: Hi Folks,
: I was in the local paddling shop this weekend and saw a beautiful one piece
: otter-tail style paddle. I was admiring it and couldn't help thinking
: "I could build that." So I'm here for advice. I know, I know,
: this a KAYAK building forum, but this has got to be one of the most
: knowledgeable groups out there for this sort of thing.

: 1) What's the best wood to use? (the one in the store was walnut)

: 2) Is there a disadvantage to using one piece of wood for the entire paddle?

: 3) Can anyone direct me to a website that has good canoe paddle building
: info? especially plans, though I think I can fairly easily copy the lines
: from the one in the store if they'll let me measure/trace it.

: Thanks for the input,
: Bryan

I followed the plans and instructions, for a couple canoe paddles, from Gil Gilpatrick's book, $10 at Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0899331181/qid=1000940434/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_3_1/002-2844153-0969667

His method laminates three pieces, the blade and middle 1/4 inch of the shaft is one piece of ceder. I used ash for the two outside layers of the shaft. Spruce would be a little lighter. The advantage of his method is it creates a rugged flexable blade and a strong light shaft.

If you like how the paddle comes out you'll already have plans and instructions to build a stripper canoe.