Id suggest making a GP to Chucks plans, and using it for awhile before you commit the other chunk of wood. You may find that you want a paddle a little longer, shorter, wider, or thinner... But Chucks plans are a great place to start from.

I have a nice paddle float that I made using scrap foam. I simply took two pcs about 5" x 2" x 30" long and cut a small hollow into each so that when put together they slide tightly over hteblade. I then glued them and shaped the float to a rounded section so I could sort of paddle with it on. It works quite well and is secure without other attachment methods.

: I just picked up a piece of wood today to make a West Greenland style paddle.
: I am using instructions made available by Chuck Holst which I have seen
: done by many sites I have visited.

: My question is....
: I am a begineer. I need to make two paddles and right now my plan is to make
: one Greenland and one European. Is this a mistake? Should I just make two
: of the same type? Has anyone ever made a Greenland paddle two piece? It
: seems that the paddle would be easier stored in two pieces rather than
: one. Is there any credence to this? And how about paddle floats for
: Greenland style paddles. Are there any instructions out there for making
: this item?

: I have only paddled using a European style paddle and it was very comfortable
: although I rarely paddled for longer than 3 hours or so. Also that was all
: on sit on top type boats. I like what I've read about the Greenland style
: paddles and really plan on trying to learn using that if possible. I am
: also going to be trying to learn rolling and I have seen a lot of text
: talking about how great these paddles are when rolling.

: Thanks,

: Tony