These paddles are usually made from Douglas fir and are treated with Danish Oil.
This finish is not as durable compared with some others but has the considerable advantage of quick maintenance and can be applied easily by hand.
After a period of use the paddle can be washed in freshwater and allowed to dry. A single coat, or several coats of Danish oil can be rubbed on by hand or by brush to restore the finish. When the final coat is well dry the high gloss can be made a matt finish if desired with fine steel wool (000 grade). This can help to prevent the paddle slipping in use.The paddle can be treated at any time with Danish oil but especially if bare patches of wood are evident. Frequency of re-treatment obviously depends on use but should be at least once a year.
Should scuffing or scratches roughen the surface, fine sandpaper can be used to restore the desired smoothness especially at the blade shoulders where the hands grip the paddle normally. After sanding, two or three coats of Danish oil should be applied before use. The last coat should be allowed a couple of days to dry before flattening the high gloss finish with steel wool. This time is obviously made shorter in a warm dry atmosphere but proximity to heaters should be avoided.
The blade tips and edges on these paddles are oak which is very durable.
Happy paddling !