: I have been searching all over, trying to find something -- anything -- on
: making carbon fiber paddles. Err, for kayaking, of course. But I turn up
: nothing. Surely some of you have laid up graphite blades. Any pointers on
: where to look, what to read, anything? I know practically nothing about
: working with carbon fiber, Kevlar, etc., but am eager to begin learning.

: Thanks!
: Kurt Maurer

Hi Kurt,

I can't add anything to the link information but I can relay a little of my own experience.

I made a wing paddle using an old one as a form. After wrapping the original in plastic wrap, I layed up one layer of CF followed by 1/32" balsa and then two more layers of CF each step was wrapped to hold it in place. I made a jig to hold the blades at the correct angles while attaching them to a fiberglass shaft. I then beefed up the areas around the joints to the shaft. The curvature of the wing made it sufficiently strong, but I would do a heavier lay up for anything with a less complex form than the wing. Hope this is helpful. Please keep us posted if you do come up with something.

Reg