Born at Conventions,
Made with Love
From a playful prank between friends to an iconic symbol of anime fandom — the yaoi paddle has a story as colorful as the community that embraces it.
A Convention Legend
It all started as a playful prank between two friends at an anime convention in the mid-2000s. One of them was a yaoi manga artist, and the other decided to craft a wooden paddle with "YAOI" burnt into it as a gag gift.
What happened next was pure fandom magic. Convention-goers fell in love with the paddles. They became the must-have accessory, spotted at every major anime convention across the country. Fans would carry them proudly, using them as props for photos, conversation starters, and badges of fandom pride.
The yaoi paddle became more than just a novelty item — it became a symbol of community, self-expression, and the joyful chaos of anime convention culture.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
At YaoiPaddles.com, we believe every fan deserves a piece of convention history. Our mission is to craft the highest quality yaoi paddles and accessories, honoring the tradition while bringing it into the modern era.
Every paddle is handcrafted from sustainably sourced wood, with lettering carefully burnt or engraved by skilled artisans. We take pride in every detail — from the grain of the wood to the wrap of the leather grip.
Whether you're a veteran convention-goer reliving the golden age or a new fan discovering this iconic piece of fandom culture for the first time, we're here to make sure you have the perfect paddle.
10K+
Happy Customers
50+
Conventions Attended
15K+
Community Members
100%
Handcrafted