Dragon Boat West

Hi everyone,

I will be shifting places(between countries soon) and will be required to transport my paddle with me. To that end I was wondering whether a check in option is better/carry on is better. With that in mind, what do I need to do for both cases. On the other hand, is it better for me to go to the post office and ship my paddle instead? Need some opinions. Thank you!

Best Regards,
Ryan Ang

When we flew as a team to Toronto and Australia, we did several different methods. I packed mine up in a hard-shell rifle case and secured it with zap straps (and put extra inside in case they wanted to inspect). I labelled it as fragile and as being a dragonboat paddle. Others packed several up in a big tube with padding to keep them from banging around. I'm pretty sure others put their paddles in the regular paddle bags and called it a day. 

Another vote for molded rifle case - ensure it's a double shotgun case as then it will be long enough to transport 51" paddles.  Canadian tire has them for about $190.  Cabelas, etc will also have similar items, just take a tape measure and verify internal dimensions before buying. 

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/plano-gun-case-0752080p.html#.VZF-JjBViko (http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/plano-gun-case-0752080p.html#.VZF-JjBViko)

Don't get one that has the metal edges as those just get dented and ripped off in the handling process.  I had one like that and it lasted about a year then fell apart.  It was also cheaper so I guess you get what you pay for.  Good quality molded one is where it's at.

A double shotgun case will fit around 6 DB paddles or a couple bent shaft outrigger blades. 

In 15+ flights I have not yet had to pay for "oversize" even though it technically is by most airlines definitions.

Hmm alright! Thank you for the recommendations. Time to get myself a rifle case then  :D