Re: [Paddlewise] Paddle questions for folders (boats that is)

From: ralph diaz <rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com>
Date: Wed, 11 Sep 2002 05:53:31 -0400
You had two questions on 4-piece paddles:

1.  Recommendations.  My advice is to stick with a company whose bread and
butter is to offer good 4-piece paddles for its customers.  And that is
Feathercraft.  The company doesn't make its own but contracts out.  It uses
Nimbus now but used Aquabound earlier.  I have one made by the latter and it
works well.

The reason I suggest using a paddle made by someone who provides lots of
them is that they have solved the leakage problem.  You have a potential
leakage problem at the snap button and takeapart connection at the blade
ends.  4 piece ones made by the two paddle makers above leak little if any
there.  Those made by companies that are cutting you a 4-piece paddle as a
side business may or may not leak and some do.

2.  Paddle bag for a 4-piece.  Put it in with your folding kayak carry bag.
You can protect it in various ways there.  The shaft pieces are pretty
strong in themselves.  The blades can be protected from chipping by wrapping
them in something.  Your paddle float is a handy holder for the blade or you
can wrap some thin foam or bubble wrap around them.  If you intention is to
have a carry bag for a 4-piece paddle for travel, consider that you would
not likely be allowed on a plane with what essentially is a club.

ralph diaz

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Received on Wed Sep 11 2002 - 02:52:27 PDT

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