Broke the Leverlock paddle's handle. Retire or replace part?

[oceanAddict]

During last session I heard some creaking noise coming from the paddle's handle and thought I better check what's going on after. It broke in my hand soon later. It was my first paddle and served me for 7+ years of infrequent use, I already replaced the cable once because it rusted out. Now I'm pretty much figure out what length I use when surf and don't necessary need an adjustable paddle. The replacement handle is $75 and while I like the weight, flex and blade's shape of this paddle I'm not sure if I want to repair it. I just afraid that shaft and/or blade could go one day too. So should I retire it or perhaps repurpose it somehow? Any suggestions? 

[Badger]

I would just remove the excess parts and add a fixed handle ($20-$30 on Amazon). It will be lighter and stronger. If you think the blade/shaft might eventually break as well, buy a new paddle. Keep the old one around as a backup.

[oceanAddict]

Thank you Badger, this is good starting point.

[PonoBill]

I don't know what the diameter of the leverlock shaft is, but it looks thick--you might be able to epoxy a replacement handle in place--the ones on Amazon look OK. You'd need to take the adjustment stuff out of the remainder of the extension shaft. If you want to retain the adjustability you could hot glue it in place and adjust with a heat gun. There's a lot of crappy-looking paddles for sale on Amazon. I'm glad to be out of that business. The market for premium paddles has to be grim now.

[oceanAddict]

Yeah some handles on Amazon looks OK and some looks like blown molded plastic.  Leverlock diameter 25 mm accordingly to their site. I hope I can find decent handle and make it work. One thing I def didn't like about adjustable paddle that over time water was getting inside the shaft and slushed up/down until I would take a handle out to drain it
 

[PonoBill]

Any hollow shaft, including a glued one, can take on water. The paddle heats up in the sun, increasing pressure inside so the air escapes from even a pinhole, and then you stick it in water which cools the gas inside and creates a low pressure that sucks water in. You have to periodically empty it unless it's been perfectly glued. One of the many reasons we used hot glue to assemble Ke Nalu paddles. Unfortunately, the parts need to be designed for hot gluing for it to work optimally, but even if it's not perfect, it's better than epoxy.

[Dusk Patrol]

Werner Paddles is also conducting Kialoa's business these days, and I've bought nice handles from them. (I like Kialoa's Tahition style.) But Werner's are normal hybrid palm style. Anyway, a potential resource for you.   

[oceanAddict]

Werner Paddles is also conducting Kialoa's business these days, and I've bought nice handles from them. (I like Kialoa's Tahition style.) But Werner's are normal hybrid palm style. Anyway, a potential resource for you.   

Thank you DP! Yeah I'm familiar with Werners as I have two 3-piece Nitros made by them. One was tad too short so I got a bigger one and I don't like it, - too heavy, the shaft is too thick and stiff. Was thinking to sell it as I still take a smaller one when travel. 

Any hollow shaft, including a glued one, can take on water. The paddle heats up in the sun, increasing pressure inside so the air escapes from even a pinhole, and then you stick it in water which cools the gas inside and creates a low pressure that sucks water in. You have to periodically empty it unless it's been perfectly glued. One of the many reasons we used hot glue to assemble Ke Nalu paddles. Unfortunately, the parts need to be designed for hot gluing for it to work optimally, but even if it's not perfect, it's better than epoxy.

And levellock literally has an opening in the handle where water freely travels inside as soon as the handle/paddle goes in the water (aka me falling off lol).

Full disclosure: I have a Kialoa (Axel I think? ) with tapered shaft that i never got around to cut down. Bought it locally some time ago barely used, so I think it's time came lol.