I made both a full Greenland paddle and a storm paddle out of Eastern White Cedar. They both work well but I miss the drip ring on long journeys. You get sick of having a wet skirt all of the time. I'll try the piece of string tied near the paddle trip from the blog.
I also tipped the paddles with hammered copper instead of whale bone to push off ice flows. Works great and does not crack!
Since I carve Haida masks the knives came out and the paddles became intricately decorated with traditional designs. Also made two matching war paddles for the canoe...couldn't stop...too much snow and very cold outside so designed a cedar ceremonial box to hold all of the paddles with matching designs and snakeskin outlined with hammered copper. Included salmon motif in copper.
I love all of my paddles (both man made and machine made)!!!!