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I've used a traditional Stanley spokeshave for the last four paddles I've made - this includes two canoe paddles, a euro style kayak paddle, and more recently a greenland style paddle. It's been a fabulous tool to use (it's the one I have), although I think one with the nice wooden handles a little more in line with the sole may make the pulling easier.

You might also consider a convex spokeshave such as this one sold by Traditionalwoodworker.com (they also have a heavier one made by Victory for $119). I used this to ad a profile to the blade as it got closer to the loom. The Victory model is certainly better built and of higher quality, but I haven't had any complaints with the Kunz version I got.

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/No-50-Convex-Spokeshave-by-KUNZ/productinfo/580-1600/

A block plane is certainly very handy for the flatter part of the blade in terms of getting a nice smooth finish.