Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Gear Forum :: Paddle paranoia
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MikeinMpls |
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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pamonster |
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. |
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jrlatt |
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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Northwoodsman |
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MikeinMpls |
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 |
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butthead |
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 |
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MidwestFirecraft |
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fadersup |
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. |
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jhb8426 |
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. 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? |
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andym |
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. |
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LarryS48 |
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Voyager |
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MReid |
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sns |
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cyclones30 |
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. |
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MikeinMpls |
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 |
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butthead |
butthead |
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cyclones30 |
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singlebladecanoe |
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justpaddlin |
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