Hi Don;

I can't help with the C&B question, as I am not using it. For the paddle construction, however, I did use lumberyard spruce and it seems plenty light and strong. I used a two piece lamination for the shaft as Nick recommends in his book. It seems I could find larger spruce boards (I used a 1x10) that were pretty darn clear, with only a small knot or two that had to be cut around. I ended up using a 1x10x6' board, much of which is still available for another shaft . . . :-)

As to weight, some posters would call it a club, at 2-3/4 lbs + glass & epoxy yet to come. I probably left too much material, could have thinned the blades further, etc. But Nick's larger shaft does feel good in the hand.

Best Regards, Spidey