Laminated Paddles

 

	Laminated paddles are constructed using western red cedar with hardwood edges. This allows the weight to remain quite low, and it gives a nice buoyancy and swing weight to the paddle. Hardwood edges add durability to the paddle. Tips can be filled with epoxy or a standard hardwood insert.
Common woods are Ash, Holly, Maple, Cherry, or Walnut for edges. Weights run from about 29 to 33 ounces, fluctuating with wood selection and sizing.	Photo by Frank Chillemi
	Finish is an epoxy base followed by three coats of spar varnish. The surface is then rubbed with 000 steel wool. This gives the hardness, smoothness, and durability of varnish/epoxy while taking away the slippery surface of glossy varnish. It offers a good grip with bare hands or gloves.
Scratches into the bare wood must be treated with varnish. However, the epoxy hardens the cedar and is more durable than an oil finish.

 

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