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. |
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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. |
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. |
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Scratches into the bare wood must be treated with varnish. However, the epoxy hardens the cedar and is more durable than an oil finish. |
