How to Make a Kayak Paddle

How to Make a Kayak Paddle
Possibly the best thing about sea kayaking is, it doesn't cost much. Both the kayak and paddle can be built by hand at a fraction of the price of store-bought selections.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Making a Kayak Paddle

Things You’ll Need:
  • Jigsaw Small block plane Cabinet sander Sandpaper Wood oil Varnish
  • Jigsaw
  • Small block plane
  • Cabinet sander
  • Sandpaper
  • Wood oil
  • Varnish
Step 1
Find a good piece of hardwood. Ash, basswood or spruce are three types of wood that are especially good for creating a blank for a paddle, because they're all fairly light and yet strong. The best place to find the lumber you need is at a hardware store. Depending on the size of your paddle, pick a board that's straight (without warps) and without knots.
Step 2
Create your blank. Use the jigsaw to cut the general shape of your paddle. If you're comfortable with free form, mark your board and make the cuts. You can also find patterns online (see Resources below) or at stores such as REI that provide the outline to make a proper blank.
Step 3
Use your block-plane to carve out the blades and shaft of the paddle. This allows you to whittle down the shape and thickness of the wood so that the blank looks more and more like the finished piece.
Step 4
Take off all rough edges and protrusions with a cabinet scraper or similar device. Having rough edges on the shaft of your paddle makes it extremely uncomfortable to grip for long periods. The key is to get the shaft as smooth as possible before you begin to apply the sandpaper.
Step 5
Apply sandpaper, coarse grit to fine, until the shaft and blade of the paddle are smooth and completely without protrusions. Once you have a paddle that feels good, apply oil to protect the wood and then a coat of varnish.

Tips & Warnings

 
Paint your paddle any color you like. It makes the paddle more festive, and what you gain in weight is made up for in extra wood protection.
 
Be careful when using the plane that you don't make the blades of the paddle too thin. Blades that are too thin have a tendency to break when encountering either submerged or shoreline obstacles such as rocks. A good blade should taper down to no less than 1/8 inch at the bottom.

Article Written By Patrick Cameron

Patrick Cameron is a freelance writer with 10 years of diverse experience in consumer goods branding, promotions and retail communications. He works out of his home in Denver, Colo. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword