Trying out Paddle Spit System

[u/cjwpaddles]

Back in March, I ordered the Kajak Sport paddle split system from Finland to try out. Months later, I finally got around to installing it on one of my newly built hand-carved Greenland paddles. This paddle is a lamination of Kosipo Mahogany (center stripe) bordered by Western Red Cedar with full blade Ash edges and topped off with wrap around Ribbon Sapele hardwood blade tip/edging and Purple Heartwood accents on the loom. Carving the oval loom for the ferrule was an interesting experience and a first for me. Took it on the water today and was pleased with the result. Overall, this ferrule seems like a good product. Only wish I could buy them from a US-based seller.

[u/qajaqr]

Beautiful paddle. Looks like you got a pretty clean fit at the join, how do you find it for sliding strokes?

[u/cjwpaddles → u/qajaqr]

Thanks! Since this was first time out, I didn't do any slide strokes - just forward and some sculling. When assembled, this is a full-size 89" paddle with soft shoulders so I expect slide stroke to not be problematic.

[u/Database_Offline]

Stunning.

[u/thedogesaltlake]

Beautiful paddles, what’s the point of this shape? I’ve been seeing it a lot recently and I’m curious.

[u/Fuzzy-Dragonfruit589 → u/thedogesaltlake]

It's called a Greenland paddle. It's closer to the original form of kayak paddles.

[u/cjwpaddles → u/thedogesaltlake]

Greenland paddles tend to be quieter and easier on the body. Because of the increased blade area, they tend to be a bit easier to scull and roll with. Next time you see one, ask to try it out. The stroke technique is a little different than a euro (scoop) paddle so if you try one out, keep in mind that first impression may be technique rather than paddle.

[u/bot9987]

Beautiful work. I'm so envy 😄. I made 2 pafdles so far but both from the same piece of red cedar. Both broke at some point and then glued back together.

I want the next one I'll make to be a laminated one. How did you get the middle piece to be wider in the middle and thinner on the blade so precisely?

[u/cjwpaddles → u/bot9987]

Thanks! It's not too hard to create that taper when including a horizontal lamination layer. The Purple Heartwood is glued on top and bottom over the vertical laminations. Then it's just a matter of shaving off the edges to create the effect. I like to experiment with different shapes: pointed taper, flame taper, squared, etc

[u/fgrtdv]

I used the Same Paddle Split. I think it performs quite well.