The Swifty

Introducing The Swifty

The Backstory:

For the past few years, Badger has been working closely with Bill Swift of Swift Canoe to develop a paddle that carries the essence of his own early days at Camp Pathfinder in Algonquin Park and Camp Keewaydin in Temagami. Drawing from his memories of the classic Maine guide-style grip he used as a youth, a number of prototypes were made and tested before Bill found the feel he was looking for. The result is a powerful all-around tripping paddle that pays tribute to the late Bill Swift Sr. and the tradition of wilderness canoeing with a handcrafted North Woods Guide style canoe paddle.

The Paddle:

The new Swifty blade shape strikes a nice balance between our La Bonga and BadgerTail paddles. The Swifty is a high-volume beaver tail that provides power without running as deep as our BadgerTail. With a shorter blade length for easier exits, when compared to the BadgerTail, The Swifty allows for quick acceleration and smooth maneuvering.

The North Woods inspired grip allows paddlers to adjust their hand positioning, effectively shortening or lengthening the paddle for a more versatile paddling experience.

The Legacy:

Named for Bill Swift Sr., past (camper then) owner of Camp Pathfinder and founder of Algonquin Outfitters, this paddle pays homage to a colourful Algonquin Park legend who was known to his family, friends, and customers as Swifty – having also earned the nickname Meanest or Mean Dude.

While his canoe-tripping legacy and love for wilderness canoeing still lives on through his adventurous family, Swifty has also been immortalized by The Meanest Link—a challenging route connecting the four original Algonquin Outfitters locations.

Built for those who move with purpose, The Swifty is more than just a paddle—it’s a tribute to a lifetime on the water. Whether you’re covering serious distance on an expedition or navigating tight turns on winding rivers, The Swifty delivers the power, control, and legacy of a true guide’s paddle.

Comes complete with a Badger Paddle Sock.

This paddle also plants one tree.

POWERFUL TRIPPING PADDLE DESIGNED WITH BILL SWIFT OF SWIFT CANOE & KAYAK

NAMED IN HONOUR OF THE LATE BILL SWIFT SR.

BEST FOR LAKES AND RIVERS

The Swifty Canoe Paddle

A LEGACY IN MOTION

Badger Paddles X Swift Canoe Collaboration