: Couldn't find any info in the archives...I have a nice, straight cedar 2X6 to
: make a paddle...I've only paddled with a "euro" and I'm not sure
: whether to follow very close to the typical Greenland or "Alute"
: design by ripping the board width to the dimension of my hand or leave the
: width alone and just have a Greenland look but much wider blade than
: typical (closer to a "Euro" width). Various hand sizes will use
: this paddle (12yr old, wife, etc)...not too concerned with
: "proper" Greenland style techniqe, just a cheap, lightweight
: paddle to gain experience. Any opinions?

Hans,

When I started using "Arctic" paddles about 10 years ago, I sized them at
about 4" wide and 84" long. Over the years my paddles have gotten
longer and narrower. I now use a 94" paddle with 23" shaft and 35.5" blades.
Width is 3.4" near the tip with a 1.5" shoulder. The blades are less than 90
square inches each. The longer paddle allows a bit slower turnover and the
narrow blades are less tiring over the long haul, with no decrease in overall
pace. Acceleration is slightly less however.

Also, I prefer the "flat" Aleut power face over the "tapered" two sided power
face of the Greenland paddles.

Just my opinion of course, as this is a personal preference issue and is
certain to differ among paddlers. As it should.

Tom