Paddling News

ASHLAND, Wis. -- Cindy Dillenschneider, professor of outdoor education at Northland College, received a patent for a special canoe paddle designed for use with one arm.

The paddle, which she originally developed during a sabbatical in 2005-06, features two primary components: A should attachment point for the paddle and the paddle itself. The shoulder attachment is comprised of a molded plastic cap that fits over the shoulder of the user and has straps that run under the user's arms.

This assembly is designed to be used on either the left or right shoulder and is padded for comfort. It can be worn with a personal flotation device and has a quick release function.

The paddle has a bend in the shaft and attaches to the harness in a way that allows full range of motion in all directions and planes.

Since the beginning of the project, Dillenschneider has intended this adaptive-use paddle to be built and distributed by an outdoor equipment manufacturer rather than by a medical supply company in an effort to keep the cost of the paddle lower.

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