> i have made a kayak paddle from ash,cherry,butternut,walnut. the shaft is
> laminated and i am wondering whether i should fiberglass the shaft? OR
> just coat with epoxy?, OR simply coat with varnish?.

> P.S. i have already glassed the blades. Surprisingly i enjoyed the paddle
> making process more than the S&G kayak process, probably because i was
> creating the contours to my liking.

> appreciate any tried and true advice, Craig.

I have made 3 paddles feathered asymetrical, unfeathered symetrical and just finished a greenland style. I only used varnish on the shafts and found this to be sufficient. I did rough up the varnish coating (000 steel wool)on the first two paddle shafts to provide a better grip. I will try out the greenland paddle for the first time this weekend. KM