Thanks for all the responses. I just gotta keep in mind that is was so ridiculously easy to construct the paddle, that there's no reason not to try a couple different methods of finishing. Since I don't currently have any lightweight glass on-hand, I think that I'll go with the plain oiled method first with one concession to epoxy of polypro reinforced tips. That'll get me on the water the quickest. Assuming I don't completely detest the paddle, I'll make a duplicate with similar materials, order some 2oz glass, and do epoxy/glassed version and see which one works best for me. At 27oz, I don't think I'll hate it too much.

I didn't take any photos while building; it just didn't seem worth it. However, if anyone is going to build a paddle to the dimensions at http://seacanoe.org/grnpadle.htm, there's no reason to start with a 2x4. I started with a 1x4 piece of aspen to which I laminated some red oak to form the loom. This gave me plenty of wood to build to the plan. And even with that reduction of initial material, shaping the paddle was still an exercise in wood removal.

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I'll post a picture when it's done.

Ross