I built my first paddle from spruce & fir. I laminated it with yellow glue. I coated the outside with epoxy and then finished with 3 coats of spar varnish. It is delaminating, and exposing BIG slivers! For my next paddle, I'll use epoxy for the lamination, and probably just coat it with epoxy and skip the varnish.

As for blisters, I only get them when my hands stay wet (the skin sticks to the paddle shaft, rather than sliding)

Shawn

> 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.