Paddle goes bang DWer.

[DavidJohn]

[SUPcheat]

I imagine he managed to make it back, without much paddle splinting?  Must have been rough and tedious, though.

[coldsup]

I know some carry a split paddle for touring but how many carry a spare of some sort? Only thing you can do is prone and get the arms going.

[Area 10]

When I first started doing big DWers I used to take a spare 3- piece with me, but I've got a bit lax of late, and having equipment on your deck when DWing can prove a hazard in itself. But I do always give my paddle a very tough check over before I set off, by pretty much putting my whole bodyweight on it, and also twisting as hard as I can the blade and handle. I also test my leash. Of course neither of these things will prevent failure due to damage occurring on the water, but at least you might pick up a paddle that had sustained a knock since you last used it.

I don't trust adjustables for DWing (or surfing) either. There are far too many possible points of failure, and the first time that an adjustable broke when I was 1.5 miles offshore with an offshore wind was the last time I trusted one.

[Off-Shore]

I've seen blades come off shafts and handles come unstuck and for 3 pc paddles the top tube part split at the joint. I try and always take my one piece when I travel instead of the 3pc with the iSUP as I don't trust a 3pc in challenging conditions.

Funnily enough I asked DJ what paddle he was using the other day as I wanted to get a new one and when I picked up a demo like his in the store and compared it to a QB V-Drive I found the weight of his so heavy in comparison. So I ended up buying the V-Drive. When I told DJ he said the one thing about his paddle is that it is built solid and is unlikely to break in a downwinder.. 

[zacksc]

Area10: "I don't trust adjustables for DWing (or surfing) either."
   -What about the Kialoa Insanity Swift with a 6" adjustable pro-T top? Is that any better (more reliable )?