Hi Tony,

I really like making GPs. Enough that I started a little micro business to build them for people too busy to make their own:

http://www.flyfisher-kayaks.com

: 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.

Chuck's plans are great and will give you a really nice paddle. They are the place to start.

: 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?

It would be a bit easier to make a GP than a euro paddle. No laminations needed, just a shaped 2x4. I'd suggest making one, then seeing how you like it and then make the second.

Has anyone ever made a Greenland paddle two piece? It
: seems that the paddle would be easier stored in two pieces rather than
: one.

Yes, two piecers are made, but they look a bit clunky to me. Actually, it is really easy to store a paddle between the cockpit and the loop at the bow or stern, full length. Advantage is that it can be retrieved in the middle of a roll to complete the roll. (Being maytagged is one way to lose the first paddle.) You can do the same with half a euro paddle, but it is a little awkward.

One other technique many use is to make their second paddle a "storm paddle" - that is the loom is shortened by about 18 inches (just a few inches of loom). This paddle may fit the bow of some kayaks better than a full size paddle and is also useful (with a sliding stroke) for very windy days.

And how about paddle floats for
: Greenland style paddles. Are there any instructions out there for making
: this item?

Several have mentioned good ways to make the paddle float. My easy preference would be to take a nice thick (3/4") and cheap camping pad ($8-12 at Walmart) and cut out two pieces 8x12 inches. Draw a 2 inch border around 3 sides of each piece (no border on one 8 inch side). Apply contact cement to the border area and let dry for 10 minutes. Then glue them together, leaving a pocket 4 inches by 10 inches. Stand on it for 5 minutes or put a heavy weight on it... then let it set up for 24 hours. You will be able to slip the end of a 3.5" GP right in the slot for your float. Make two of them to practice the balance brace.

: 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.

The paddle float will also be a nice crutch while learning to roll.

: Thanks,

: Tony