: I would like to try a really light paddle, and am not sure what kind strength
: to design to. I tried modeling all my weight in the center with the paddle
: supported at the ends, and that ain't the answer.

: Does anyone know to what bending moment commercial paddles are designed?

I don't know what the actual numbers are that manufactures design to (that's what real world testing to come up with actual numbers is for), but I drew up a free body diagram of what the loads should look like when the paddle is in the water. It will give you an idea where the meat of the paddle needs to be.

http://frolander.homepage.com/Kayak/Paddle_loads.htm

When getting in the kayak using the paddle, the loads will be most where the weight is being applied by your left hand. I personally think the paddle should be strong enough to meet all of the paddling loads; however, I don't feel the paddle should have to be extra heavy just so the person getting into the kayak can put their entire weight on it. The paddle is just supposed to be used to stabilize them while they get in. If it is strong enough for that too, then great.

What I'm trying to say is that a paddle should be designed for maximum loads, but I'm not going to make a 10 lb paddle just so some 200 lb person can put 150lbs in the center of the paddle. If it will hold them at that weight, then that's just icing on the cake.