: I am about to make a paddle as described in Nick's book, but I was
: wondering(trouble!), commercial paddles have a type of collar in the
: middle that allows the user to change the relationship of the blades. It
: can be feathered at different angles. Is this locking mechanism available
: commercially?

Hi Dave-

If you're not wedded to the idea of a featherable paddle, you might consider carving a Greenland style paddle. Directions for making one, and useful discussion about using one can be found at Qajaq USA. I made one last year and now I carry my Werner touring paddle only as a back up.

Wes