: Thanks for the feedback. Here is a pic of the offending paddle. What is the
: verdict oh wise kayak gurus?

: Thanks,
: JJ

There is more than enough wood surrounding that to maintain the strength. You might pop in a short section of dowel just to fill the hole. Plane that down when the glue hardens and you'll have a fairly close match to the wood grain.

Or, go for a cork. Even a glob of wood filler would do. Whatever you chose, if you top it with a wood shaving and carefully sand that, you'll hide an ugly spot.

PGJ