If you are laminating, it's just as fast to cut the parts for two paddles as it is for one. I'd suggest laying up two blanks, and making the cruising paddle. Then after evaluating it, carve the second blank into a storm. I suspect you'll find that the two are not so equal - subtle changes make big differences.

I like the storm paddle, and I need to use it more. As I get better with the sliding stroke, I expect to spend more time with it, and switch sooner as conditions develop. And like Brian, I dont like being without a spare. I did break one paddle while learning to roll, and had no problem grabbing the spare - I keep it on the fordeck - and rolling up. The new storm fits the deck nicely, looks good, and is quite lightweight.

: Hmmm, now I'm beginning to think you still think about "the right kind
: of paddle". What I had in mind was making what the customer asks for,
: whether it be ideal in your view or less than so, barring the obviously
: ridiculous of course.

Youre right about that - and it isnt production oriented thats for sure. But in my selfishness, I think if I like it, then others should too. I could give them what they want - length and loom-wise, and stick to my guns on the loom dimensions, materials, and blade shapes. That way, having a blank or three on hand would speed the process up considerably.

: After all, stupid people will be happiest with their own stupid ideas,
: especially if it looks cool to boot! !

: Why stand in the way of their happiness, if they pay honest $$$ ? And
: then, some stupid ideas may turn out not to be so stupid after all.

: BTW, I've been wanting to ask your opinion on a problem I have: I may carve
: one new GP this winter, just for the fun of doing so. But should I build
: another cruising paddle, incorporating the few improvements on the present
: one that are in my mind, and use superior quality woods this time. Or
: should I make a "storm" with maybe a 2 finger loom, for use as a
: stealth paddle when bird watching next season.

: What I'm asking is: which do you think would be more fun? The storm might not
: see that much use, and with the cruiser, I'd then have two nearly equals.
: So the choice is not so obvious.

: Are storm paddles fun, if one does not get much surfing opportunities?