[Paddlewise] Carbon Paddles

This is a post to the Carbon Paddle Thread started by 
Miilo.
I think that carbon paddles can be used buy everyone 
also as long as you have the bank roll to handle the 
extra cost. I know some paddlers who use a fiberglass 
paddle and keep the carbon as a spare for those really 
long paddling trips. Two things two be aware of though 
if you plan on using a carbon paddle a lot are that most 
carbon paddles do not flex. This can be affect some 
people if they paddle at a high rate of speed. Think of 
the flex of a fiberglass or wooden paddle as a shock 
absorber. As you paddle it will take some stress off of 
your joints as you paddle. One way to avoid that strange 
pain in your shoulder joint is to avoid paddling at high 
rates of speed when using a carbon paddle. 
The other thing to watch for when using a carbon paddle 
is the palms of your hands. Sometimes manufacturers will 
take so much resin out of the paddle shaft that it 
leaves the carbon fibers exposed. The carbon fibers can 
cause blistering on the palms of your hands if you 
paddle for long periods of time. One way around that is 
to cover the portion of the paddle you hold with plastic 
shrink wrap or you could tape it. Some paddlers even 
resort to wearing gloves to protect the palms of their 
hands.

Good Paddling,
Don Dimond
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