Quill
Estimated ship date: October 30, 2026
Quill
The Quintessential Solo Paddle.
The Quill is one of Ray Kettlewell’s signature designs, created for the paddler who loves to style paddle and stay connected to the water. Its extra-long, narrow blade is designed to remain in the water, giving the paddler constant contact and allowing subtle adjustments for precise control and feel.
By extending the blade rather than widening it, the Quill maintains its efficiency while reaching deeper into the water and providing excellent leverage. It is a paddle designed for paddlers who enjoy feeling every movement of the blade and making small adjustments to shape the canoe’s movement.
Every Quill is handcrafted and individually tuned to a specific flex, working with the natural characteristics of each piece of wood to create a paddle that is strong, responsive, and perfectly balanced at the throat.
Made for the way you actually paddle.
The Quill is the ultimate solo paddle for experienced canoeists, especially those who love to kneel in the tumblehome of the canoe and have the paddle constantly engaged with the water.
Quills are custom-sized to the paddler, rather than sized by height like a traditional paddle. The ideal shaft length depends on how the paddler grips and uses their current paddle when soloing. The most popular shaft length is 27".
We do not recommend the quill for paddlers who are using modern-day solo canoes with center seats. Go with the Ray Special for that paddling style.
If you're unsure what size is right for you, call Greg at 714-482-7493, and he'll help you get it right.
Handcrafted. Individually flexed. Built to paddle.
Quills are built to order. See the top of the product page for the estimated ship date.
If you’re in a rush, email us for a rush order quote.
Looking for shipping outside of Canada? Use our designated US website for US shipping addresses and other countries.
Awesome paddle and awesome service. Highly recommended for any paddler wanting to increase control and perfecting techniques. Thanks Greg.
Unfortunately my initial review was too long, so I am forced to try and explain my joy in far fewer words.
After well over a decade of camping and canoeing, and several years adoring my Ray special, I began to wish for a paddle that would help me connect with the water when soloing.
I knew of the quill, but was unfamiliar with their sizing, however Greg was incredibly helpful in guiding me through the sizing and left me feeling reassured that I had made the right choice.
I was already familiar with the exceptional quality of Fishell paddles from my special, however I could have never expected how incredible the paddle that I recieved would be.
The walnut quill that I recieved is most certainly a work of art, and I can not wait to use it. I anxiously await the arrival of the spring so that I can begin the next step of my canoeing journey.
Having this paddle is truly a dream come true!
I posted a long review, a short essay, actually, I fear, praising my new paddle, and it didn’t post.
I will rewrite that as a letter to you, Greg.
Readers, the perfection of my new paddle! It is beautiful, perfectly balanced, light, strong, and impeccable.
Paddling on an October morning when the water is black, and the trees singing with colours… it was like being part of a poem.
The control my Quill gives me made it feel like “thought powered canoeing.”
The long, graceful blade made every skill I have developed over forty years of canoeing real on the water in a new way— it is the right tool, and paddling using my Quill felt so meditative and harmonious, it was like the canoeing version of a Japanese tea ceremony.
If you love to solo, a Quill will add so much pleasure to your experience, you have no idea.
Highly recommended.
