The Explorer: Badger Paddles X Hap Wilson Collaboration

Badger Paddles has partnered with legendary canoeist Hap Wilson to create a brand new hand crafted paddle called The Explorer. This paddle is a teardrop beavertail with a Northwoods-style grip and an individually serialized shaft as it is a limited production run.

“Built to perform across changing conditions — from open lakes to technical river sections. This short teardrop-style beavertail blade gives great power in shallow conditions as well as deep water.

Designed with a longer shaft and shorter blade, The Explorer excels at the corrective and steering strokes essential for river travel, offering precise control and maneuverability in moving water while remaining versatile enough for lake travel.”

The Explorer paddle is finished with a customary Badger oil mix and features a blade tip that has been triple-dipped in graphite-infused epoxy to create a durable sacrificial layer that slides easily over rocks, creating less friction. This helps to seal the end grain and protect the wood in high-wear areas during river travel, shallow water paddling, and wilderness tripping.

The Explorer handcrafted canoe paddle features a traditional Northwoods-style Woodland grip designed for comfort, control, and all-day paddling. Designed by Mike, the Woodland grip allows for varied hand placement while maintaining a secure, responsive feel on the water. Compared to our classic grip, the Woodland grip features a less rounded top profile that feels closer to a traditional T-grip for added control and responsiveness.

Order yours today!