I just broke down and bought a ZRE. I am a hit and switch paddler. My shoulders fit a little sore this spring with my Bending Branches cruiser.

Any advice for my ZRE? do i need to baby it?

No need to baby it but keep it off the bottom of lakes/streams. Don't use it as a pole. Don't rest it on the gunwales on a windy day.....

I have two Zaveral "Rec" models. Both "Blems." One is a 2003 and another a 2004 model. Both still in use and I've used mine on rocky streams most of the time. Once I had to use it on the Ponca stretch of the Buffalo because I forgot my other paddles. Never a break. Also, a friend used the one to shovel snow. Nothing but scratches.

The second photo is Trailrat's brother on the same stretch of water. If it can hold up to stuff like this, I think you're safe.

Wash off your hands well after applying bug juice and or sunscreen, unless you like a sticky paddle. the specific items I have problems with are Ben's and Repel DEET wipes, and Aloe Gator 40+ Gel.
The stickiness can be wiped off without damage using a bit of alcohol.

butthead

Be careful where you leave it in camp. Put it someplace where it's not going to get stepped on and where it's not going to get blown away in a slight breeze. I agree with Banksiana about keeping it off the bottom of lakes/streams and not using it as a pole. Don't push off with the thin feather edge. If you absolutely need to push off something with your paddle, turn it around and push off with the handle.
You can dig in and pull hard with it, it's not going to break from paddling.

Awesome paddle. I have one of the first Zav paddles first offered. I met Steve Piragus on a lake many years ago and on the portage he showed me his black Zav bent shaft paddle and I was really impressed with its light weight and feel.

I pulled the triggger on one and glad I did. It has held up great. It has performed well for many years and has a lot of life in it I am sure.

No special care needed but I do try my best to keep off of rocks. I did have the grip come off last summer on Bentpine. I did have to buy a new grip from Zav but it was simple to put back on. Zav even sent me a complimentary Zav decal as the one I purchased years ago came just plain black with no decal.

Enjoy!

I love love love this paddle.

I used it last week. It was amazing. It seemed to impart 100% of my energy into propulsion. it slipped effortlessly into the water and slid out super easy. It felt great in my hands.

I did not baby it and it did just great.

I highly recommend it (mine was a birthday present so price was not as much of a concern).

Also, it arrived in just a few days. I ordered it pretty close to my trip.

I do not baby mine, but I also try not to beat the heck out if it. The blade is scratched and the edge is a bit rough, but I do not worry about that. I bought it to use it.

Buddy of mine knows Bob Z--- he recommends light dings and chips to be lightly sanded or filed and finish with a very light coat of spar varnish aerosol.
Same buddy just sent the Platinum on the right today to me in the mail!!! Best paddle I have ever used-- not even close. Thanks Todd!!!

Love my ZRE! Only "problem" is that it can get tossed around easily on a windy day - secure accordingly.

quote WhiteWolf: "Buddy of mine knows Bob Z--- he recommends light dings and chips to be lightly sanded or filed and finish with a very light coat of spar varnish aerosol.
Same buddy just sent the Platinum on the right today to me in the mail!!! Best paddle I have ever used-- not even close. Thanks Todd!!!
"

Good info; thanks!

I just got off the phone with ZRE. Great customer service. I have the ZRE rec paddle and it got banged up when a friend slipped on a portage trail and scrapped up the handle. Not good. ZRE rule #1...always attach paddle inside canoe when portaging. My instructions were to sand, then spray with clear acrylic. Handle is replaceable if all else fails. Spar varnish spray would do the same thing I guess.

I'm sold on my ZRE. It's the bomb. Well constructed although not indestructible. WW provides good advise on care.

I'd love to try their whitewater paddle.