I've made a number of paddles. I've typically used cedar from Home Depot, but recently wanted something that looks better, so made a cherry paddle and boy did it weigh a lot.

After looking at Sanborn paddles, specifically the Nessmuk paddle, how do they get three different distinct colors to their cedar? No way could they stain the strips prior, during or after and have it look that nice. I think Bending Branches had a "roasted" paddle at one point. I've roasted maple rolling pins for the kitchen, but didn't have that great of results. I also can't fit a paddle into my oven.

Anyone have any idea? I have reached out to them directly about how they get a bent shaft paddle with their laminate layers stacked- and they emailed me back with detail, but feel another email would be bad taste to ask.

There is a fair bit of color variation from board to board on western red cedar. While picking out boards for a canoe building project, I found one that must have come out of the heart of a large tree. The color stood out from the rest of the boards several shades darker than the rest of the boards. On the other end of the spectrum, strips close to the sapwood would give you your lighter shades.
I think My BB Espresso is made with black willow if your looking for the darker brown shade. If you don't mind, post some pics of your paddle making progress. It would be interesting to see how it's done.

wingnut- you were right. I decided to just ask Sanborn and they said they just work extra hard to cut down boards so they have a variety of color, even though its all from western red cedar. Their paddles seem like a bargain now knowing how much effort goes into them.

I'll try to post some picures on my next one. I tend to forget to take progress pictures.

My next goal is to make a sub 16 oz paddle with basically a wood skeleton and carbon fiber/ fiberglass reinforcement where it's needed. I'll try to document that build and post here. Not sure if it will work or not- but I guess that is the point. I have a lot of wall space to hang one use paddles.

Sounds like an interesting build. I for one would be riveted to a composite paddle building thread. Divinycell foam might be a lightweight substitute for some of the wood. Carbon and foam driving the price up is the downside.

THEGrandRapids: "wingnut- you were right. I decided to just ask Sanborn and they said they just work extra hard to cut down boards so they have a variety of color, even though its all from western red cedar. Their paddles seem like a bargain now knowing how much effort goes into them.


I'll try to post some picures on my next one. I tend to forget to take progress pictures.


My next goal is to make a sub 16 oz paddle with basically a wood skeleton and carbon fiber/ fiberglass reinforcement where it's needed. I'll try to document that build and post here. Not sure if it will work or not- but I guess that is the point. I have a lot of wall space to hang one use paddles. "

Hey THE Grand Rapids - where you located. There are a few of us up your way. I spend a good share of my time up there - east of Marcell.

Pokegama Lake!

I have one of their Gunflint wood/carbon paddles. I think it is a hollow wood shaft, and and a blade that is planed or sanded down really thin. There is at least one layer of what looks like 6oz carbon laminated to the power face of the thin blade. It is pretty, and performs well. I’m not sure if there is a clear layer of 3oz fiberglass on the other side of the paddle- I can check if I remember next time I take it out.

This guy Has a pretty well documented build of a foam core kayak paddle.

wingnut: " Sounds like an interesting build. I for one would be riveted to a composite paddle building thread. Divinycell foam might be a lightweight substitute for some of the wood. Carbon and foam driving the price up is the downside. "

A paddle wouldn’t take much of either material. I can’t help you in Michigan, but if you are near Minneapolis I can recommend Express Composites. They are mostly internet sales, but they will sell retail out of their shop. Ive found them to be very helpful and friendly, and for samples or small projects they sometimes have off-cuts of material they will deeply discount.

Your right about the amount of material being minimal as far as cost goes. I've got it stuck in my head that Carbon and Kevlar in a canoe build sends the cost through the roof. I'll sure give them a look for any future projects Muddyfeet. I'll give the Kayak paddle build a look for sure. Always interesting to see how things are done.

Thanks Muddyfeet- those are the type of reference materials I use for years. I had read on SUP paddle making threads that foam can bust apart if your epoxy and carbon fiber isn't done properly. I plan on making a cedar paddle, with razor thin paddle plan face, and then drill out half the material- sort of like swiss cheese. I may fill the holes back in with foam, but think that will just add weight back. I'll cover the blade with 3 oz glass and 5 oz CF. The shaft will have braided carbon sleeves. I was going to just let it sit and soak up the epoxy, but I see the guy wraps felt and then ropes of some sort to keep the CF flat. I will keep the top handle with the cedar shaft and probably some cherry.

I have a slab of Cherry from a tree I had to take down - and want to make a paddle from it. I know it'll be a bit on the heavy side -- in any event: any tips for carving such? Thanks! (also in GR area, btw)

find a specialty lumber yard in your area that carries WRC, call ahead and ask specifically if they allow 'picking'. Get the name of the person you speak with, and ask them when would be a convenient time for you to show up. Also doesn't hurt to mention that you're not opposed to paying a couple extra bucks for the 'picking privilege'.

These places HATE it when you show up unannounced and expect them to babysit you while you cherry pick through their stock. Takes up too much of their time and leaves them with a worse looking stockpile to sell to contractors.

I've done this for small projects and had pretty good luck.

chessie: "I have a slab of Cherry from a tree I had to take down - and want to make a paddle from it. I know it'll be a bit on the heavy side -- in any event: any tips for carving such? Thanks! (also in GR area, btw)"

Practice on a 2 x 8 piece of cedar (can get real nice ones from a menards- sometimes Home Depot). Maybe they are 2x10 rough cut

While I have only done laminated paddles, single tree paddles have been created since the dawn of time. Lots of youtube videos out there to watch.

My biggest challenge was and still is, shaping for symmetry. I'll master that someday.

I'd also make sure it's had more than adequate time to dry, otherwise the paddle may curl on you, and if it does, no big deal.

Lots of patterns available online.

Finally my biggest advice, Use the darn thing! No matter what! (My long term goal is to create a new paddle every year, use it and abuse it, then hang on the wall with names of places its been). A paddle on the wall that never hit the water might as well be made into a candle holder.

Thanks for the tips..... my neighbor is milling some cedar - going to check with him.
I made one from basswood years ago - and yes, I DO use it!!!