In this class, students will build one laminated paddle similar to the fancy wooden paddles often seen in canoe outfitters shops. Not just showpieces, laminated paddles have several unique qualities that make them highly functional on the water. The lamination of several pieces of wood makes the shafts light, yet strong and stiff. Laminated blades can be made from beautiful hardwoods that would be very heavy and hard to carve if used for the entire paddle. Students will learn a combination of traditional and modern woodworking skills, including the use of the spokeshave, drawknife, carving knife and scraper as well as the application of epoxy fiberglass. Students will design the shape of the blade and choose a shaft length to their liking. The grips are carved with knives to add a traditional touch to an otherwise high-tech wooden tool.

Required Tools

• All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

North House is looking forward to hosting this course on campus in the safest way possible. As recommended by our HVAC consultants, we have increased air ventilation and installed an air filtration system. We perform extra cleaning of campus and are keeping class sizes small in our largest classrooms. Students must participate in a daily health screening and temperature check, agree to wear a mask at all times on campus, and to practice social distancing of 6 feet, as well as adhere to other safety protocols in some cases. See the full details of our COVID-19 protocols here.

You will need the following tools for this class:

All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.

• Spokeshave 
• Draw Knife 
• Carving knife
• Card Scraper
• Ear and Eye protection is provided and will be required but feel free to bring your own for fit and comfort