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Dragon Boat Canada


IDBF


Canoe Kayak Canada

180 Guests, 0 Users

[Splasher]

So, im a new paddle owner and im just wondering if any of the pros out there have any tips on keeping your paddle A-Okay for a long time?

[Colossus]

if its wood, don't drop it, wash it after practice.  if its carbon fibre, DON'T DROP IT, wash it after practice (you'll see the salt build up after a couple practices).  the wood one will eventually become water logged if the finish comes off in any place.  pretty simple care procedures for either. 

[matang]

Hm... My old practice paddle was showing quite a few nicks in it from "hull bashing" back when I was a newbie, so near the start of last year's practices in late February, I grabbed some nail-polish clearcoat and started layering it on to seal up the finish.  Didn't look pretty, but it worked somewhat.

I've also seen some people use electrical tape to cover the edges of their paddles - to help take the edge off any abrasions.  Don't know if that works, but the danger of course is that water entering the paddle from a nick won't be able to espace too easily with the tape OR my aforementioned nail-polish method covering the edges.

I have to admit - I've showered with my PFD and my paddle before to keep it clean.

- Marlon

[Tora]

Electrical tape usually works pretty well at first, but its not very pretty...try putting a coat or two of varnish on it for some moderate protection.  Don't put too many coats, or you'll end up making it a bit heavier! If you get any major nicks or cracks, you can always fill it with some epoxy and varnish over it.

Of course, wash your paddle after practice!