About
HEAD above WATER Paddles was founded in 2014, in Petawawa, Ontario. Inspired by the passionate paddling community surrounding the scenic Ottawa River, I began painting on canoe paddles, wood slices and reclaimed barn board. After being commissioned for several pieces featuring family cottages in the Kawartha Lakes region, I decided to focus strictly on hand-painted canoe paddles. I moved the studio to Quinte West, Ontario in 2016 and changed my focus to monogrammed and personalized wall decor. Each and every design for my custom canoe paddles is carefully thought out and inspired by the Canadian culture and landscape.
The paddles I use are made by Teal Paddles (a division of Shellane Woodworking) located in New Liskeard, Ontario. Each log is sourced responsibly, from the wood lots of North Eastern Ontario. Shellane Woodworking is dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint, as demonstrated by their 60% reduction in energy usage since starting the business!
HEAD above WATER paddles is dedicated to creating a fun buying experience and connecting with each and every customer. Your story is unique and I want to help you tell that story with your personalized home decor.
Production partners
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Teal Paddles
New Liskeard, ON
Teal Paddles (a division of Shelane Woodworking) creates all of our raw paddles for painting.
Shop policies
Shipping
Payment options
- Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
Returns & exchanges
- Custom or personalised orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
I accept returns I do not accept returns
I accept exchanges I do not accept exchanges
I accept cancellations I do not accept cancellations
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
Privacy policy
More information
Frequently asked questions
Custom and personalised orders
Most of our orders are based on customization. If you have a vision that you can't find in the shop, please contact me and I will do my best to make that vision a reality! A PDF design proof must be accepted by the customer before a paddle can be made and proofing is not including in production and shipping times.
Care instructions
"Decorative" indoor sealed paddles can be dusted or wiped down with a soft damp cloth.
"Recreational" outdoor sealed paddles can be wiped down with a wet cloth or gently cleaned with a mild soap.
Can I use my custom paddle recreationally in the water?
There are 2 levels of sealing. "Decorative" indoor sealed paddles should only be used indoors, or outdoors in covered conditions. (if you choose to place decorative paddles outdoors, I cannot accept returns based on damage). "Recreational" outdoor sealed paddles can be placed outdoors and used for light recreational paddling. Outdoors, please wipe down your paddle after each use. (Note: Some fading can occur over time, due to UV rays).