> 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.

The Inuit often wrap some string --- unless you have some spare sinew lying around the garage --- around the transitions between the blade and the loom, and left the bitter ends loose. Tended to wick off most of the water. Classic drip rings might be somewhat less than "authentic", but, more importantly, would cause difficulties in sliding strokes and times when you want to slide your hand all the way up one blade. The string isn't in the way.

Technique is awfully important. There are several old John Heath and other articles around, cited on various websites, which talk you through the use of the Greenland paddle. John Heath has a video out on Maligiaq Paddila's techniques, and there are other resources like that available.

Glad you enjoyed your first outing with it.

Jack Martin