All of our paddles are made with a combination of hard and soft woods. Softwoods to decrease weight while using hardwoods to reinforce high-impact areas. Each paddle is reinforced with a protective tip, fiberglass cloth, epoxy, and high-grade UV varnish. We know that in taking the routes less paddled, this can take lead to wear and tear over time. We encourage you to hang your paddle up to keep it off the ground when it is not in use, preferably in a cool, darker environment to extend its lifespan. Every couple of years it is encouraged to revarnish the paddle to keep its shine, and protection from the elements. Simply use a high grit sandpaper like 400 grit or higher and do a gentle and thorough sanding of the paddle to create a surface that the varnish can stick to. Carefully wipe off any dust and debris before applying an even and thin coat to the entire paddle using a UV-protective polyurethane varnish. Let completely dry following the varnish can instructions before using again.