: Has anyone paddled the wooden and/or composite native paddles built by Betsie
: Bay and Superior? How did they handle in comparison? Any comments on their
: quality of construction? I love the feel, smell, look of wood. Is there
: any reason other than weight (an important reason) to consider the
: composite paddles?

: I am thinking about purchasing the lightest native paddle I can find because
: of joint problems(rotator cuff, carpal tunnel...etc). I understand that
: using the native paddle and style of paddling will be significantly kinder
: to my aging joints.

: I am building an Aleut paddle designed by Rob Macks. However, I don't think
: it will come anywhere close to the 26oz weight of the composite models.
: Would really appreciate your thoughts.
: Bob

The compost paddles are very stiff and will not be as gentle on your joints as a flexible all wood paddle will be.

I build and sell Aleut paddles like the one you have plans for made of a lamination of northern white cedar and hardwood that weight about 32oz.

I like the Aleut blade design because the spine on the back provides strength so you can reduce weight by thinning the rest of the blade.

I'd suggest thinning the paddle you're currently working on down as far as you dare and use it for a while. Then build another using northern white cedar instead of spruce.

I also use northern white cedar and northern white spruce because the white color is very visible near dusk. I also apply 2" circles of reflective tape near the tips of my paddles for night visibility and signaling.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com