: After reading volumes of postings about building a Greenland
: paddle, I decided to try it myself. Using Chuck Holst's
: instructions, I made my first paddle using some inexpensive pine
: 1x4's laminated together with Tightbond III. I did the rough
: cutting on my band saw and carved with a combination of block
: plane and spokeshave. After getting the shape roughed in, I
: discovered that the laminated board had a slight hook on one end
: but I decided that since this was my first attempt, I would go
: ahead and use it as a learning exercise.

: After finishing the carving and sanding, I found that the paddle
: had a slight balance preference for one side due to the hook in
: the board. Oh well, I finished it anyway. I finished it with
: Tung oil and it looks and feels "OK" and I'll try it
: out when the weather warms up a bit.

: But, now I understood that a good straight board and attention to
: balance was required so I picked two prime cedar 2x8's I had
: been saving for something special and decided to start paddle
: #2. I built up a very straight 1 1/2" x 3 1/2" board
: using 9 laminations of dark red and light cedar. I very
: carefully laid out the rough cut lines and cut on my bandsaw and
: checked the balance and it felt good. So, I continued and began
: carving the shape.

: I've got about 10 or so hours in building the paddle and I think it
: came out nice. The balance feels good from one side to another
: and the oval shaft feels really nice in my hands. I can't wait
: to go paddling with it when I take my family to Jekyll Island on
: Spring Break in early April.

: I think I may be hooked on making paddles. Man, is this hobby ever
: addicting. Now, need to go and put a few strips on the Spring
: Run out in the garage...

: Attached is a pic of one of the blade ends..... I'll post a couple
: more as well....

: Let me know what you think of my second attempt...

: Bob Beaullieu

Hi Bob,

I'll have to look at the pix tomorrow, are blocked at work where I am now. Btw, you don't really hold onto the loom except for the thumb and fore finger, most hold onto the shoulder, makes it easier to set the "cant" when paddling and you always know the orientation of the blades.

" paddle isn't used vertically like a euro paddle, it's canted so the blade easily slips into the water, actually at first it feels like it's diving under the boat, easy to learn to control with a bit of practice"

Bill H.