NYCkayaker seeking advice on fuzzy paddle

[Steve McAllister]

Hi Joy

This could generate a long heated discussion.
There have been lots threads on the qajaqusa.org forum. I'd check the 
archives.

I have a strong preference to oil, linseed, mink, ...
Sand it every now and then and apply more oil every 6 months.

Coating a paddle in epoxy, varnish, or other hard, non breathable 
surface has it's problems. It can increase your chances of blisters on 
the hands, can make it a little harder to grip and dings can cause dark 
spots and even rot.

Many will disagree with me though.

stevie

> My unfinished cedar Greenland paddle has decided that water sets its teeth
> on edge.  The edges of the blades got a bit banged (on non-recessed fittings
> on my deck), and now they are fuzzing madly whenever I paddle, and bits
> falling off.
> 
> What's the best way to stop this?  I assume I need to start by letting it
> dry well, then sand it to get rid of the rough edges.  And then finish it
> with something?  I talked to someone at West Marine who said I should use a
> fairly thin epoxy, one that would soak into the wood and then dry very
> solid.  But he didn't have one to sell me, and suggested I try Lowes or Home
> Depot.  He also seemed to think that a product designed to touch up rot
> spots on wooden boats might be good for this purpose - I'm not sure if
> that's an epoxy as well.
> 
> I figured I'd ask you folks first.  Is this the right strategy?  And if so,
> is there a specific kind of epoxy to use?  The guy at West Marine said one
> coat was fine; is that so?  I haven't varnished the paddle, because I don't
> want it to be slippery; is epoxy slippery?  Do I have to put anything over
> the epoxy?  
> 
> And how long should I let it dry before I can use it again?  
> 
> All advice will be most appreciated!
> 


-- 
The only way to tell the difference between California and Sweden
is that the Swedes speak better English."
         -- From "East vs. West: The War Between the Coasts