Rarely, if ever do I see Paddle Bows here.  :confused:   :(    Anyone made one?  Got pics? Dimensions? etc.  I love the look of them, and would love to see yours.-- Its what I plan to make next, after I get over my infatuation w/narrow ipe bows.

OK... I'll bite... haven't heard the term before.   I build wide limbed flatbows, but how wide does it have to be to paddle the canoe?   Does a 2" limb do it?  :^)

OK... I'll bite... haven't heard the term before.   I build wide limbed flatbows, but how wide does it have to be to paddle the canoe?   Does a 2" limb do it?  :^)

Dick,
The Term Paddle bows are used in reference to the very wide style of flatbow,most commonly used by the NDN's of the far western US.Most often associated with Northern Ca People.

Hmm... love to see a pic.  I'm presently playing with making wide limb flatbows and am currently finishing up a 2" flatbow form that will allow me a lot of flexibility in what kind of flatbows I make out of the wide lams.

I've never made a pattle bow but from what I've read it's a bows that are made of light woods like cedars,pines,etc.That have to be made up to 4"s wide to take up stress in the limbs to reduess set and limb follow.
 The saying comes from,That bows so wide you can pattle a cannoe with it.

I have read that Elm works well for these bows. I did see one 10 yrs. ago.  Forget what it was made w/ but I think it was hick, w/bendy handle, something like 60" and limbs 3" wide.  I was totally impressed w/ its cast.  The guy was consistently nailing a 3D moose 125yds off.-- The arrow flight was quite impressive.