George, I read on the bb about guys wanting to make light wooden paddles so I related what happened to me. I broke three of them. The last one when usiing a paddle float. When I took the last header into Lake Erie I said, this is B.S. a paddle has to be strong enough to get me out of my boat when used behind the cockpit and save me when I am using a paddle float. After I broke the first, I tried not to put any weight on the paddle when exiting. Still the second one started to split at the ferrules. I epoxed the split and ran a layer of glass around the split (I did not use it as a bench). As for now, I'll use my cheepo from EMS. One last thing, while practicing reentry the seam of the paddle float came apart. I notified the manufacturer and they sent me out a new and improved model. Don't take for granted that the pump and paddle float are going to work. Check this stuff out before you need them.