So I wasn’t happy with Greenland version 1. It wasn’t crafted fine enough, too fat in places, kind of heavy. In hindsight, I was fighting mediocre wood AND learning how to use hand tools and make mistakes using them (power planer, hand planer, spoke shave, chisel).
I also wanted to tweak the dimensions – especially the location of the shoulders, based on how V1 felt and where my hands naturally go with the Akiak.
I purchased two western red cedar boards from Premium Plywood Specialities in Hyannis. Sure they were more than a big box store ($40 each for a 10 foot length), but they really were straight and knot free! Working with this board was a pleasure, and my hand tools did what I wanted them to do. I was less timid with the wood because I knew where I wanted it to go.
The finished product was coated with 6-7 coats of 50% tung oil / 50% organic orange solvent, 1-2 hours apart over 2 days. It sat for 7-8 weeks while I was back in Atlanta in April and May.
And — I love it! It fits me perfectly, is quite light compared to the pine, and fits like a glove. I’ve done several trips with it now, and I am quite pleased (plus there is something satisfying about the fact that you made it for yourself). The Akiak is a great 2 piece stowed as a backup. I also managed to more aggressively trim the pine paddle V1. I still don’t expect to use it much, but it is always there if I need another backup.
I’m still learning a bit about the paddle. I’m getting more comfortable with most paddle strokes and dealing with currents, still working my way up to larger waves. But after fighting the current in Nauset Marsh today and looking at my average boat speed with with a euro-blade, I think I’m dialing it in pretty well.
Only negative that after 7 miles today, both thumbs have a blister in the making where they rub against the shoulder. I need to sand those edges smoother!
