I made my paddle from two pieces of 1"x2" pine laminated for the shaft, and using leftover cove and bead white and red cedar strips for the blades. Marginal cost = $3.00 for the pine. I used a block plane to put some curve in the shaft, but I left it squarish enough that I can always feel what direction the blades are in. I glued up the strips for the blades with a curve, but I wasnt ambitious enough to put a spoon shape in it too. After cutting one blade into an assymetrical shape that looked right, I transferred this shape to the other blade. After sanding it, I glassed each blade, then glassed the shaft. I figured that the glass and epoxy was to add strength, since I had some doubts in my mind about using pine. I varnished the whole thing after the epoxy cured.

The paddle ended up shorter than I planned, but I find that I really like a shorter paddle now that I've tried it. The shaft is thick, which is really easier on the wrists and tendons.

This is a pretty loosey-goosey way to build a paddle, but I am happy with the result.

I've noticed that no-one has ever recommended pine for a shaft. But it was the best looking wood at the lumber yard I went to, and the paddle didnt turn out too heavy. It came out straight, and I really doubt that I could break it without dislocating my shoulder.

So, why not pine?