Using a tip from Rob Macks, you can use a strip of polypropelene cloth at the tip for excellent abrasion protection. Mask off the area you want to apply the cloth to, lay on the cloth and wet out. This stuff really soaks up the epoxy, so keep filling until it's saturated. After it's cured to leather hard, use a razor to cut the cloth right at the edge of the masking tape while simultaneously lifting the tape. You'll be left with a nice clean edge.

> So far the paddle appears to be quite strong. The cedar had a very tight
> straight clear grain. The only thing that might cause me any concern is
> possible damage to the tips. I have some maple, I could epoxy to them, but
> for now I play with it as is. I'll be making another later after I finish
> my second boat.

> Mike