Author Topic: Backup Paddle  (Read 8231 times)

Board Stiff

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Backup Paddle
« on: June 24, 2018, 06:08:10 AM »
After watching a friend snap the paddle blade clean off about 2 miles from shore yesterday, I started thinking about backup paddles again. We were lucky to have very calm conditions, so he was able to make it back paddling with just the shaft at an impressive 2 -3 mph. With more wind or chop, especially farther from shore, I'm not sure how practical this would have been.

Does anyone carry a compact/inexpensive backup paddle on longer excursions or in rougher conditions that they could recommend?

Off-Shore

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #1 on: June 24, 2018, 10:48:54 AM »
I don’t carry one but have recently started using an adjustable paddle as I experiment with shorter lengths and breakage is now a concern. Whilst I’ve never experienced a breakage myself I have had handles come unglued and seen a friend’s paddle blade come off. Both times we were about 1 mike off shore and got back okay. For longer solo trips I would take a 2 pc lashed to the deck.... or across my back samurai-style. 😁
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yugi

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #2 on: June 24, 2018, 12:13:33 PM »
A Greenland Paddle lashed to the deck would be fairly out of the way and should be pretty cheap.

One would need to paddle on knees but at least one can get home.

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #3 on: June 24, 2018, 12:26:25 PM »
A Greenland Paddle lashed to the deck would be fairly out of the way and should be pretty cheap.

One would need to paddle on knees but at least one can get home.

Interesting idea Yugi. I do a lot of coastal kayaking and use a Greenland paddle. I have tried using a Greenland paddle on a SUP. It works and you don’t have to kneel. When standing one blade can be grasped as a handle (it is quite narrow) and the paddle used like a regular SUP paddle. Extended paddle strokes (grasping one of the blades as a handle) are one of the joys of using a Greenland paddle and makes rolling a kayak relatively simple.

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yugi

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #4 on: June 24, 2018, 01:25:40 PM »
Cool. Good to know it also works that way.

JEG

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #5 on: June 24, 2018, 03:27:02 PM »
It's a good idea when touring, training etc and especially doing a down wind run (probably not). I had this paddle that was 60% snap at the top of the blade and just made it to shore.

Badger

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #6 on: June 24, 2018, 03:55:02 PM »
The NSI "Add A Blade" might be the answer.

https://northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=270

.
« Last Edit: June 24, 2018, 04:08:10 PM by Badger »
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Board Stiff

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #7 on: June 24, 2018, 04:12:29 PM »
The NSI "Add A Blade" might be the answer.

https://northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=270

That looks like a great solution! Cheap, and would easily fit under my gear straps.

Quickbeam

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #8 on: June 24, 2018, 04:14:53 PM »
The NSI "Add A Blade" might be the answer.

https://northshoreinc.com/store/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=270

.

Hi Badger. This really is a good idea. I just couldn't see strapping an extra paddle down on my board, but if I'm out touring, this might be handy to have as a safety backup. Great find. Thanks for posting  :)
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Windwarrior

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #9 on: July 26, 2018, 06:39:26 AM »
After watching a friend snap the paddle blade clean off about 2 miles from shore yesterday, I started thinking about backup paddles again. We were lucky to have very calm conditions, so he was able to make it back paddling with just the shaft at an impressive 2 -3 mph. With more wind or chop, especially farther from shore, I'm not sure how practical this would have been.

Does anyone carry a compact/inexpensive backup paddle on longer excursions or in rougher conditions that they could recommend?

Coming from sea kayaking, every paddler out there had an unwritten rule which was "always take a spare." Our mindset was simple, why skimp on something that can save your life? I have two amazing paddles both Werner and both around 200 bucks a piece. A small price to pay for piece of mind.

On a paddle board, I'd much rather secure an extra paddle somewhere,anywhere on the board, heck, even on my back knowing I had a great backup rather than having that sinking feeling NOT having one when the time comes.

My 2 cents....
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Ichabod Spoonbill

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #10 on: July 26, 2018, 07:36:00 AM »
I broke my first paddle this week. It was a cheap adjustable paddle with a carbon shaft! But the blade was attached to the shaft with a plastic insert. I was quick-paddling, trying to catch a small wave and the thing snapped off. Thank goodness I was with a friend and we were close to home. We traded towing each other back.

I'm planning a long expedition next week, and I'm definitely bringing a 3-piece adjustable with me.
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addapost

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #11 on: July 26, 2018, 07:36:50 AM »
A spare paddle is not the solution to that problem. I can't imagine going through the BS of carrying a spare paddle on a SUP. Kayakers have to carry and can easily carry extra shit on their boats. This is not kayaking, you do not need an extra paddle to go anywhere nor is it easy to carry one on a SUP. Practice prone paddling. That is an entire sport devoted to paddling, training, and racing very large distances in the open ocean on boards that look suspiciously like a SUP using only your arms. I have gotten F*cked over a mile out in 30+ kt offshore headwinds and associated 1 to 2 foot waves with no way back other than to lay down and prone paddle. It was no problem. Point is you don't need a paddle to go anywhere on a SUP.
Bunch of old shit

Badger

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #12 on: July 26, 2018, 07:47:12 AM »
My back and neck can't take prone paddling. I wouldn't last 15 minutes in that position.

It would be knee paddling for me, which is also a competitive sport.

Still, I like the spare blade idea. It doesn't cost much or take up much space.
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Windwarrior

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #13 on: July 26, 2018, 07:49:56 AM »
You are correct in that this is not kayaking. I certainly know the difference.
You are also correct on paddling in with using your arms. My board is 11' long so I have plenty of room for not only an extra paddle but way more than that. LOL!
Everyone has there way and comfort level. To each his or her own.

There's no wrong way. That is for sure.
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addapost

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Re: Backup Paddle
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2018, 07:54:12 AM »
A bigger point in all this is that you are more likely to have problems with headwinds that a lost or broken paddle. The solution to headwinds isn't a second paddle strapped to the deck, it's prone paddling. Well that just turns out to solve the "lost/broken" paddle problem too. What are you going to do if you lose or break the spare paddle? Carry a third? See where this goes? Sometimes some solutions are actually better than others.
Bunch of old shit

 


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