All images copyright Greg Fishell. Used with permission.
Greg Fishell with Ray Kettlewell (left)
A custom paddle decorated using a fractal burning technique (right)

creating harmony between the canoeist, the water, and the environment

Greg Fishell is an outdoor enthusiast and owner of Fishell Paddles, North America’s premier supplier of handcrafted wood canoe paddles. 

Greg grew up in a canoe tripping family and spent much of his life on the water and working at summer camps as a guide. It was during his camp years in Ontario and through his father John that he developed a close relationship with master paddle maker, Ray Kettlewell. 

At an early age, Greg learned to carve his own paddles. Through the years, he made many for family and friends. These early paddles were all based on Kettlewell’s designs. 

In the fall of 2013, Ray announced his retirement from paddle making to focus on building cedar strip canoes. Greg got in touch with Ray, and came to an agreement to take over his time-honoured designs, templates, and equipment. A short four months later, Fishell Paddles was launched. Working alongside Ray, Greg quickly mastered the trade by drawing on his wisdom and knowledge.

For the first five years, Fishell Paddles was a seasonal business operating out of Kinmount, Ontario. Greg split time between Canada and the US before ultimately moving the business to Flagstaff, Arizona in 2019. An avid climber, Greg also produces climbing hang boards.

Fishell Paddles is committed to honouring the legacy of Ray’s infamous designs, and to deliver the same quality, beauty and craftsmanship that Ray did for a new generation of paddlers.