Hello =)

I have an Apex Durablade paddle and there's a small crack on the bottom of my blade. Now I would send it out for repair but I just don't have that money at the moment to pay for shipping (that and I'm not too sure how I would be able to wrap my paddle up so that it can be sent). I've heard that you can make a repair with some epoxy and sandpaper?

Anyone know exactly how to make a minor repair on paddle blades? The crack is about 1 cm long along the bottom on the flat side of the blade (i hope that makes sense..). Any suggestions would help me greatly. =)

Thanks!

on the edge/tip or the face of the blade?

edge of the blade on the corner

I have the same issue. Any suggestions to repairing the paddle myself or anywhere I can take the paddle to get repaired?

Not very "Dura" is it?

Har har har

I had the same problem on the side near the bottom tip. I gave it to Tom from the Hydros (this was last year) and he arranged to have it fixed by Apex. No charge, and I was without the paddle for a week.

We have a ZRE that has separated both blade panels. the entire side edges and bottom edge have come apart and the two large flat panels are no longer attached.

Can this be fixed if you fill the cavity with epoxy, clamp it together flat, and then glue/ tape the edges? Or is there a batter way?

Contact the manufacture to fix it. I believe APEX offers a lifetime warranty.

Or contact one of the flat-water paddling clubs in your area, they repair paddles all the time.

You paid over $200.00 for your paddle unless you know what you are doing dont wreck your paddle further.

There is no warranty if you are wacking your paddle against the boat every stroke.
Why is your paddle separating? Under normal paddling conditions it shouldn't happen.

I have a Braca paddle and somehow water seeped inside where the shaft and paddle connect. Is the paddle ruined? =(

Yup it's shot. No good no more. Sell it to me cheap. OK, I tried.

I am sure either you find the water entry spot and perhaps drill a small hole, smallest possible, to purge the water out. Forced air would work nicely.
Keep in mind stress areas of the paddle.
My guess is the water is in the shaft. not sure if that has a foam core blade or not. My guess is yes.

Oh yes. After you succeed in purging the water. plug up the drilled hole as well as the one the paddle developed.

I make paddles by hand and repair paddles for the Miami dragon boat teams. I have been making paddles since 1980 starting on the Big Island, Hawaii for the outrigger clubs.

Repairing a carbon fiber paddle: Be sure the paddle is dry. Do not use clamps or unusual pressure. Carbon fiber is brittle. If there is a stress fracture, put on protective gloves and rub in the epoxy. Be sure you have an accurate mixture of the resin/hardener. Wait a day or two. sand the repair with 150/220/400/600 grits.

Repairing wood paddles. Dry the paddle completely, not with a hair dryer or heat. Use a sunny location or a place with low humidity. Use a slow cure epoxy. Apply to the edges of the separation, area to be filled, or rub into a stress fracture. Use large clamps and good, very tight pressure. Wait a day ot two. Sand and varnish with marine spar urethane.

Don't hit the boat. Don't use your best paddle when training with newbees. Use a paddle cover during transportation of equipment. Waterproof all abrasions or raw, exposed areas with varnish to keep water out of the wood.

Best of Luck,
Douglas

Great reply - thanks

Thanks for the advise! Though, anyone know somebody in Toronto that can do repairs?

I took mine to a guy that does most of the dragon boat and OC repairs in toronto. You should check it out. He did a great job on my paddle which was cracked and had a big dent. Ask for Bill at 43 Goldthorne Ave. -its in the Evans Ave and Kipling area in south Etobicoke.