What makes Bending Branches different
Osprey Bay Outdoors is proud to offer Bending Branches paddles Clearwater Florida paddlers trust. This company, Bending Branches, was born from a passion for the open water, beginning in 1982 when whitewater canoeist Dale Kicker and flat-water racer Ron Hultman joined forces in Northwestern Wisconsin. Together, they revolutionized the paddling industry by inventing the world’s first composite-tipped canoe paddle—a breakthrough in strength and durability that set a new standard for paddlers everywhere.
Over four decades later, Bending Branches has grown into the world’s largest manufacturer of quality canoe and kayak paddles, yet its roots remain firmly planted in Wisconsin. As a privately held company run by dedicated paddling enthusiasts, every paddle is crafted with Midwestern integrity, meticulous care, and a deep reverence for the outdoors. The team continuously designs, tests, and refines every blade to ensure it is lighter, stiffer, and built to withstand a lifetime of adventure.
Bending Branches believes in the quiet pull of wild places and the power of a single paddle stroke to connect us with nature, community, and ourselves. Grounded in humble stewardship, honest craftsmanship, and relentless innovation, the company remains dedicated to elevating every journey on the water—turning simple moments and grand misadventures into unforgettable memories.
- Hand-picked by our crew
- Sized & tested in the shop
- Backed by our paddle-fitting know-how
