Broken Paddle

[JayInSoCal]

I was surfing small waves, going for a turn for my last wave, and BAM! Quickblade All Carbon Kanaha 100, snapped right on the neck of the blade right where shaft would be (See pic).  I have had it about 9 months, took it back to Paddle Surf Wharehouse today, and they'll send it back to Quickblade for warranty.  I've seen cheaper paddles break and I cracked a wooden Whiskey Jack paddle.  I'm really not concerned with the quality of Quickblade paddles, you can tell they are top notch, but has anyone had any issues with their paddles before?  I'm kinda surprised it happened and it sheared off pretty cleanly. 

[Logan]

I had a similar "phantom break" with my Werner Spanker 3 years ago. I fell into deep water while surfing my river board on a standing wave.  There was no flex or impact or anything on my paddle, and when I came to the surface on the eddyline, it just fell apart - broke right above the throat.

Werner told me it was not a warranty issue and charged me for the repair a month after I bought it.  Given Werner's reputation, I was unpleasantly surprised at their response which was "you must have done something".

As wonderful as CF is, I bet there are anomolies in tube fabrication from time to time.  Good luck with the repair process.  I hope it dosen't keep you out of the water.

Logan

[DavidJohn]

A friend using the same QB paddle broke in the same place on a recent downwinder and got rescued by a passing windsurfer.. Maybe it was a bad batch.

DJ

[Maritimestandup]

I broke a kialoa, a c4 waterman, and an oxbow. Then I bought a quickblade that was three years ago. Probably the last paddle I will ever buy:)

[JayInSoCal]

A friend using the same QB paddle broke in the same place on a recent downwinder and got rescued by a passing windsurfer.. Maybe it was a bad batch.

That is scary, I never thought about being stuck out in the open ocean without a paddle.  Do you know if they replaced/repaired it under warranty?  I'm a little concerned that I'll get the same response Logan did from Werner.  I took care of this paddle, it was not abused or misused.  If I spend money on something I like to take care of it.  I guess I'll just have to wait and see.  I bought a cheapo PSW adjustable to get me by in the meantime.

[Maritimestandup]

Quickblade has a one year warranty. I am sure they will take care of you. Relax,  I don't think you need to worry.

[Piros]

That's the big problem with carbon , paddles do break . I've snapped 3 Quickblades all replaced under warranty no questions asked. Still love them still use them.

[newton333]

good thing u were not in a 28 mile race and in 2nd place!

[headmount]

I broke a Ke Nalu paddle at the insertion butt joint of the blade.  Lane says that's where a few, not many, have broken.  He was great.  I sent a pic and explanation and he sent me a replacement pronto.  Fantastic service. 

It broke about a mile off Paia on a great day about two weeks ago.  Covesurfer was behind me and I told him Baldwin for my pickup.  Baldwin was sufficiently downwind and features showers and shade and old people creaking out "Under the Boardwalk" and other touristy Hawaiian tunes.  So I prone paddled in and caught great glides on my stomach, even operated the rudder.  A little uncomfortable with the two pieces under me but not bad.

I think Ke Nalu blades are outasight and I'll accept this potential weak spot for all the convenience and performance it gives.  Prone paddling in to shore should be something you can do it you're out there.  And if you're in a channel, you better have an escort boat.  I was only bummed to miss that day.

[PNelson]

My QB Kanaha 110 AC broke in the exact same spot as OP. Because it is 4 years old it was not covered under warranty, however I send the shaft to QB who affixed a new blade and sent it back for very reasonable price. Great customer service!

[skibike]

I had a similar "phantom break" with my Werner Spanker 3 years ago. I fell into deep water while surfing my river board on a standing wave.  There was no flex or impact or anything on my paddle, and when I came to the surface on the eddyline, it just fell apart - broke right above the throat.

Werner told me it was not a warranty issue and charged me for the repair a month after I bought it.  Given Werner's reputation, I was unpleasantly surprised at their response which was "you must have done something".

As wonderful as CF is, I bet there are anomolies in tube fabrication from time to time.  Good luck with the repair process.  I hope it dosen't keep you out of the water.

Logan

Just broke my Werner 2 or 3 months ago in same area as OP, 9 months into warranty. Exact same experience as Logan, would not replace and charged me for repair. 

[SUPJorge]

Broke my adjustable Werner Fuse right at the handle while surfing, it sheared right off. I took it to the retailer who sold it to me (Jim at Liquid Surf in Miami) and he saw to it that Werner replaced/warrantied the handle portion.

[Wood_Ogre]

I was standing in the parking lot paddle in hand and the blade broke right off as did the handle. I didn't do anything ,just standing there! I want a replacement at no cost !!!!

[Muskoka SUP]

I was standing in the parking lot paddle in hand and the blade broke right off as did the handle. I didn't do anything ,just standing there! I want a replacement at no cost !!!!

Ha!

There's a standing joke amongst bike - mostly mtb - retailers of warranty claims called  "JRA"

"just riding along...."

[sup_surf_giant]

I've had great CS from Werner, twice.

I had the old style handle break on me. The new carbon one seems legit.