I got to try out the paddle I made after Chuck Holst's article. Its made out of a spruce 2X4. It exceeded my expectations. It had a little flutter when I began, but it seemed to go away - probably a small grip change. My question is about drip rings. Do they belong on this paddle? I got less wet than I thought, but my thumbs were numb. Am I doing something wrong, or should I get used to a little water down the handle and onto my lap. The highlight of my day came from the first paddler I encountered after being out for an hour. We passed going opposite directions and exchanged greetings. Then he said "nice paddle". Water temperature in Long Island Sound is up to 46.