Holz Canoe Paddles is a dream that combines the love of the outdoors and outdoor recreation with joy of woodworking and crafting functional works of art by hand. Founded by myself (Joe Holz), with the help of my brother Dan, Holz Canoe Paddles, allows for this dream to come true. With woodworking in our genes (Holz being German for "Wood"), we take great pleasure in crafting beautiful works of art for function and grace.

Dan and I are both avid outdoors men and enjoy paddling, hunting, fishing, camping, etc. Born and raised in southern Wisconsin, we spent many days each summer camping, fishing, and boating in the Vilas County area of northern Wisconsin and still continue to this day. Affectionately referred to as "Death Trips", these trips include friends, food, and fish, with target species of Musky, Walleye, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, and various Pan Fish species. Stories from these trips were the inspiration behind the Paddle Potboilers.

Sparking the interest in designing and creating canoe paddles was the idea of building our own cedar strip canoe. A little over a year of on and off work gave us our first cedar strip canoe. A 16' Laker with hand caned seats that floats and paddles with ease (pictured below). To go along with the canoe, we made our own paddles following a design recommended from the canoe instruction book. While functional, these paddles were not the joy to use as the canoe was so we continued to advance our designs with input from several instructional books and designs. Dan and I honed our paddle skills by making them as Christmas presents for family and friends, as well as wedding gifts.

Holz Canoe Paddles has also used this business venture to give to outdoor related charities. Decorative and functional paddles have been donated to local and regional Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation, Whitetails Unlimited, and Relay for Life chapters for auction during their annual fundraising banquets with great success.

Here at Holz Canoe Paddles, the job of designing and building beautifully crafted paddles is never done. Continuing to strive for paddle perfection and to improve the design and styles remains the main goal.

Quality Control Specialist - Moose!

Holz Canoe Paddles

sales@holzcanoepaddles.com