Xylobladz

If it’s ok.. I’ll share bits and pieces of stuff that I uncover in the process of a clean out.. a lot of which I should have done previously 🤦🏼.

The images are three signs over time pre and the beginnings of xylobladz.

Quite a lot of paddlers have asked for a last order… right now I can’t get to that .. if things stretch out or change I’ll consider it, no promises.

Over those years we have had many loyal customers who still re-invest in our handmade timber paddles and have helped new paddlers and us along the way by introducing them to the natural feel and connection of a timber paddle. For that we are truly grateful.

So the time has come upon us due to circumstances beyond our control, that xylobladz either moves out of our hands to someone else (preferred), or disappears from the outrigger landscape.

We will personally make the last few orders on the books that we have, and clear out our workshop. We have no other place to go with it, even though the space doesn’t need to be what it is now.

IF you could see yourself learning to make a paddle on a commercial basis and taking xylobladz forward, you can easily do this right now as a part time endeavor. However, by doing more of what we had done for years, turning up at races with a few paddles, talking with paddlers - you could grow this to whatever level you wish to put into it.

Having a clue about working with some woodworking tools is a definite advantage, but if you have a learner's mind, everything is teachable.

Yes there are a lot of cheaper or more expensive carbon imports that have the flavor of the month. As a handmade product from start to finish, of course the margins aren’t there for resellers to make money off xylobladz.

Should a person be interested in continuing a legacy started in 1986, we will be able to advise, teach, guide the how's and whys’ of making a paddle.
Machinery and custom jigs are available, which of course can be re-invented, modified …but start with something and take it from there.

60 grand plus timber stock and tooling if required. 12 months of guidance and resources, suppliers to get you started.

There is another option, but that’s a whole other investment.

There is a team looking for a paddler .. contact Zach Mach…

The afternoon races… good to catch-up with so many people!

Townsville Outrigger Canoe Club Coral Sea Outrigger Canoe Club Inc Rocky outrigger canoe club Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club Hekili Outrigger Canoe Club Coconuts Outrigger Canoe Club Inc Outrigger Whitsunday AOCRA NQ Zone Kai Millen Sunsetbay Outriggers Sbocc

A few images at the Airlie Beach for the Outrigger Whitsunday regatta with AOCRA NQ Zone
Coral Sea Outrigger Canoe Club Inc Rocky outrigger canoe club Townsville Outrigger Canoe Club Hekili Outrigger Canoe ClubCoconuts Outrigger Canoe Club Inc beach outrigger Mooloolaba Outrigger Canoe Club

Heading to Airlie Beach for the Outrigger Whitsunday regatta?

Come catchup with us there, not racing ourselves, but will have a few paddles and love to catchup as always.

What the heck, it's already this January nearly done and dusted in 2022.

Hopefully things at your place are good, memories being made and shared.

Our thoughts go out to those that have been to lost to us in this world. What we are today is a result of those that have made a difference to us over time, and we hope to pay this forward in ways that we can.

The image here is how our part of the world looked like after the Tongan Volcano eruption. The power of nature can have such a devastating effect, yet add awe and beauty at the same time. How far reaching an event like this is, is quite astounding.

As a little something to brighten up your space we'd love offer a small gift.

Any paddle ordered before the end of February 2022, will receive a bonus of 10 images sent to you for your screen saver.

Also we offer you 25% off any acrylic mounted image of your choice from our instagram feed or other images of ours you may have seen.

Place your order, have it confirmed and paid, then select any 10 images you have seen on our instagram feed, screenshot them and we'll send them to you.

The acrylic products are printed on metallic paper, mounted on small acrylic free standing blocks or as larger wall art pieces.

Our 10 x 10 x 2cm blocks are valued at $97, your deal is $72.75 each.

A 12 x 16 inch wall art piece is valued at $397, your deal is $297.

Make the chance to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors, the ocean and get a paddle session in.

The fog only lasts for a while, then the light and sun change the mood.

How lucky are we in our region to get moments like this. All these these flavours go into each paddle we make. This is the Pioneer River right in city area, not that you can see any of it!

Made with my Olympus AU & NZ EM1 MII 40-150mm pro lens 1/60sec f/22 ISO 200.
Post processing in ACD Systems

Is it just me or is this year snuck up just that little bit quicker. For us, it has been a year of change and challenge, mostly for good or towards better.

Certainly been able to put more energy into our paddles, and very fortunate to being making images along the way. Not that I've posted here much.

Heading to the beach, even just our local, always provides a welcome breather, even if there is no stress, the calmness and motion of nature promotes good vibes.

With that xmas time just around the corner, it's not to late to get your paddle quiver updated. Hand made Aussie locally crafted. (with some Kiwi ;) )

Olympus AU & NZ EM1 MIII handheld 1/8sec f/18 ISO 200 12mm with the 12-40mm pro lens.
Post process ACD Systems

At our local. .

Patterns, colour and swirls.

It is frighteningly close to Christmas. Why did I bring that up. I need to think ahead early to get organized in my gift selection for the special people around me.

Any ideas?

Would you consider wall art, a calendar, Acrylic blocks with an image in it. Oh, and we do paddles or gift vouchers for a paddle. Still time to get an order in.

Check out the shop on or site.

This image is at Shoal Point, sunrise, using my EM1 MII 12-40mm pro lens at 20mm long exposure handheld 1/6sec f/20 ISO200 Olympus AU & NZ