: Thanks guys, that helps - Any tips on what wood to use for a Greenland Style
: Paddle ? I think Cedar covered with Lacquer would be the lighest - what do
: you guys think ??

Matthew,

This topic has been discussed heavily in the recent past. You will find some good information in the archives as to wood, grain, finishes and plans on the web. In the Southeast many builders use western red cedar or pine, there are other good choices too. Grain direction is as important as the type of wood used. Use vertical grain with no run-out, or at least no run-out in the paddle shaft area. If you are planning a laminated paddle then you have other options available.

Finishes are highly personal. Feel, appearance, maintenance and durability are factors to consider. I prefer oil over varnish and epoxy, but you will need to decide this for yourself. I have not heard of anyone using lacquer on paddles, but that is not to say it wouldn't work, only that I am not familiar with it. No finish at all is another option and results in a very light, buoyant paddle. As Brian indicated, Greenlanders use bone to armor the tips and edges for paddles used around ice (plastic or wood such as ash works well -- great for rocky shores or oyster beds), otherwise they are often omitted (even in Greenland) to make the paddle lighter or to simply make fabrication easier.

Greg Stamer