Lew Plummer:
"There are several interesting features associated with this paddle.  The red ochre artwork could be a gauge.  Stroke power seems most efficient when the blade entry angle coincides with the “X” angle marked on the blade.  The “X” also, marks the best point to apply stroke power. Hitting the mark seems to be the rule no matter who uses the Helsinki grooved paddle. 

More of the blade is added as a person follows through the stroke.  At the end of the stroke the entire blade is buried.  Because of this I tend to rotate my body trunk later in the stroke; basically finishing the stroke with some “snap.”  It is a most comfortable cruising blade and not too bad for racing.

Generally novices don’t immediately like the paddle because the short loom requires a confident stroke with good rotation.  Most novices don’t bury the blade.  Good paddlers who use trunk rotation and bury the blade at the end of the stroke usually like it.   

The original Helsinki paddle was made of Western Red Cedar. My red cedar reproductions usually weigh about 24 to 26oz about the same as a good carbon fiber paddle.  I think the original weights about the same if not less (original is shorter). 

I used my lightweight paddle for two seasons before a fall from my truck at 40mph caused an early retirement. All the others are in their 4^th or 5^th season.   If the blades get a little fuzzy I just sand to reshape the edges, tip and then refinish.  I use spray paint for the black areas, leaving the loom and, if the wood is really red, the artwork natural.  I seal the wood and the painted areas with a couple of coats of boiled linseed oil. 

Some neoprene gloves can really wear the loom surface at the grip area if the wood is left natural.  If you use neoprene gloves and paddle often then it would be best if the loom area were protected with a good varnish or varathane.

The Red Cedar blades are, in some respects, more robust than carbon fiber paddles and they are easier to repair.  I have split the blades on occasion but Gorilla waterproof foaming urethane glue makes them good again.