(18-05-09 09:12 PM)saarlak Wrote: [ -> ]Let me know shaft lengths lads (bearing in mind that northwoods grip) and any modifications you'd like and I'll pop you on my winter project list and get round to it when I get the time and the wood
Saarlak, you're a star! I'll drop you a PM tomorrow with my prefered dimensions if that's ok. My we are going to be dapper paddlers
(18-05-09 09:12 PM)saarlak Wrote: [ -> ]Let me know shaft lengths lads (bearing in mind that northwoods grip) and any modifications you'd like and I'll pop you on my winter project list and get round to it when I get the time and the wood (not sure the walnut I have is as dark as you'd like Retro, but I'll check it out at the weekend when I'm at my sisters woodstore). Unfortunately 6x5 day trips on the Tweed along with the rest of a busy looking season at work, the imminent arrival of my Neice and hopefully moving house sometime around the end of the season means I can't give any time promise.
Matt, I still haven't checked out Robert Duncan's in Felling, but that ash I got delivered a few years ago was really nice, might check them out next time I get a day off. My sister checked out Newcastle hardwoods (if that's the place you mean on the N side of the river) a while ago and said it was mostly carving blanks and small craft pieces rather than a full on timber merchant. She also thought it was a bit over priced.
Thank you very much
I will drop you a PM over the next day or two as I can't decide if a north woods grip is for me so I will do some research but I do like a long thin balde and the shape on that one is perfect.
From the brief go I had with this one, I think I'd rather have a northwoods paddle that would be used exclusively for northwoods stroke with the top bulb only there for very occasional use. I would add 2 or 3 inches to the shaft length for the northwoods bit, which while not unusable wouldn't make it ideal for long distance paddling with a hand on the top. Standard knifed J is kind of ingrained in me and I can't see myself changing that.
That opinion could all change though, it took me 10-15 minutes to get used to the length of the blade and I paddled for less than half an hour, so a bit more pottering about may give me other ideas. It was the first time I'd used a grip like this.
I'll likely be bringing the paddle to Graeme's coaching weekend, if either of you will be there you can try it for yourselves.
Great paddle making blog Saarlak and an excellent end result. Once I find miself a plank (the ones I work with won't do
) I'm going to give this a go.
As Lee mentioned, I wouldn't mind popping this on the mainsite, with your permission of course.
You're welcome to it for the main site Nige, you're welcome to edit it where it needs it too.
Defo give it a go yourself too, it's such a great feeling when you first dip a paddle in the water that was a flat plank before you got your hands on it. And I'm sure paddles that you make yourself sing louder than one's you've bought!
Saarlak I would love to give it a go at the coaching weekend. Gav and I were discussing the northwoods grip last night, like a couple of school boys discussing Samantha Fox, well maybe not quite
I reckon with Gav's paddle style a grip similar to the Grey Owl Chieftain would be best, or something to fit his 'ham fist'. For me it has to be the Northwoods all the way but I do favour a short shaft and a very long blade. Perhaps you should invest in one of those 'branding machines' as Grey Owl use for there logo, I have a feeling you will be getting a few orders.
Excited
I have just wet myself writing Saarlak's PM, my order is in
Problem with giving us a go with your paddle is we squabble over who's turn it is like a couple of schoolboys
Oi and lay of my ham fist short a***
I have had a bit of luck with paddles today
I've been wanting a 'particular' paddle making for quite some time.