: Personally I don't like the "hand" of epoxy for a paddle, makes it
: slippery. I prefer oil as a finish. Have been playing with using Watco
: danish oil first then tung oil, seems to hold up somewhat better than just
: using tung oil.

: Bill H.

I've been making paddles epoxy coated and varnished for over twenty years.
I don't find them slippery at all.

Unless you wax or apply oil to the varnish it is not slick.

Epoxy absorbs into wood so a rough surface is not needed for a strong bond.

I glue up all my paddles with epoxy and segments of wood right off a jointer.

I sand surfaces to 220 grit to reveal the luster of the wood.

I don't use fiberglass. The epoxy and varnish coating is a tough exterior
the keeps the paddle from absorbing water and keeps it looking good.

All the best,
Rob