I'll go along with that, since the other explanation is that I was too chintzy to buy wood, and so I used what I had on hand. That and the fact that I intentionally learn everything the hard way, so that I have less of an excuse to forget It would have been better if it broke on me, but the embarrassment of having it break on you will suffice

BTW - dont use redwood, it's too brittle.

I'm glad you got some use out of it, sorry it broke on you.

: As I understand it, this paddle was one Don had made as a "quick and
: dirty" test run for shape and proportions, so he intentionally did
: not use a really nice piece of wood. It was never intended as a
: heavy-duty, everyday use model. The fact that it has served Don's purpose
: and lived long enough to get me turned onto Greenland paddles is a pretty
: good track record for a testbed paddle.

: