Having built ten or so of them, here's my observations:

Pick a shaft length you like and try a couple of different blade sizes. Then pick a blade you like and try a couple of different lengths. For me anyway, it takes about four paddles to get to one you really like. What happens is that I make one, and want to change it so I make another. By the fourth one I can concentrate on making them lighter. Of course, I started from scratch and learned quite a bit in one day at Port Townsend, trying every paddle I could get my hands on.

Ive been using clear cedar 1x6, ripped into 1/4" strips and laminated. It makes a very strong light paddle without glassing the shaft. My current favorite (not coincidentally the one I just finished) is a greenland style with blades a little wider. It is laminated blades, planed to 1/4" thick and then 6oz glass on the blades. It also has one lamination of fir on the outer edge of the shaft, for added strength.

> I'm thinking about making a few kayak paddles. Basic approach will be
> along the lines of the one in Nick Schade's book, but with smaller blades.
> I would like some ideas on how to make them strong enough for regular
> touring but as light as possible. Wouldn't a composite be a better
> approach than plain wood? What about using a light wood core such as pine
> or cedar but wrapping it in fiberglass or carbon fiber to achieve the
> necessary strength. Carbon fiber is light and very strong. It is also very
> expensive but you wouldn't need much for a paddle. What weight of cloth
> would you recommend? How many layers? Has anyone any experience or
> opinions to share?