I made the paddle rest out of solid mahogony, which I stained (as I did the bungee hold downs for the hatches) to be quite a bit darker than the deck. What I still plan to add, and haven't yet, is a loop of cord or bungee to the right or front-right of the cockpit that I can single-handedly hook around the shaft of the paddle. Without that, the paddle will sit on the paddle rest, but somewhat uncertainly. As is, it works only for flat, mostly calm water. But once I add a way to secure the paddle shaft, I think it will hold well enough for at least a moderate chop. Finding a good easy solution for what to do with the paddle has plagued me. I'm still working on it and keeping my eye peeled for better designs. If you come up with something you like, be sure to post it!