Paddle As Art

I’ve had these shots for quite a while, but I lost the notebook where I wrote down the owner/builder’s name. I met him at Thousand Peaks a month or so ago and was immediately struck by how beautiful his paddle was. the pictures don’t do it’s complexity or quality any justice. The back of the blade has a slick dihedral while the face has delicate double concave scoops. the fit of the various pieces is so precise it looks like the different woods grew together.

I remember that he’d been a boat builder in the Chesapeake Bay area, and that he builds models of famous Chesapeake Bay work boats. He’s a fine surfer and an amaxing woodworker, but I can’t remember or find his name, dammit. But I’ve sat on these pictures too long, and even though some are spoiled by water droplets I still like looking at them, as I’m sure you will. Enjoy.

Perhaps one of you alert readers will fill me in.