This about the 8th time I wrote this so I apologize to the regulars.

What makes epoxy usable as a glue is flexability. Polyseter has no flexability. That's why it will break away from wood that has movement. Yes, Poly was used for sheathing for years simply because they didn't have epoxy - not by choice. Also epoxy used to be off the map in pricing.

When you sheath wood, you are actually gluing the fabric to the wood as well as filling the weave.

I once experimented and I had a puddle of poly that hardened and it dorpped on the floor and actually shattered into pieces. A puddle of hardened epoxy will bend end to end. This one major characteristic is why epoxy is so superior.

You work, time and craftsmanship are worth a lot. Use epoxy and you'll have the paddle for many years with no problems.