I saw an Aleutian style paddle & as a sea kayaker and woodworker decided to build one.  First time out I was stunned as to how quiet it was.  None of the annoying splash as with a spoon type paddle.  It does not catch the wind and by shifting my grip an inch or two to the left or right I was able to maintain an even course with ease.  Three or four months later it dawned on me the paddle was designed to be silent.  The Aleuts, as hunters, depended on stealth to eat and the bounty of the sea provided the materials for their existence.  I figured if the paddle was so well designed, their kayaks, the Baidarka, must be as well.  It is.

Launch Gallery