PORTION OF PROCEEDS GO TO CHARITY OF KEVIN’S CHOICE
BEST FOR DEEP WATER, LAKE TRIPPING
THE HAPPY CAMPER CANOE PADDLE SPECIFICATIONS
OVERALL PADDLE LENGTH
SIZE 51
51 inches
SIZE 54
54 inches
SIZE 57
57 inches
SIZE 60
60 inches
SIZE 63
63 inches
SHAFT LENGTH by SIZE
SIZE 51
22.5 inches
SIZE 54
25.5 inches
SIZE 57
28.5 inches
SIZE 60
31.5 inches
SIZE 63
34.5 inches
BLADE & GRIP MEASUREMENTS
Blade Length
28.5 inches
Blade Width
5.53 inches
Square Area of Blade
125 inches²
Grip Style
WOODLAND
Grip Width
3.12 inches
Please note: Due to the nature of handcrafted work, these measurements may differ slightly.
ALL BADGER CANOE PADDLE SPECIFICATIONS
NEWLY UPDATED SPEC SHEET COMING SOON
Click on the image below to
PDF
