The Superior Kayaks paddle is intruiguing, but personally I wouldn't use a black paddle -- not visible enough on the water, and looks as bad as a plastic paddle with a wood kayak. The Betsie Bay Graflite paddle has a graphite core, is just as light as Superior's carbon paddle (26 oz.), and still looks like wood. But costs $350.

Another option would be to call or write Eric Schade at Shearwater Boats and he may be able to make you a paddle with lighter woods. I have his greenland-style paddle and a storm paddle that he custom made for me.

Dean