: I made a longish trip yesterday and took the new paddle along with my first
: one I made (and still my favorite). More time with the new paddle to see
: what I thought of it.

: Also, I spent some time looking at the shapes and profiles on line and
: realized I had just overlooked that edge shape concentrating on the rest
: of the shape of the blade. Also noticed my favored paddle has much
: narrower edges than the other I made. Even though no two blade faces are
: the same shape I still favor that paddle over any other. Not sure why I
: like it better but it just fells better. No doubt part of it is because of
: the wood, extremely tight grain and amazingly light weight. Wish I had a
: barn full of boards like that one came from.

: I have been trying to figure out why I can never... well rarely insert the
: paddle in the water without a splashing sound. That is probably because
: the tips are too bunt. Especially in the center of the blade. I will have
: to reshape those one afternoon.

: One thing I noticed that really surprised me and I don't understand yet. The
: new paddle is 3-4" longer overall. The blades are probably 3/8 to 1/2
: inch wider than mine. But there is notice difference in the resistance in
: the water. The new paddle definitely has more 'bite'. I assume the extra
: width and length just give it more area. It also seems more tiring. It's
: heavier but it's still very light, but I could tell the difference. I am
: thinking I am spoiled to the light weight now.

For me, I've gotten used to a shorter paddle than what's supposed to be the optimum, had to cut the blank short a little to miss a knot and that's the length I ended up with. Now I prefer a slightly shorter paddle with it's slightly smaller area, it is easier on the bod, good thing

Looks like this winter I'll be making a few paddles, as well as teaching a class on paddle carving, will have a few to try next year. Should be fun.

We might actually have a bunch of people around here using GP's next year.

Bill H.