Kailoa paddle cut down

[sailwave]

I am transitioning this Kailoa paddle for SUP surfing, taking about 4 inches off. I have no idea what kind of glue was used to attach the handle. Any good how to videos or recommendations out there for remove, cut and re-attach this handle?

[DavidJohn]

I've done it a few times with that type of paddle.. Just cut it first.. Then try and remove the short piece of shaft from the handle without destroying the handle (sometimes boiling it to soften the epoxy helps) and you may need to make the hole in the handle slightly bigger due to the slight taper on the shaft and then glue the handle back on using an epoxy glue.. I use the 5 min type but just make sure the handle is facing the right way with the curve into your palm and straight side against your fingers.. You can make sure it's 100% straight but placing it on a flat surface before the glue sets.. You may be able to contact Kialoa or a Kialoa dealer and buy a replacement handle but they have not used that type for many years now.. Good luck with it.

[sailwave]

Good feedback thanks. What kinda odds for success would you give a first time try at this? I am decent with a hack saw, epoxy, sanding, dremel tool etc and generally a fix it guy.

[DavidJohn]

You could do it.. easy.

[sflinux]

I watched Joe Blair cut my paddle.  Wrap the shaft with painters tape.  Cut with a handsaw.  Use 5 min 2 part epoxy.  Tape the handle from keeping it from moving.  Let the epoxy set when the handle is on the ground.
With this handle, you might have to drill out the handle as it looks like it tapers.

[SurfKiteSUP]

Can you remove the blade and shorten it from the blade end?  Then you wouldn't have to worry about the taper.

[Bean]

Ovalizing that particular handle is not too difficult.  I did that with a couple of Shaka Pu'u's way back when.  The core of the handle is foam so the only hurdle is shaping the CF skin.  A 5 minute job with a Dremel and you're good to go.  Hard to beat the feel of the oval Kialoa's and that T handle.

[DavidJohn]

Can you remove the blade and shorten it from the blade end?  Then you wouldn't have to worry about the taper.

No..Not an option.

[sailwave]

Hey all, I completed it with success . The dremel tool with large rock sander tip was a must to remove the previous shaft+epoxy from the handle and get the handle hole the right shape for the new larger diameter shaft.  Do not try without dremel tool.

[Dusk Patrol]

Nice job!  All things are possible if you (i) just start it and (ii) have the right tools    

And those are great handles and worth the effort.