Graham Warrens new book is the best I know of and well worth the $20. Walnut is supposedly does not have a very good sterngth ratio- it compresses too easy and then fails (this is in relation to ash and othe popular woods it is nowher near as weak as most cedars). This is at least what I have heard from someone who makes whitewater paddles professionally. Personally I don't paddle a canoe that aggresivly so I use it a lot. Unless you paddle only flat water with no rocks I would stay away from the cedars and spruces they are just too soft. Cherry, Maple, Ash, Walnut are the most popular woods for one peice paddles although it can be very difficult to find wood that is suitably thick, absolutley straight grained, and sawn so the grain is oriented right. I have always laminated, but really just because I like combining different woods. Sassafrass is probably the most overlooked paddle making wood- rot resistant, good flex charistics, very hard relative to it's light weight. Most laminated paddles meant for use on more than flat water use a lot of sassafrass in the shaft and blades. Black willow is supposed to be great for blades too but I have never used it.

Sorry I don't know of any plans on the net, the book is the best source I know of. But is is not too hard to sketch out half a paddle or even start from some rough measurements, then build it. Just don't make the paddle blade too big, it is easy (for me) to get carried away and end up with a paddle for a gorilla.

Acually there is one link with some good info: http://www.paddles.com/library/basics0.html
Good luck

Bart

: 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