Hi there. I was interested to see this photo as it shows a block glued on for the tip. Most other builds I’ve seen photos of use thin veneers over the tip, which is an extension of the primary blade lamination, presumably to improve durability and minimize seam splitting.
Interesting questions. As to the method: The entire blade is sheathed with epoxy saturated fiberglass. As such, the various wood laminations are fully protected from the water. The very tip of the blade is an epoxy compound with various fillers, so even a chip in the tip, would not result in moisture penetration. As for long term outcomes, I've been using this and similar methods for 40+- years and too many paddles to count. I've never had or been informed of a failure.
Awesome. Thanks for the rapid response! Cool and interesting. The whitewater specific paddles I have from Backlund and Snyder and Silver Creek, as well as those from Quimby use the veneer approach. Other flatwater paddles from those like Moore, Ibis, Cricket do not, at least for the sticks in my pile.
