Shown below are the two of the first paddles I made. I selected planks of vertical grained wood for optimum strength. The longer paddle (88”) was made from a white pine 2x4. It has one very small knot near one blade. The shorter storm paddle (68”) is laminated from three narrow planks of red cedar. Both are blades are 3-1/2” wide, are very light in weight and perform well. To build these, I followed the directions described by Chuck Holst. His technique results in a paddle blade that is eliptical in shape, and somewhat prone to flutter as the blade is pulled througn the water. Brian Nystrom, a paddle and kayak builder, suggested I maintain the center raised ridge to the end. This helps "steer" the paddle on a straignt course on the face of the blade and provides a "tail" on the trailing face. This works for me!
The transition from the center rounded section (the loom) to the shoulder of the blade is fairly smooth. I may try to incorporate a "drip shoulder" on my next attempt to diminish water pooling into my lap. My blades have been given three applications of hand-rubbed tung oil, buffed between coats. Paddles coated in urethane are said to feel like plastic, slip when wet and lack a natural grip. Tung oil is also much easier to apply when refinishing needs to take place.
To add durability to the rather soft cedar, white oak "armor" strips were glued to the the lower edges and planed to a tapered profile.
This is another storm paddle made from pine with white oak armor. Note its raised center ridge. This paddle is slightly heavier than the cedar storm.
The fourth paddle was crafted from a solid 4” x 4” x 8' beam of cedar. To maintain a vertical grain orientation, the corners had to be removed yielding a usable 2 x 4. Progressive cutting on the band saw, hand-planing and sanding produced a very strong blade. It is slightly heavier and denser than its pine cousin and has a stiffer action.
When parked on the fore deck for easy access, both fit snugly under the deck lines. The adjustable white oak tensioners keep the paddles in place. The storm paddle fits nicely on the rear deck, as well.
The Journey of Building
a West Greenland Kayak
by Jeffrey W. Balazs
A 62-page book filled with
construction details and
122 images.
Building kayaks
Coaming support
& padded cockpit
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