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MikeinMpls
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01/31/2021 04:24PM  
So last summer I purchased a Bending Branches Black Pearl t-grip bent shaft carbon paddle. I had been using a Sawyer t-grip wood paddle since high school (38 years ago) and it served me well. I have some sentimental attachment to it, so changing to the BB paddle was a big change.

Here's my question: the BB paddle is so lightweight it seems fragile to me. I will not use the paddle to wedge the canoe off rocks or push off from the shore. But in everyday use, the paddle will certainly hit rocks and other structure. It can't be helped. Is the paddle tougher than it feels? Do they break or chip when they hit a rock, like when we are approaching a take out? Again, I will be very careful with it, but I need reassurance and any tips if you have them.

I am considering bringing my wood paddle as a backup because of my concerns. My wife (paddling partner) does not want to do that, but I'll probably figure out a way to clamp it in the boat so it doesn't come out except in an emergency.

Mike
 
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Northwoodsman
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01/31/2021 05:09PM  
Buy another Black Pearl for the spare so it's not as heavy. They are very sturdy and you will wish you made the change sooner. I do baby mine more so than my wood ones. If I find that if need to use it to push off from rocks, or a beaver dam, or to steady the canoe, I flip it over and put the handle in the water. It looks stupid but I'm saving the blade.
 
MikeinMpls
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01/31/2021 05:34PM  
Northwoodsman: "Buy another Black Pearl for the spare so it's not as heavy. They are very sturdy and you will wish you made the change sooner. I do baby mine more so than my wood ones. If I find that if need to use it to push off from rocks, or a beaver dam, or to steady the canoe, I flip it over and put the handle in the water. It looks stupid but I'm saving the blade."


Great idea about using the grip end. I learned in the Army a long time ago: if it's stupid but it works, it's not stupid.

I agree on another carbon as back-up. That won't go over at home.

Mike
 
01/31/2021 05:52PM  
Yeah, I had a BB BP and carried an Explorer backup, used as described.
Discovered the Fancy light paddle was much stronger than seemed. Now I use a Zav. lite at 1/2 the BP weight and a straight shaft Zav. Lite 9 oz. backup.

butthead
 
MidwestFirecraft
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01/31/2021 06:30PM  
As long as you don't wedge it between two rocks they are incredibly strong. You will get micro chips that can be sanded out. I put an epoxy edge on my daughters and it has held up very well.
 
01/31/2021 06:40PM  
Northwoodsman: "Buy another Black Pearl for the spare so it's not as heavy. They are very sturdy and you will wish you made the change sooner. I do baby mine more so than my wood ones. If I find that if need to use it to push off from rocks, or a beaver dam, or to steady the canoe, I flip it over and put the handle in the water. It looks stupid but I'm saving the blade."


I would also recommend getting another, they are much stronger than they feel.

I wouldn't push off rocks with the handle, any chips in carbon fiber can be extremely sharp and splinter. I'd rather ding my blade than accidentally mess up the grip.
 
andym
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01/31/2021 10:26PM  
I carry a wood straight along with my Zaveral bent. The wood paddle is NOT a spare. It is great for winding streams, rocky shores when a push might be useful, and paddling with a strong tailwind* with waves at our backs when steering control is more important than power. And sometimes I just like a change. Both paddles have their purpose and if either one breaks I will still be ready to paddle.

And yes, I have hit rocks with my Zaveral and it is fine. There might be some very tiny chips.

* yes, the tailwind is not just a myth. It is just very rare.
 
01/31/2021 10:47PM  
For long wilderness trips, I carry a spare paddle. This does not depend on the type of paddle I'm using. Light carbon paddles, wood paddles and even aluminum and plastic paddles can be damaged or lost. I suppose you could learn to carve a paddle from a log, but that is a skill I don't have presently.
 
jhb8426
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02/01/2021 01:29AM  
MikeinMpls: "I am considering bringing my wood paddle as a backup because of my concerns. My wife (paddling partner) does not want to do that, but I'll probably figure out a way to clamp it in the boat so it doesn't come out except in an emergency.
Mike"


LarryS48: "For long wilderness trips, I carry a spare paddle. This does not depend on the type of paddle I'm using. "


I carry a spare even on day trips. Do you drive your car w/o a spare tire?
 
Voyager
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02/01/2021 07:22AM  
We have 2 lightweight paddles ( Zav's) They've held up well. My wife recently redid the blade edge on hers.( I used it on the Pigeon in low water) She added a small strip of S glass, cut on the diagonal, with West System's G Flex, to beef it up. It turned out nice and she's a rooky at paddle repair. We always carry 1 spare paddle. We have 2- 16oz. Wenonah's that feel like clubs, after using Zavs. I'll give you the secret to your wife allowing you to purchase another lightweight paddle. Let her paddle with the Black Pearl for an hour on a trip, and then take it back. It worked for me ,and my wife is the frugal type too.
 
MReid
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02/01/2021 08:22AM  
My carbon Zaveral lasted about 25 years. It was still functional, but had a soft spot. I used it exclusively for the whole time. I push off shore commonly, but carefully. Carbon paddles are tough. Now I replaced it with 2, and they're even lighter.
 
02/01/2021 08:40AM  
+17...agree with the others. Have a Zav that's like 7 or 8 oz, and the edge shows only the slightest bit of wear. I do use it to push off, but gently - plant it carefully and try not to let that contact point move. I expect it to last a decade or more.
 
cyclones30
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02/01/2021 12:27PM  
I have a Zav that I treat like a normal paddle....though gently when it's contacting bottom and I have no real issues or regret.

I can't say I'd want to flip it over and use the handle to push off of stuff...a chip there and that's my bare hand now on that the rest of the day or trip. The blade tip is armored and meant for it.

But yeah, as long as you don't wedge it between 2 rocks and try and lever your grumman canoe around in rapids with it...just use it.
 
MikeinMpls
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02/01/2021 12:48PM  
Thanks, everyone. I really appreciate all the advice. I will use the paddle as normal, and as I said in my original post.

It's embarrasing to say that I've never brought a spare paddle, except on two (out of 10) solos. I may just get a cheap telescoping paddle and affix it to the canoe. I've broken one paddle one time...a long time ago, wedging an Alumacraft canoe out of the rapids into Clove Lake. It was stupid of me. I got the canoe out, but not without a broken paddle and a nasty gash on my thigh where the canoe had breached. I was with three boys from a group home I then-worked at, and we had a spare as the boys were in a tandem with a duffer, and I was in a solo. That's how I remember it anyway. This was over 30 years ago, so my memory is a bit fuzzy.

But I disgress. Thanks again!

Mike
 
02/01/2021 01:10PM  
I use 2 paddles, neither is really a spare, 2 tools for different uses. Straight for technical fun, more precision in current, landing and launching. The bent for comfortable long crossings. Wood or composite I like the same styles, but the shapes could vary a bunch. Ottertail and a short wide blade as an example.

butthead
 
cyclones30
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02/01/2021 04:53PM  
I agree on the spare. Who cares what it is if you don't plan on switching like butthead. Strap it into your boat and you won't need to move or worry about it the whole trip hopefully. But it's there in case
 
singlebladecanoe
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02/01/2021 05:21PM  
Folks have been using ZRE carbon paddles in white water for years. I've split more wood paddles than any composite paddle I've owned. I'd pick up another composite paddle to keep the weight down and not damage or loose your sentimental paddle.
 
justpaddlin
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02/01/2021 07:08PM  
I agree that carbon paddles can take hard use...more than you might expect. It takes some time to learn how much abuse they can take. I hit rocks and push off with carbon paddles all the time. I also think it's a good idea to carry a spare paddle all the time. I think the GRB Newman Designs carbon paddles are a great value.
 
02/02/2021 12:51PM  
I've not had issues with mine though I don't use it often, preferring my bent paddle which is wood. It's just along for the ride.
As a general rule I don't subscribe to babying gear, especially "higher end" stuff. If it can't stand up to the rigors of my use I want to know. That gear is not worth using IMO. Just keep a clear designation between use and abuse. For me a paddle will need to stand up to pushing off or shoving through shallows.
 
jrlatt
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02/02/2021 04:58PM  

I wouldn't push off rocks with the handle, any chips in carbon fiber can be extremely sharp and splinter. I'd rather ding my blade than accidentally mess up the grip. "

+ 1
 
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