The younger sibling to our bestselling Gunflint paddle, the Gillis was designed in collaboration with Rutabaga Paddlesports’ own Darren Bush. Designed with his wife in mind,  the main features stay the same between the Gillis and Gunflint, however the blade is reduced in size by about 10%. The result is a paddle that is still tremendously versatile but a bit more elegant; less about brute strength and more about efficiency and elegance. While this makes it particularly popular for women, it’s also very well suited to any flat-water bow paddlers and anyone else looking at longer days of paddling without the need to fight against stronger wind or currents.

The Gillis is available in both straight and bent shaft options. Straight shafts are typically preferred for stern paddlers (the rear of the canoe) for more subtle steering strokes, whereas the 12° bent shaft option will typically be preferred by bow paddlers (the front of the canoe) who are looking to maximize forward propulsion. 

Both options feature unvarnished grips. An oiled grip feels warmer and smoother in the hands and is less prone to cause blistering. On the bent shaft paddles is an asymmetrical palm grip; its forward lean helps ensure a secure grip while the soft curves still allow for comfortable rotation in the hand, easing the rotation needed for corrective strokes in the water. The straight shaft grip is symmetrical, and the soft curves make rotation for corrective and steering strokes effortless.

Paddle Stats:

Blade Length: 17”

Blade Width: 7.5”

Approximate Weight: 22 oz.