Greg, Thanks for the information. I have only made three paddles and have a lot to learn. I really enjoy it though and value the advice from someone with your experience. My next paddle will be a two piece. I have a sleeve for making a take down longbow (I am into archery)that is oval shaped and am going to use it to make a take down paddle. Should work, it is big enough. I got to finish my current boat project right now though. I have a modified flat deck Greenland style S&G boat just about ready to sand and put in the water, maybe next week or so.

Yes, I love paddling my Arctic Tern up around Lake george and Spring Creek. Was up there just the other day. Put in at Blue Creek lodge Rd, and paddled the two miles over to Juniper. Lots of big Gators and there isn't much water in Juniper Run. You have to get out and walk about three quarters of a mile from 19 to get upstream to 19.

: 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.