[Paddlewise] Paddle surface coat

I've decided to stay away from the Brit vs. American thread. To quote Heinlein, "I don't know the theories, I just push the buttons." _Have Spacesuit, Will Travel_, IIRC.  All I know is that I like the Romany enough to buy it.  I also like some American boats, and may buy some of them in the future. :)

On to my question.  While not technically sea kayaking I figure someone out there in PWland might know the answer.  My dad has recently gotten into canoeing (I'll get him into a sea kayak once the water temps go up).  And being a competent woodworker, he is intrigued by the wooden canoe paddles.  Putting one together doesn't look too complicated, his question comes at the end:

What is the finish they put on most wooden canoe paddles (Wenonah's or Bending Branches, for example)?  Is it a thin sheet of fiberglass/epoxy?  Is it just a real hard finish coat?  Any other info on making canoe paddles (like Chuck's "Making a West Greenland Paddle")?

BTW, we did all of the rough cut for my first greenland paddle, following Chuck's excellent directions Saturday.  I have completed the bevel cuts (I could have done that part better, but oh well).  I'm down to the planeing and sanding stage.  It's starting to look like a paddle.  :)

Mel
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There are three types of people, those who can count and those who can't.


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