Hand carved kayak paddle

The ancient Inuit kayak paddle has been around for centuries. But it is being re-discovered because of being better for your arms and upper back then the modern Euro style paddle.

So being one that enjoys playing with tools, making messes and seeing what turns out I decided to make one. I used laminates of red cedar and hemlock which are both native woods in my region. Laminating wood increases the strength, prevents cracking and always looks nice if contrasting woods are used.

Since I have not used it yet I am not sure if I will like it over the Euro that I am using. But I can always sell it.

I first had to make a larger draw knife since the one I made several years ago was too small.
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After looking at dozens of pictures on the net I had a good idea of the design I was going to use. I also found the formula to use to make it custom sized according to my hands and arms.

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Close up of the handle taper into the paddle body.
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Video of the different tools used. I am in the middle of completely re-doing my wood shop so it has a "hit by a tornado" look right now.

it's gorgeous Brent, but so long! How much does it weigh? Or does that not matter so much since the design is so balanced?

I could just see me whacking my truck, peoples heads, and tearing down every tree walking down to the river!

I can see where it would be more efficient than my paddle, but could I carry it?

It's the same length as my carbon Euro paddle which 240cm (8'). That is what I should use for my height. I have not weighed it yet but I estimate it's around 4 lbs. Cedar and hemlock are very light woods.

I also perfectly balanced it and made it for my hand and arm dimensions. I watched a video on Youtube about the formula to use to customize it for your own measurements.

It will be interesting to see how it's works compared to my Euro.

Updated: I weighed it and it's 4.4 lbs. but will be a few more ounces once I get all the water seal soaked in.

Video of how they are used.

Good gravy, Brent! I didn't know you were so talented....! The paddle is a wonderful piece of art; I'm pretty sure it would be EASY to sell, if you don't like it....

Wow....

God Bless,
Holly

Wow! really? 4.4 lbs is fantastic. Great job Brent. If you don't sell it Id be interested in finding out how you like using it.

Wow that is beautiful.

It's so beautiful, Brent! To have your wonderful talent and artful eye....I'm so envious.

That knife scares me a little though. I'm such a clutz, I'd end up hurting myself for sure.

My dad was a carpenter, so I can imagine the smell of cut wood in your shop. I love that smell.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and video with us.

Thanks for the kind feedback! Believe it or not the only incident I had was one sliver. But rarely a weekend goes by that I do not do something ugly to my fingers or hand. Almost every Monday I have to wear nitrile gloves while I am working on patients.

I always love the smell of red cedar and the shop did smell great while I was carving and sanding it. If the eastern aromatic cedar grew around here so I could afford it and I would be using that even more.

I wish I knew how to do woodworking. My dream has always been to make furniture. Especially beds. I love antique 3/4beds, the styling and simplicity but hubby is too tall for them. I would love to be able to design and make my own furniture.

I always check my community college catalog to find woodworking classes but never do. I'm not really sure how to learn.

I used to do a lot of furniture refinishing, but I can't handle the fumes now.

There are DVD's out for many simple and more complex furniture projects. I am sure the "New Yankee Workshop" series is on DVD. When I started making pens I found a 10 part series on Youtube. It was enough to get me going and my first pen turned out great.

There are also woodworking magazines that have plans for a new project each month. When it comes to buying and using the machinery you would want to at least find someone to show you how to best use it. And buying the quality woodworking machinery can get a bit spendy.

A contractor grade table saw is a good tool to buy first. That and some hand tools would get you started.

I have a friend who makes rustic furniture from small logs. He doesn't use any power tools at all.

My metal shop has all the state-of-the-art machining equipment but 3/4 of my projects are all done by hand. And many of the tools I use I built.

You amaze me with your talent!

Thanks, I am not sure about the talent part. It's more perseverance, stubbornness, not being afraid to try again. I hope everyone tapps into some form of creative outlet. For me it's very relaxing and helps with stress. Back when my migs were far worse I got through them by looking forward to picking up where I left off on a project(s). It also helped me live and appreciate the days I was not hurting.

Too many of my friends just sit around in front of the TV or play video games in their spare time. No end product or growth comes from that. I also use my projects to help mark different times in my life. When I am going through my project gallery I can see something I made and remember what was going on during that time. For better or worse.

My crystal ball shows me making a smaller version for my daughter.

There's nothing more beautiful than wood that is crafted so well by hand. You are so talented, Brent.

I love it. I can see it hanging on the wall at my lake place when not being used.

I'm in the process of looking for a kayak myself. Can you give me any advice --- I'm amateur, although I have paddled them before. I can't spend a lot at this time, so I guess I need to know of an inexpensive but still good quality one. I could maybe find one on Craigs List.

What I use a type of hybrid canoe/kayak. It's more stable and much lighter then either. It's inflatable but made with the same tough durable material as the Zodiac boats used by the Special Forces. So I can partially deflate it and stuff it in the back of my 4Runner. No roof racks to screw around with lifting it on and off of.

It takes about two minutes inflate the two side walls with a foot pump. The seats are very rigid and give very good support and can be adjusted. My daughter and I can easily carry it. There are many great things about it, more then I can list. And the cost around $350-$400. I bought mine at Leisure Sports for $350 with free shipping. Kayak paddles work far better then the traditional canoe paddle.

Sevylor also has the Rio which is a single seat version that is about $50 or less then the Colorado.

This promo video does a good job showing just what it is. Each time I go out on mine I like it more. It's so very, very relaxing along with being inexpensive and low tech.

I have several threads here with pics of it in several places we have gone.

Thanks Brent. That sounds fantastic. I am going to check it out.

I can only recommend the one I have. Up to now I have not tested any others except for some of the traditional rigids. Back when I was a kid my friend and I became experts at flipping them. We ended up finding dozens of ways to be dry one second and then soaked to the skin the next.