: Good afternoon gents,

: I hope all is well ,

: After my paddle technique woes now its time for a different /better
: paddle.

: My first two GP paddles were ok , My cross sections ended up
: rounded vs diamond shape and a bit too thin/ flexible for me.

: my 3rd paddle is a storm that I carved and has very nice diamond
: cross sections and a small flattish section on the tips this
: paddle works better than the other two full length ones.

: I found some beautiful ceadar 2x4 at a pretty good price . my boat

My first dozen paddles had the diamond cross section and I didn't seem to feel any advantage to it so I started using a rounded cross section and like it better for sliding strokes, especially with a storm paddle. I think you'll find that the thickness of the paddle will determine the strength and flexibility more than the design of the cross section. Most of my paddles have a loom 1 3/8" x 1 1/8" that tapers down to a 1/2" tip. This thickness helps keep the paddle strong. Making a paddle longer will give you more bite and a slower cadence. Try many different lengths, widths and shapes. Everyone likes something different, that's the nice part of making your own paddles. I've given away many paddles while finding what works best for myself. Enjoy.
: is 23" wide and Im a bigger paddler (long torso) would it
: hurt any to use the whole 8' (96") or make it my reach of
: 84" which my last two paddle are.

: many thanks

: "John"