Yeah, WRC is so nice I considered initially only fixing my split paddle blade, but decided that I would give a full sleeve a try. I'm constantly banging something with mine so that would keep it in one piece longer.

Plus, I'm not a good carver so having the shape outlined for me nicely by the stringer and having to only carve out relatively soft (compared to wood) foam would be easier. I also hope to get a considerably lighter paddle yet more rock-resistant paddle this way than solid wood. lastly, I could make the next paddle different with this technique where with a mould I'd have more prep work to do.

It also occured to me that If I screw-up the carving, it will be only a matter of removing the piece of foam that I mis-shaped or perhaps glue another piece over it if I dig too deep somewhere. Repeat until I'm satisfied with the shape, then glass it with the sleeve and be done. With wood - I'd have to get it right pretty good or it would end-up like my first paddle - extremely light weight due to removing too much of it -;)

: All my greenland paddles so far have been solid WRC and have held
: up just fine and I'm not a lazy paddler. Adding a spline of a
: different species would stiffen them up considerably and
: probably make them prettier too. I don't like the feel of
: composite paddles anymore, much prefer oiled softwood so I've
: never played with adding a composite layer.

: Bill H.