a word about wood from bruce...
Black Cherry is the most popular choice of wood for a paddle. It is fairly strong, very resistant to splitting , relatively light and flexible. It has amazing grain patterns, attractive, unique little flaws and very rich colour patterns. Cherry stands up well against rot and moisture damage and is also an excellent choice for cedar canoe gunwales, seats and thwarts.
Black Walnut is also a favourite because of its uniqueness, dark colour, and interesting grain. It is not as strong as black cherry and therefore not as suitable for rigourous canoe tripping. However it makes a beautiful paddle and is a popular choice for the recreational canoeist.
Maple and Ash make very tough, durable paddles. These are heavier woods so the paddles must be carved a lttle thinner. Although these paddles will still last many years, they must be maintained and cared for properly as they are slightly more prone to water damage over time than cherry or walnut.
Butternut is very light weight and has nice grain as well. It is also becoming rare because of a disease that is killing the trees. I have a butternut paddle and I love it for certain light-use situations… not tripping though. I like to laminate a stronger species like cherry, maple or walnut on to the shaft to give it extra strength.
One of my favourite paddles of all time was made from a northern tamarack tree (larch) that came from the woods around Atikokan, Ontario. It was strong and very unique. It frayed a bit around the throat from normal paddling friction so I had to varnish it regularly. It was strong, flexible and dynamic in the water. I am using European Larch now when I can find it clear.
Bird’s Eye Maple makes a fine paddle and is one of the most unique paddles you can buy. The wood is rare, so the price is reflected in the paddle. Curly Maple is also special. And I like the cuts near the maple heartwood. They can have a variety of all sorts of browns and greenish streaks.
Shaft laminations are available in almost any combination of woods. Walnut, cherry and bird's eye maple create colour contrasts with one another that are often favourites. I use the highest quality waterproof urethane glue to add these laminations.
