[Paddlewise] Spare Paddle Retrieval

The subject of where and how to store your spare paddle (or paddle halves) is a
topic we have discussed before on PW. Last go-'round, the conclusion was that a
storm paddle on the front deck was the "best" option, followed by one easily
retrieved from the rear deck, but that this takes some practice in conditions
were you have rolled over, and are not able to use your main paddle (breakage,
loss, inability to roll back up with the portion of paddle left after breaking).
Hutchy says in one of his books, that this event surely is one of life's little
emergencies (or something to that effect). Spare half paddles located on the
front deck are another one of those good compromises that some folks make. I did
that one for awhile, but seas kept moving the blades around, and for heaven's
sake, my top-deck gelcoat was getting scratched (can you imagine!). I then went
to a much more secure arrangement, with paddle halves secured on the rear deck.
It's nice if you can rig something whereby the paddles are easily removed and
re-secured for entrance into your hatch, but that is just one of my priorities.
Some kayaks it is easy to not interfere with hatch access in the first place.

The problem with repeated pulling out and shoving back in of the paddle halves
under the bungies, is that it wears the bungies (shock cord) out prematurely,
and premature ejection of your spare paddles can be on of life's little
embarrassing emergencies. I tried clear vinyl tubing, wide enough to cover the
blade area, with the bungy cord running through the tube. It worked a bit better
for wear and tear. I believe P&H has a nice integrated system for removal of
paddles from the rear deck, based on using their black Seamaster paddle halves.

For the few years I did pre-marital, really extreme paddling, I simply placed a
canoe paddle (with a "T" handle on the end of it), on the front deck. It was
easily retrieved, even while in the inverted position (the kayaker and boat,
that is). A buddy of mine uses a "T" handle that mounts into one of his spare
halves, to form and emergency "canoe" paddle. My problem was still slippage of
the one foredeck paddle in heavy seas and surf, and the fact that I never needed
it. It seemed way too redundant, even for me. Much can depend on the type of
boat and the curves on your deck, as to what works best. In my case, the paddle
halves are best placed on the rear deck, with the blades towards the cockpit. On
some boats, one could fit a rowing oar -- or two!  And in my case, security of
the spares was paramount. (Okay, they look better on the rear deck, okay? There,
I said it, anal perfection rules my decisions) :-)

Seriously, the most likely time to break a main paddle is in the surf zone, and
the spare retrieval issue probably isn't an issue, whereas security of the spare
is (in surf). I can't easily retrieve my spare from the rear deck location (the
one half that some people can, with the right set-up, for rolling back up with).
If I'm desperate, I can bail out, deploy the spare, and re-enter-and-roll back
in. Also, some of you might want to practice hand paddling forewards and
backwards. it is a great skill builder. Chris Cunningham is a powerful master at
this with his skin boat.

I stay away from thin wooden paddle shafts now, and light carbonfiber shafts are
just for light days. I do think the Storm paddle on the front deck IS the hot
setup to have. I have not tried it myself, but based on my experiences with
other front deck-stored spare paddles, I found they would cause a lot of
unnecessary sea spray to be thrown up. I have enough problems in heavy running
with my compass fires spray at me, along with a plunging bow, let alone anything
else.

Guys n' gals with folders (we mustn't forget out folding boat brothers and
sisters) can utilize or make some nice canvas or synthetic "pockets" to hold
paddle blade ends.

If I didn't have my rear net bag on my rear deck, spare paddle retrieval would
be very easy. As a footnote, be aware that net bags with velcro closures are no
guarantee that items will remain secure in said bags during surf exits and
landings. I'm modifying mine at the moment, as the velcro has gotten a bit old,
and well, lets just say I caused a bit of "gear" pollution on my last surf
outing.

Doug Lloyd (who's trying to remember the simple days of yesteryear, when I could
still see the colour of my deck)

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