How thick is a Greek paddle?

These Greek Paddles are THICK coming in at 3/4 inch in thickness.

What is the point of a Greek paddle?

The fraternity and sorority paddle is most commonly used today as a decorative keepsake representing brotherhood or sisterhood and is given as a gift according to a local chapter's traditions. The history of the paddle, however, is rooted in violence and remains both a tool and symbol of hazing in Greek organizations.

Why do frats use paddles?

The Paddle's Place in the Greek Community

To show their appreciation, little brothers and sisters present their mentor with a paddle as a sign of gratitude, loyalty and respect. Also, many fraternities give paddles to newly pledged members as a welcoming sign of inclusion into the chapter.

Why do sororities paint paddles?

Pledges often purchase a blank wooden paddle to decorate commemorating their membership into the Greek Organization or to give as a gift to their “big brother” or “big sister” within the fraternity or sorority. To most sorority alumnae today, paddles represent sisterhood, pride, and tradition.

Do fraternities still paddle?

To most sorority alumnae today, paddles represent sisterhood, pride, and tradition. Unfortunately, paddling continues to be used as a hazing tool in fraternities, and although less frequently, sororities too.

Greek Paddle Tutorial

What size are sorority paddles?

Greek paddles can range in size from small key chains to 2 1/2 feet tall. In general, your paddle should be four times as long as it is wide. If your design is 4 inches wide, the paddle should be 16 inches long. The length includes the handle.

What size is a normal sorority paddle?

(Official) Sorority/Fraternity 22" Greek Square Paddle.

Does hazing still happen?

Indeed, hazing is not only banned by most colleges and universities but also violates laws in nearly every U.S. state, but these incidents continue to occur. A recent NBC News report noted that, from 2000 to 2021, at least 50 college students died from hazing incidents.

How do you seal a Greek paddle?

To apply the paper, trace the loose shape of your paddle on the back of the paper. Then, apply an even coat of modge-podge to the wood and carefully apply the paper. Smooth out any bumps or ripples while the glue is still wet. When the paper is pressed down firmly, seal it with another coat of sealant on top.

Do you paint the back of a sorority paddle?

Paint it. The first step in making your paddle is to paint it. You may be staining it, painting it, or decorating the paddle in some way, but this step should be done first. Painting is most common.

How do you seal a wooden paddle?

Touch Up: seal any exposed wood with varnish on a regular basis. Lightly sand area, apply a diluted (by 10%) coat of finish and let dry. Lightly sand area again and apply a full strength coat of varnish. Complete Refinish: strip all finish off the paddle using sand paper.

When did hazing start in fraternities?

The Origins of Hazing

The term hazing regularly became used in 1684 after a student at Harvard was the first to be expelled for hitting students and having them perform acts of servitude. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, social fraternities started hazing.

What is fraternity hazing?

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them, regardless of a person's willingness to participate. There are three components that define hazing: It occurs in a group context. Humiliating, degrading, or endangering behavior.

How do you paint a sorority paddle?

1. Clean the paddle thoroughly using a mild soap and water. ...
2. Use a paint brush to apply a thick coat of paint thinner to the paddle. ...
3. Apply a thin, even coat of primer using a brush. ...
4. Brush on a base coat of craft paint using even strokes. ...
5. Add designs or greek letters to your paddle using a small artist's brush.

How do you paint a paddle?

Here's how to do it:

1. Take sandpaper and carefully sand down the blade of your paddle until smooth.
2. Using a ruler, pencil and painter's tape, create your own pattern or design on the front side of your paddle blade.
3. Using acrylic paint and a paintbrush, paint around taped sections in colours of your choice. ...
4. Leave to dry.

Who started hazing?

Believe it or not but hazing started back in the Greek times. It can be traced back to Plato. It all started with the founding of his school Plato's Academy way back in 387 B.C. Hazing at the time was called pennalism.

Why do sororities and fraternities use Greek letters?

The founding members surmised that the Greek name would only be decipherable to students in the know who had the intellectual savvy to recognize the language. In the early days of fraternities, membership in one was consummate to being a member of a secret society, and using the Greek alphabet was a form of encryption.

What wood is best for paddles?

Hardwoods such as ash, walnut, cherry, maple provide stiffness and strength and durability, while softwoods such as cedar, fir, pine, basswood offer lightweight and flex. There's no prescribed or universal formula to building a laminated paddle. Makers will often use locally available woods.

What do you coat a paddle with?

Linseed oil is old school. It's been used for many many years as a component in linoleum, varnishes, paints and putty; and as a penetrating finish by furniture and tool makers, and for rifle stocks, cricket bats, and paddles.

What oil do you use on a paddle?

We do recommend Badger Wood Oil for maintaining your solid wood paddles, but you can use a fine quality Tung or Teak Oil Finish product or even boiled linseed oil instead. For an extra smooth finish, “wet sand” the paddle while oiling using a fine wet proof sandpaper, a 320 grit will do.

What do you put on the back of a sorority paddle?

What do you put on a paddle?

1. Big's name.
2. Little's name.
3. Year you became Big and Little (your pledge class year)
4. Sorority crest.
5. Chapter name.
6. Sorority name.

How do you seal a painted paddle?

Sealing Your Painted Paddle

Sealing your new decorative paddle can be done using either a spray-on sealer or brush-on sealer. Sanding in between multiple coats offers the best results and a finish that will protect your paddle for many years to come.