Has anyone taken a paddle as an airline carry on? Mine is wood and 52". I would like to do it but not if I end up giving it up security. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Not allowed as carry on according to TSA.

They are allowed as checked baggage but be aware that they are long enough to be oversized. There was a thread in the gear section recently on cases for shipping or checking them in. Cheapest idea was a cement form tube or just wrapping the paddle in bubble wrap. Other ideas were gun cases and, the one I've used, a snowboard case.

Good luck.