Construction Instructions for a Wooden Kayak Paddle

Kayak paddles, paddles with blades on both ends of the shaft, can be constructed by home woodworkers. One of the common designs of kayak paddle, which originated in Greenland, includes simple lines and is often carved from a single piece of clear dimensional lumber. Constructing a Greenland-style wooden kayak paddle involves using large-scale carving tools to shape a board into a useable paddle.

Things You'll Need

  • 12-foot-long 2-by-4
  • Pencil
  • Band saw
  • Circular or hand saw
  • Spoke shave
  • Draw knife
  • Medium grit sandpaper
  • Steel wool
  • Disposable foam brush
  • Spar varnish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select an eight to 12-foot-long piece of 2-by-4 clear lumber. Clear lumber means free of knots or other defects. The wood should have a tight and even grain. Any type of wood will work, although cedar is lightweight and resists decay.

    • 2

      Mark out the length of the paddle with a pencil. Paddle length is usually equal to the paddler's arm span plus the distance from the wrist to elbow of one arm. This length can be modified to fit the paddler's style.

    • 3

      Mark the loom with a pencil. The loom is the shaft at the center of the paddle, and is usually equal to the width of the paddler's shoulder blades.

    • 4

      Cut the paddle to length with a hand, circular or band saw. Use a band saw to cut to partial marks at the loom, to a depth that leaves a handle of 1 1/8 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. These cuts serve as stops during the carving process. A band saw can also be used to remove excess wood along the blade and handle, although the wood can also be removed during carving.

    • 5

      Carve away excess wood from the paddles and the shaft. Use a draw knife or a spoke shave to remove the wood in long strokes. Clamp the piece in place to a workbench or saw horses and pull the knife or shave toward you, cutting with the grain. Rotate the piece every few cuts to keep the piece round and in balance. Carve the handle to a round shape, and slowly taper the blades out to a wider, flatter shape. Round the ends of the paddle.

    • 6

      Smooth the wood using medium grit sandpaper and steel wool. A wood paddle should be smooth to the touch.

    • 7

      Apply a clear spar varnish to the wood paddle, going with the grain. A disposable foam brush is preferred, although any available soft-bristled brush will work.