C-Forum

Just curious what other C1ers are using for breakdown paddles. I think I am going to make one by sawing a plastic covered aluminum paddle and then installing one of those push-button deals like you see on cheap inflatable kayak paddles. I don't cherish the thought of cutting one of my good paddles so I will probably just use a cheap one for the spare.

Any and all ideas are welcome. Thanks, Galen

I bought a Mohawk break down kayak paddle and their kit for turning that into two canoe paddles. It's not the lightest, but I got :

a small kayak paddle for the kids
2 small canoe paddles for the kids
2 small break down paddles for me

They're pretty solid and can fit in most of my boats.

Scott

I use an Aquabound 3 piece break-down paddle. It was fairly cheap (~Can$140) and performs essentially the same as the one piece version does, i.e. there is virtually no slop in the shaft. It's short enough to fit in any of my boats, even the Shaggy Sith or the Wheelboy.

Where do you get the cheap push button kit? I was going to try and make a breakdown paddle that would fit in my C1.

I also bought the Mohawk breakdown kit and made my own-it is 54" when put together- alittle short but srill usable in a tight situation.
However, one word of caution--be sure and plug the open end about 2"-3" down in the aluminum tube so that water will not collect. I used a wine cork and glue.

The kits are available from most mail order supply places- I got mine from CAscade designs.
Vann Evans

I got a Robson C1 Rodeo Breakdown. It's awesome.

Jan

the paddle manufacturer will have the breakdown kits. they're not all the same because of the different shafts. i got a kit from harmony a long time ago to make my own 2pc.. when i needed a 3 pc. breakdown, i called lightning paddles and had them make one for me out of one of their "seconds". they did a good job for a real fair price. i only wish i had thought about the weight, i would have started with a lighter paddle.....

Lendal Paddles (lendal.com) can make a breakdown canoe paddle - it's probably a custom job, but it can be ordered. Email petew@lendal.com if you're interested.

I make a 3 piece canoe paddle out of a mountaineering snow shovel shaft and old canoe paddle blade.

PDF article avaible via
http://www.lssd.ca/~bjohnston/breakapartpaddle.pdf

Good if you really need to use one.

thats a good idea. out of curiosity, were the shaft from the shovel, and the blade that you used a tight fit? or did you shim them with something?

thats a good idea. out of curiosity, were the shaft from the shovel, and the blade that you used a tight fit? or did you shim them with something?

I had to look around a bit and try different blades to find a tight fit.
In the end I got the blade from a local shop. It was a warranty return.
And, it is a perfect fit. In fact, once together I have a difficult time separating them. I need to hold the blade and rotate or unscrew the shaft.
Took me about a year of trying out different blades to find the perfect fit.