It's hard to tell somebody else how big to make their paddle. You might be very easy on paddles, or you might need a very durable paddle.

You can never just build one paddle. Start with your 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" paddle. If it seems strong enough for your wife, maybe make a second one slightly smaller--especially if that shaft is too big for her hands. If you break it on your first outing, make a thicker one.

You can also switch woods. If she wants a smaller, but stronger paddle, add some fir. If she wants it lighter, then mix fir and cedar, or use fiberglass reinforcement like Brian mentioned.

The possibilities are endless!!

Shawn

: Greetings from the Mid-West -- Currently stripping a canoe (Hiawatha by Bear
: Mtn) for my wife, and it's going okay (got a later start in the winter
: than I had planned). My question is: Wanting to start on a paddle. Will a
: shaft that starts as 1-1/4 X 1-1/4 be strong enough? If not, what is the
: minimum starting size (before rounding)? Thanks in advance for your help,
: Greg