C-Forum

Hi Cboats
I want to make a split paddle to fit in the back of my Esquif Taureau, a full length spare will not fit of course. Having thought about it a bit myself i seem to have found more problems than solutions. my paddle length is 145cm so a join/split in the middle would sit about where my bottom hand does. so would you split above or below the hand? would you use a standard inner composite or aluminium spigot and a push button system.
Or is there a much better solution out there that i haven't found.
Many thanks in advance for any bright ideas
James

Hi James,

I've made two splits, each time with a composite inner and a push button system. Both time I have made the split above the bottom hand, as I suspect this takes less stress than at the throat. The first time was very succesful and I used the paddle quite a bit until I lost it in the back of a minibus. The second was a complete disaster and the paddle snapped straight through the spigot right in the middle of a big volume rapid on the Yusefeli gorge. Without thinking as at the time both parts were useless to me upsidedown, I lost the evidence so have not been able to analize how they broke.

Jon

Putting the split above your bottom hand will put the least stress on what will be the weakest part of the paddle....
The button method I have seen used a lot but I just have a feeling that in a sticky situation you could well grip the paddle in that area and loose the business end!!....
Some kind of locking mechanism may be a better way to go...

Intrested to here what others have to say on this as I am also in need of a split as mine at 55" are to long to stow in my Zoom..

I have just had a pair of new paddles, the latest C1 offerings from Mitchell Blades and they are superb...however much as i would hate to loose one......

James,

How are you?

Hope life is good. I may have just the thing. I use paddles by a company called G'power they have a site gpower.pl the paddles have been designed by the French Wild Water Team. They are 100% carbon, come with 3 shaft stifnesses and two blade sizes.

Anyway they do an adjustable C1 paddle. I use a paddle at 139cm for racing and can adjust to 145cm. Basically you have 5 - 10cm in it. The adjuster is fixed using to screws. If you just want an adjuster to make your own i can get them for you they dont cost too much.

If you need any more info or a demo, drop me a mail cartwrightcolin@hotmail.com or get in touch on facebook to see some pics.

Cheers

Colin

Don't know about availability in Europe, but on order the Aquabound Edge is available as a 3 piece break-apart paddle.
http://www.aquabound.com/
In canada, they are about can$140 a peace and are a very decent paddle for the price.

martin a.k.a. the great gonzo!

I thought you quit paddling James? Hope life is treating you well.

Ditto on the Aquabound... especially for the money. A couple of friends bought some last spring and they fit nicely in the SPFly or Taureau to carry as "extras".

Craig

Thanks guys for the info on splitting. i already a paddle i can use so I am only really interested in the joining mechanism, Col will take a look at your joiny thing are their pics on stalkbook already?

Craig why would i want to quit canoeing? i just stopped going to rodeos. maybe i am over in the US summer 08 sometime we should hook up for a paddle.
thanks again boys
James

hi
how about lendle's padlock system, i believe they can send you a spiggot.

brockers

Will Warner make a breakdown bandit?

So Lendal Paddlok it is, Brockers great minds think alike and all that, super cheap solution £10/$20 for the magic expanding spigot and problem solved
Cheers guys i will let you know how easily/well it works
James

I don't C-1 very difficult water and I plan to never need my spare paddle. So I didn't want to spend real money on something I won't use. If I were to C-1 more seriously, I'd have to get a more robust spare, but for now, this'll do...

I bought a cheap (and on sale) 2-piece kayak paddle that had symmetrical blades, it's an aluminium shaft with the push-button connector (I might a second button/hole for security). I cut up the kayak shaft and epoxied on an extra t-grip to make it a 2-piece canoe paddle that fits into the stern of my WS Score, as bonus, I even have an extra balde. $25.

PY.