I made a longish trip yesterday and took the new paddle along with my first one I made (and still my favorite). More time with the new paddle to see what I thought of it.

Also, I spent some time looking at the shapes and profiles on line and realized I had just overlooked that edge shape concentrating on the rest of the shape of the blade. Also noticed my favored paddle has much narrower edges than the other I made. Even though no two blade faces are the same shape I still favor that paddle over any other. Not sure why I like it better but it just fells better. No doubt part of it is because of the wood, extremely tight grain and amazingly light weight. Wish I had a barn full of boards like that one came from.

I have been trying to figure out why I can never... well rarely insert the paddle in the water without a splashing sound. That is probably because the tips are too bunt. Especially in the center of the blade. I will have to reshape those one afternoon.

One thing I noticed that really surprised me and I don't understand yet. The new paddle is 3-4" longer overall. The blades are probably 3/8 to 1/2 inch wider than mine. But there is notice difference in the resistance in the water. The new paddle definitely has more 'bite'. I assume the extra width and length just give it more area. It also seems more tiring. It's heavier but it's still very light, but I could tell the difference. I am thinking I am spoiled to the light weight now.