: I am hoping to get some feedback on sizing the loom for a Greenland paddle. I
: have the recommended sizing methods from the 'experts', (thanks to Ross
: Leidy's great webpage !) , but I hope to hear from some people who have
: built/used this paddle. My question is, how do you find the narrower grip?
: I see that the 'correct' grip is to hold the shoulder with the OK formed
: by the thumb and first finger, but wonder how many of you find this
: comfortable, or do you tend to wish you had made the loom a bit longer to
: allow both hands to fit within the length of the loom itself? I have never
: tried one, but wonder if I would find it more comfortable with the outside
: of my hands at the shoulders. I will be gluing up the blank in the next
: day or two and would like to hear any comments, one way or the other.

: Thanks,

: Kelly

Many thanks to everybody for all of this great information!

I am making this paddle to use with my Alaska Recovery kayak, (Sea Kayaker magazine), which is quite wide- 25" if I remember correctly. It does have a pretty high deck at the cockpit. All of this has me wondering now, How wide should I make the loom?? 'Traditional handspacing' gives me about 20", but will I end up with bony fingers from bashing the shear? Should I skip the Greenland stick and just make a 'Euro-style' paddle ;>

Kelly (who you can really tell knows very little about kayaking in general...)