Hey some great ideas,

I was thinking about paper mache last nite going home, but you're way ahead of me by using large sheets of paper rolled up. But using cornstarch mache would allow dissolving (as you and Rehd were referring to) or at least you could throw it outside (in shade) in the rain and all the little mold critters could chomp away and you would get a clean core(except for the crumbs and cutlery - take a month?).

Another idea would be to use lo temp pvc tubing. I tried using some for a steam bender - worked great for 10 minutes and then the pvc became diseased. So stretch some of this stuff, glass it and connect up to the kettle, then scrape out.

A forming idea might be to stretch the final 12" or so of the tube (pvc, mach, water hose or whatever - mache tube prob is best as it can permanently deform) around a curved surface that would match the eventual paddle profile. They would be at the typical 60 - 80deg offset. The eventual paddle thereby be even lighter as the tube also strengthens the blace. Cut out the back of the flat portion in order to clean out the core.

Any way I'm just halfway thru my recessed coaming - paddles are a long way off!

-mick