Hi Ron,

3/4" tips are pretty beefy. I work the tips down to 1/4" and I will make my next ones with thinner, sharper edges in attempt to emulate some the "racing" paddles that I saw in Greenland. I haven't had any of my paddles to split. Perhaps you could cut off the tips and attach new tips from a strong wood like ash, before the split goes too far. Cedar doesn't take much abuse, so I would recommend refinforced tips if you are using the paddle "as a push pole". You might also consider using pine or douglas fir if you need a wood with more strength.

For a solid paddle I wouldn't recommend using flatsawn lumber. If you choose to laminate you could use a vertical grain shaft and flatsawn blades. Betsie Bay kayak used to make their paddles this way, but the last one I examined had vertical grained shaft and blades.

Greg Stamer

P.S. I hope you get a chance to kayak in Alexander and Juniper springs, up your way. I never get tired of them. I also enjoy paddling Lake George.