I'm not sure if anyone else has noticed, but if you're currently in the market for a paddle most retailers (both online and brick and mortar) are largely sold out. I've been looking to buy a new paddle for my wife for around a month and I've made several purchases online only to be told a week or two later that the item is out of stock and my order has been cancelled.

Today I decided to give Bending Branches a call directly to see if they sell paddles from their manufacturing facility in Osceola WI. Much to my delight they do and the person I spoke to said they would have my wife's paddle (and a splurge kayak paddle for myself) assembled tomorrow!

In a world where most manufacturers don't sell directly to consumers anymore it's nice to be able to go straight to the source (especially when they're local) to get the items that you need.

AdmAckbar13: "In a world where most manufacturers don't sell directly to consumers anymore it's nice to be able to go straight to the source (especially when they're local) to get the items that you need."

I agree. It is very frustrating when you call a company to order a product 20 miles from you and they tell you to order it through company x. Glad to see you can still buy a great local product from the manufacturer directly.

Nice! Good for you. Yeah, paddling....biking...private pools....you name it people are out of it. Lumber...

Very nice. What a simple but great idea to call the facility.

I just purchased a BB Black Pearl 2. It's like a piece of art. Good luck.

Mike

MikeinMpls: "Very nice. What a simple but great idea to call the facility.

I just purchased a BB Black Pearl 2. It's like a piece of art. Good luck.

Mike"

I'm not sure why calling them directly didn't occur to me earlier, but I'm glad it worked out.

A Black Pearl is definitely on the wish list for the future - enjoy!

I've called the BB company a number of times for various things. They've always been very helpful.