: 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 also used the book by Gil, and still paddling with the first paddle I built in 1996. The rope soaked in epoxy and wrapped around the perimeter of the tip of the blade helped make it hold up. Also used #12 copper ground wire on one paddle, it is still going also.

The link is his webpage.