Ultra-light paddle

[Marc Ornstein]

Currently working on an ultra-light FreeStyle Paddle. Paulownia and walnut.
In the 1st photo I am applying a sealer coat of epoxy to the sanded blade. In the second photo, a layer of 4 oz. fiberglass cloth has been applied. The weight of the clothespins help keep the cloth wrapped around the edges while the epoxy cures. On most fiberglass sheathed blades, that I have seen, the fiberglass does not wrap around the edges. This is just one small detail that sets Dogpaddles apart from the crowd. The blade will subsequently receive 2 additional coats of epoxy, before being sanded and varnished.

 

[Boatman53]

Those clothespins do the trick alright.
Jim

 

[Rubbaboo]

Great looking paddle! That paulownia wood is an interesting choice! I’d love to get my hands on some unfortunately it seems hard to come by around these parts.
What do you expect the final weight to be at?

 

[Marc Ornstein]

Great looking paddle! That paulownia wood is an interesting choice! I’d love to get my hands on some unfortunately it seems hard to come by around these parts.
What do you expect the final weight to be at?

I'm shooting for 19 oz. It's a 38" shaft with a length overall of 58". I'll post the actual weight when finished.