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BW Canoes
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This Kawishiwi style cedar and ash canoe is available from BW Canoes of Embarrass, Minnesota.2 of 7
Duluth Pack
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Duluth Pack's canoe and camp chair works either on the water or at the campfire.3 of 7
Joe O'Blenis
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Joe O'Blenis of Thunder Bay crafts each of these rolling sticks by hand.4 of 7
Stewart River Boatworks
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Alex Comb of Stewart River Boatworks in Knife River, Minnesota, makes these portage pads to prevent sore shoulders during long portages.5 of 7
Duluth Pack
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This canoe & camp chair is constructed out of canvas and reinforced with fiberglass stays. It folds securely for portaging. Buy it at Duluth Pack in Canal Park or online.6 of 7
Joe O'Blenis
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Joe O'Blenis of Thunder Bay creates these handcrafted rolling sticks and sells them directly through his website, www.joeoblenis.com.7 of 7
BW Canoes
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Paul Thesenvitz of BW Canoes in Embarrass, Minnesota offers cedar and ash canoes in three styles. This Kawishiwi style retails for $2,890.Portage Pads
These 4-by-8-inch pads are 3 inches thick and made from closed-cell foam. They attach to your canoe yoke with stainless steel hardware. “The treated canvas covers don’t slip or stick to sweaty shoulders,” says Alex Comb of Stewart River Boatworks in Knife River, Minnesota. On a long portage, the maker of these pads claims, you’ll find solace in comfortable shoulders. Only available at the shop, 218-834-2506, or at www.woodandcanvascanoes.com.
- Suggested retail: $40 (U.S.) per set
Canoe & Camp Chair
A comfortable backrest in the canoe by day and a camp chair by night, this tough canvas seat is reinforced with fiberglass stays and comes with optional bag to keep camera, binoculars and bug spray close. Straps to a canoe seat and can securely fold for portaging. Found at Duluth Pack store in Canal Park, Duluth, online at duluthpack.com, or by calling 800-777-4439
- Suggested retail: $105 (U.S.)
Rolling Sticks
Joe O’Blenis of Thunder Bay is a kayak paddle artist. He’s added handcrafted, laminated rolling sticks (norsaqs), designed with advice from 2008 Greenland Rolling Champion Helen Wilson. These custom-made sticks help those learning to roll in a kayak and are an aid for rolling, particularly hand rolls (without using a paddle). Only available from Joe; make contact by e-mail at outrageousoutdoors@gmail.com or through his website, www.joeoblenis.com.
- Suggested retail: $49 (Can.)
Handmade Cedar & Ash Canoes
Paul Thesenvitz of BW Canoes in Embarrass, Minnesota, uses full-length cedar strips and ash gunwales to create his canoes in three styles: Trapper (solo canoes, 11 feet to 14 feet); Superior (Native American styles, 16 to 18.5 feet); and Kawishiwi (modern style for experienced paddlers, 17 feet). The model seen here is Kawishiwi. Available from BW Canoes at 218-984-2312 or at www.bwcanoeco.com.
- Suggested retail: $2,890 (U.S.) for this Kawishiwi style.