Making a travel paddle

[surfcowboy]

I'm considering making my own 3 piece paddle for travel. I'm happy enough with rental boards but often the paddles are less than fun.

From what I've seen I can tape a shaft together once I arrive. So...

I have a cheap paddle that I can sacrifice to get my fiberglass tube.

So what length of inner tube do I need to allow for to give myself some stiffness?

If I had to guess I'd go 4"-6" but I want to try to use the minimum so I don't carry too much weight.

 I'm also open to links if someone wants to point me to a couple of feet of 28mm fiberglass tube.

[supthecreek]

Don't overlook Pono's technique... "Hot glue gun" glue & Blow dryer
Does that work with fiberglass? I'm guessing Yes

[capobeachboy]

A buddy of mine did that and made a two piece a couple years ago and I think he used a wooden dowel of around 12" length and electrical tape.  I don't know how great that would work on a 3 piece. 

Have you checked out the Werner Fiji?  It's a pretty cool recreational paddle with a soft pliable blade but it works pretty good.  They just did a bunch of 3 piece versions just for ULI and I think they're around $179.  It's not on the website but if you call them they can give you the low down (760-639-1844).  It's nice to have an adjustable paddle if you're letting other people give your board a try.  The one I've been demoing goes from 73" to about 78".

[JimK]

I think you should ask Rick (Supthecreek) he broke his paddle 2X in one day

Does that make it a 3 piece paddle

Inquiring minds want to know!

JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com