Lots of people make and design canoe paddles. Few, however, have the skill and patience to end up with canoe paddles as wonderfully crafted as the ones produced by Josh Rude. Staff photo/Brian Larsen
Josh Rude’s canoe paddles are amazing. They are things of beauty, poetry in wood, but made for the water. The one-time Gunflint Trail guide now lives in Duluth with his wife and three children. He took some time last week to answer some questions for the Cook County News- Herald.
When did you start making canoe paddles, and what prompted you to make and design canoe paddles?
I started my first paddle a bit over 3 years ago. It began as an engagement gift for my wife…8 years late.
We were engaged in 2007, where a promised gift from me before our trip into the BWCA was a paddle. We had met as guides on the Gunflint, so a paddle was a gift with some history for us. We were married that same year, but did not find the size/style she was looking for.
Eight years later, after a move back to the U.S. I had some time on my hands and thought I could make one for her as an anniversary gift. It was not very good (and remains unfinished and is hanging in my shop), so I started a second one. It was a bit better, so I made a third attempt, learning a bit each time. Someone saw that third paddle and said they would buy it – so I sold it. And my wife received the 4th paddle – the model is now called Innsjø, which is Norwegian for ‘Lake’ and a reminder for us of Long Island Lake.
What types of wood do you use? And, what types of finishes (oils/ lacquers etc.) do you employ?
The wood I use started out with what I had in my father-in-law’s shop I was using at the time. Some cedar deck boards, some aspen from the local mill, and some walnut from a tree taken down in a family’s yard. Those same species are used in the paddles today, as I appreciate both the history and the contrast that the species have next to each other.
I also incorporate ash, butternut, maple (even some locally harvested spalted silver maple from the 4th Street trees taken down in Duluth), cherry, and thermally modified wood (for fun).
The paddles have fiberglass cloth on the blade, and are epoxied and varnished up to the handle. The handles have tung oil on them – as this is the part of the paddle where your hand moves the most – it gives a natural feel.
My SUP paddles incorporate carbon fiber tubes either in its entirety on the shaft, or some models have them embedded in the wood shaft so it has the appearance of being all wood, but when adjusted the carbon fiber tube extends out for taller paddlers.
How long does it take to make one paddle? Also, what tools do you use?
It depends on the paddle, but I think that 4 hours per paddle is a good rough estimate. But this is over 3 weeks of time due to curing and drying times. I have some good systems down right now that allow me to work fairly efficiently.
I use a number of tools, including: band saw, table saw, jointer, stationary belt sander, spoke shave, orbital sander, angle grinder with sanding disk, and a lot of sandpaper and patience.
Who or what inspired you to become a “wood artist” or poet making paddle maker?
My wife, Natalie, is a visual artist and writer/poet. She has always encouraged me to foster that creative side. During university I worked for an uncle that was a general contractor, and an incredible wood worker. He has helped build a desire for me as well.
What other professional background(s) do you have?
Hmmm. Well, I have a graduate degree in theology and another one in business (nonprofit emphasis). I have revolved a bit in those circles, but we have moved to Duluth to live in this neck of the woods.
You told me you ran three Grandma’s Marathons. Do you work out a lot? Get out to paddle on a river/lake much? Or what other hobbies do you have?
I have run Grandma’s Marathon 3 times since moving to Duluth (16/17/18). It would be a complete lie if I said I work out much. In fact, after my 2017 race, I did not run (though I had every intention of doing so) until the 2018 race. I didn’t come in first…or 100th, but I finished. I do enjoy getting out, it is a good stress reliever. My shop is on the first slip in the harbor in Duluth, so I can open the doors and be 10 feet from the water. So getting out to paddle mid-day is a must! I also enjoy the mountain bike trails in Duluth – top-notch. But we have 3 kids…so they keep us busy.
Last, where did you grow up? Was it NDSU or North Dakota State that you graduated from? A degree in communications, right?
I grew up in the Red River Valley (Crookston). I did attend NDSU and majored in communications (after changing majors 4 times). I had a job in that field for 1 day, then decided it wasn’t for me. I moved to Bozeman, MT and went skiing for a season…I guess I had to go find myself. My first true exposure to canoeing was on the Gunflint, I fell in love and wanted to guide.
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