As mentioned, I started a side project of sorts (other then my basment, babys room and landscaping). Some of ye kayakers out there would already know what I'm talking about, some wont, and all the non kayakers wouldn't have a clue. As seen on the KNL website and message boards, Neil has been kindy hosting a greenland making class of sorts at his house. I believe four of these took place. Due to work, I couldn't make it to the first three. Last mintue Saturday night, I was able to find some cedar and spruce, and made the time to head down Sunday afternoon.
I've been thinking about making a greenland paddle for the past while. I did get a nice carbon warner paddle from my lovely wife for Christmas. So some feel its odd for me to wanna switch over. But, I really don't see it as switching, I see it as learning another skill. I love my CF paddle, and will always have it when I head out on the water. Will it always be the one I start and finish with??? doubt it! I did a paddle the other weekend, in which I did the last 5 km using a borrowed paddle. I really enjoyed it! I can really see why do many people have been "switching" over.
Back on track! I went down this weekend, to start my very own. I don't expected it to be perfect by no means. I did get enough strips out of the wood (thanks to Neils cutting) to make three paddle. 2 should be lighter, with alot more cedar, the other have mostly spruce. I actually wanted this. I wanted one paddle that was a little more "sturdy" for practicing, and taking to the pool. Given how cheep they are to make, I wouldn't be really torn up about smashing any of them off. But would rather beat up one made with cheaper wood!
Heres the pics of the lamination. Both paddles here have a spruce core, thin cedar along the loom that continues the full lenght, then more cedar on the blade, finished with spruce on the outside. Once carved, the outer spruce will only be a few mm thick, and only continue up the blade for a 2-3".
I've been thinking about making a greenland paddle for the past while. I did get a nice carbon warner paddle from my lovely wife for Christmas. So some feel its odd for me to wanna switch over. But, I really don't see it as switching, I see it as learning another skill. I love my CF paddle, and will always have it when I head out on the water. Will it always be the one I start and finish with??? doubt it! I did a paddle the other weekend, in which I did the last 5 km using a borrowed paddle. I really enjoyed it! I can really see why do many people have been "switching" over.
Back on track! I went down this weekend, to start my very own. I don't expected it to be perfect by no means. I did get enough strips out of the wood (thanks to Neils cutting) to make three paddle. 2 should be lighter, with alot more cedar, the other have mostly spruce. I actually wanted this. I wanted one paddle that was a little more "sturdy" for practicing, and taking to the pool. Given how cheep they are to make, I wouldn't be really torn up about smashing any of them off. But would rather beat up one made with cheaper wood!
Heres the pics of the lamination. Both paddles here have a spruce core, thin cedar along the loom that continues the full lenght, then more cedar on the blade, finished with spruce on the outside. Once carved, the outer spruce will only be a few mm thick, and only continue up the blade for a 2-3".
It may be a while before either of these are finished. I'm going to do the mostley spruce paddle first, so I have some practice before attemping one of these. I may be just carve out a couple wall studs to get a feel for the process. It means I'll never use the first paddle I made, but I'm not a very sentimental person anyhow...
Cheers!
Cheers!