Paddle philosophy and Care Guide:
Thanks for purchasing a Greenland Paddle by Thomas Boats! Please spend a little time reading this guide to learn how to care for your new paddle, and to understand its intent.
The overall philosophy behind what I do here is performance and practicality. Every choice made when building your paddle is guided by these goals.
After you unpack your paddle, you may be struck by its beauty, and therefore be hesitant to use it for fear of scratching it. Please, use your paddle! It WILL get scratched and dented, and the sooner you accept that fact, the sooner you can enjoy the paddle. My paddles are not wall ornaments; although the finish is quite nice, it is not display quality. I see no reason to pay for an ultra fine finish on a paddle that will immediately acquire “character” from use.
character!
The finish on your paddle is a traditional mixture informally called “boat soup” in the marine trades. It is simple, renewable, and less-toxic. I mix tung oil, turpentine, and pine tar together, then slather it on your paddle. I wipe off the excess with a rag before it dries, then repeat 4 or 5 times. To keep your paddle looking nice, sand lightly, then refinish with any rubbing oil: Danish oil, boat soup, boiled linseed oil, pure tung oil, etc.
Please visit this post in my blog for detailed information on how I make and apply the original finish.
If you have a paddle with locust tips, its very important to maintain the finish of your paddle before storing it for a long time. This is especially important if your winters are long, cold, and dry. Also, make a habit of checking the condition of the finish as the season wears on, and replenish if you think it needs it. Make sure the paddle is dry when you do this. It should only take about an hour.
Although its possible to break your paddle, its highly unlikely. The most likely type of failure involves using a plain cedar paddle to push off a rocky shore. If done just right, this can split the tip. This scenario was the inspiration for my locust armored tips and edges. I do not guarantee against breakage, but if it does happen, I want to know about it. Tell me the circumstances, there may be something I can do about it. Its also essential R&D.
Enjoy your time on the water!
Thomas Moen