I used a block plane to get it down to a nice flat triangle shape, then a large diameter round chisel gouge to rough out the hollow. I made sure the chisel was plenty sharp and just pushed it through in stages by hand. Then I wrapped a piece of sand paper around large dowel to even things out. Went pretty quick, an hour or so.

: whats up everyone, Long winter here in Upstate NY im ready for ice
: out .

: I have a real nice perfect cedar 2X 4 crystal clear and 90"
: long . I carved 2 GPs and a storm last year .

: This year for big water cruising id like to carve up an aluiet
: style paddle a bit wider blade /longer loom than my GPs.

: 1) very few designs But enough photos to come up with a good
: pattern

: 2) my biggest hurdle is what tool to purchase to carve out the
: concave grooves along the spine???

: curved spoke shave ?

: scorp ?

: rounded drawknive ?(a bit large circumfrance though, )

: your thoughts please.

: "John"