I first became fascinated with the sport of kayaking in 1975 when a friend introduced me to the sport, and then challenged me to build my first kayak and paddle. The kayak was a frame and canvas design, and the paddle was a two piece, carved, cupped-bladed model - typical of most paddles of the day. It was a truly exciting day when I first launched onto the Aroostook River in northern Maine, and began my maiden voyage that was to be the first of so many. Since that day, I've enjoyed the sport for many years, as have many other kayaking enthusiasts, using paddle designs that have changed little.

Eventually I retired my canvas kayak and moved on to new kayaks and upgraded paddles. One day, just for kicks, I decided to pull out that old original paddle (now close to 30 years old - I just couldn't part with it) and compare it to the performance of the newer paddle. To my surprise, the difference in performance was minimal.

This got me to wondering - with all the new materials that are being used in paddles today, why are the paddle blade designs still all pretty much the same - roughly the same size, and roughly the same shape? My initial, seemingly logical answer to my question was 'surely the paddles have been engineered to provide the maximum performance that is available'. But then my inquisitiveness responded with, 'but perhaps the blades are designed more for style and manufacturing expediency.' Thus, I was now fully launched into my quest for answers.

After researching and analyzing existing paddle blade designs, the elements and ergonomics of the high and low angle paddling strokes, the technical interface of the paddle with the water, and the problems that still existed in the current standard paddle designs, I set out to design a paddle that solved or at least reduced these problems.

My analyses resulted in my fabricating a prototype paddle that looked unlike any I had ever seen. Its uniquely designed radically curved blade provided such an exceptional improvement in performance. Each stroke moved me further than I had ever experienced before. It felt as if I was turbocharged. I also noticed that it improved the tracking of my kayak, substantially reducing the "zig-zag" motion that can be so annoying and energy-wasteful.

After some more design modifications and testing, I felt I had something that I could share with the kayaking community. This lead to filing for a design patent, and making custom paddles in the new design for other kayakers to experience and enjoy. In celebration of the jubilation I felt on that first day on the river in 1975, it seemed only fitting to name them Aroostook Paddles.

I am both happy and proud to introduce to you the Trakker™ series of new and exciting paddles:

The UltraLite Trakker™ has a long and narrow blade, to work better in moving your kayak with less effort and greater power. It's simply the best all around paddle.

The Distance Trakker™ is recommended for more aggressive touring. It's even longer and tapered blade provides maximum power whether you're paddling all day long or battling raging winds and currents.

The Creek Trakker™ is designed to work better in shallow water. The blade is shaped to provide you with maximum power when the water is little more than ankle deep, yet performs superbly in that final trip across a lake to your destination.

The Canoe Trakker™ is the ultimate canoe paddle, born of the same blade configuration as the kayak paddles, but engineered specifically for the specialized requirements of efficiently propelling your canoe. You'll notice the difference.