We've always marked our paddles (and some other gear) with name/phone/address info using an indelible marker. Carbon paddles don't lend themselves to that technique--how are you putting some ID on them?
Thanks!

I mark my paddles and gear also and ran into the same problem. I ended up making a label with my name and phone number using a label maker and applied to the back side of the paddle shaft. I then covered the label with a thin layer of epoxy that I had left over from another project. Except for 1 small run the epoxy dried so smooth that I can't even feel where the label was applied and since it is on the backside of the shaft it doesn't interfere with my grip so the run is not noticeable. With the epoxy covering the label the only way to remove it would be to sand it off so hopefully I won't have to change my phone number anytime soon!

I know there is a thread somewhere that people put a band of reflective tape on the paddles right above the blade so they can see them in lowlight/ no light scenarios with their headlamp on. May be able to do that + write your info on the reflective strip.

I've used these on my graphite kayak paddles.

Silver Sharpie

Thanks for three great ideas. We'll use the label under epoxy for phone & address info, and the silver Sharpie for a design we've put on lots of gear. And a strip of reflective tape will (I hope) keep the paddles from being stepped on if I'm stumbling around at night with my headlamp.

TrailZen: "And a strip of reflective tape will (I hope) keep the paddles from being stepped on if I'm stumbling around at night with my headlamp."

Best way to preserve your paddles is to keep them tied into the canoe- on portages and in camp as soon as the boat is unloaded. My rule is they are either in hand or in the boat.

Banksiana: "Best way to preserve your paddles is to keep them tied into the canoe- on portages and in camp as soon as the boat is unloaded. My rule is they are either in hand or in the boat."

Agreed! We use small bungees to keep them together while portaging, and tie the canoe and paddles at night. A bit of reflective tape may make the paddles easier to spot during moonlight paddling, though--think we'll try it.

I would have never thought of this. As I get into the canoe I would be going nowhere unless I had my paddle. That goes for every travel day or at a portage. The only time it could get lost is loading into the truck. I guess you could put your name on it with a white marker.

Savage Voyageur: "I would have never thought of this. As I get into the canoe I would be going nowhere unless I had my paddle. That goes for every travel day or at a portage. The only time it could get lost is loading into the truck. I guess you could put your name on it with a white marker. "

Yep one time I forgot my paddle after a long portage, Noticed it after about two grueling hours with a strong headwind, had a hard time deciding whether to push on or go back and get it, good thing I was still only two feet from shore.

”Yep one time I forgot my paddle after a long portage, Noticed it after about two grueling hours with a strong headwind, had a hard time deciding whether to push on or go back and get it, good thing I was still only two feet from shore."


Lmfao! I can see it now!

I wrap a piece of reflective tape at the top and the bottom so they can be more easily seen, especially in campsite or if dropped into the river. But, as someone mentioned, don't leave them laying around. I've found that a nice paddle left for a few minutes will temp folks to break the 8th commandment, "Thou shalt not steal!" If you're set on putting a name on it, that "Silver Sharpie" looks intriguing to me?

anthonyp007: "

”Yep one time I forgot my paddle after a long portage, Noticed it after about two grueling hours with a strong headwind, had a hard time deciding whether to push on or go back and get it, good thing I was still only two feet from shore."


Lmfao! I can see it now! "
+1 I could say more...but why;)

ozarkpaddler: "I wrap a piece of reflective tape at the top and the bottom so they can be more easily seen, especially in campsite or if dropped into the river. But, as someone mentioned, don't leave them laying around. I've found that a nice paddle left for a few minutes will temp folks to break the 8th commandment, "Thou shalt not steal!" If you're set on putting a name on it, that "Silver Sharpie" looks intriguing to me?"

I've never really been worried about theft although it does happen on rare occasions. More often though, on a trip, gear can and does get loaded in the wrong vehicle at the take out and having my name on it lets whoever ends up with it know who to call.

moosedoggie: "I've never really been worried about theft although it does happen on rare occasions. More often though, on a trip, gear can and does get loaded in the wrong vehicle at the take out and having my name on it lets whoever ends up with it know who to call."

...and this is the primary reason I tag my gear. We were recently at a 'test paddle' event where some 18 canoes and probably 50 paddles were being shared among 30+ people. Rain cut the event short; although all gear was quickly stowed by participants, tags helped prevent my gear from going home with someone else. Sure, my gear would have been returned, but it's simpler to avoid the issue altogether.