This canoe paddle was first carved
as a model from a section of a willow branch and then an actual
full size paddle was created from a 2" by 6" redwood
board. Choose a light weight wood as you want the finished paddle
to be light in your hands (examples: spruce, pine, cedar, redwod
as lumber or logs).
Tools used: Knife, hatchet, or band saw to remove material. If you don't want to use power tools, like the band saw, then use a hatchet instead. The paint was acrylic. Other natural earth pigments and minerals could also be used to color your paddle.
1) Make drawings of what you want your canoe paddle to look like. If you are looking for reference on indigenous traditional paddles, go to your local college libraries or bookstores for photos and drawings.
2) Make a small model of your paddle
to see what it will look like in three dimension.
3) For the full size canoe paddle,
draw an outline on the top and side of your chosen wood.
4) Cut away, with a saw, hatchet,
or band saw, the bulk of your unwanted material.
5) Use a hatchet and knife to thin
and shape your paddle.
6) If desired, draw onto, carve,
and/or paint your paddle.
7) Note: The shape of the paddle
where your hands grip is important to the comfort in use.
The upper part that the hand naturally grips is a horizontal bar.
It is about 1.5" in diameter on my paddle. The lower hand
hold should be of a diameter that is comfortable to grip. It is
about 2" in diameter on my paddle.
This is a useful and natural tool for water transportation. It's also a fun project. Send photos of the paddles you have made to PrimitiveWays and we will add them to this webpage.
E-mail your comments to "Bob Gillis" at bob@shelter-systems.com
© PrimitiveWays 2004