I know nothing about repairs etc but for $300 the new fanatic carbon innegra paddles have to be the best value around dozens of dozens using them from this site. To me that sounds so much easier than sourcing a blade and hoping you get it right.

Wow $150 more that's redic.. What's shipping from Aus to middle earth like then? They long but don't weigh much not sure about size wise but Australia post website says international express airmail Aus to Nz for 2kg is $45aus $350 a lot better than $450

Cheers guys.

The guy fixing it was part of team Oracle, so he knows his stuff with carbon fibre, resins etc (where I live is filled with these guys).

I think what caused the problem was putting on a bead of rubber around the blade edge using super glue to adhere it to the paddle blade. Looks like the superglue reacted with the resin, thus f u c k i n g the waterproofness, I'd post a pic, but its in the fixit man's hands now.

He said I should have used Sikaflex instead of superglue to attach the rubber FYI all you others out there.

Worst case Ill buy a new paddle, but I'd prefer to put the money toward new kiting gear, or the mortgage! Henceforth, I am a frugal McDougall.

HumanCartoon said..

The shaft will be epoxied into the ferrule on the blade...you should be able to sweat it out with VERY careful application of a heat gun...I've done this successfully with a Starboard paddle to replace a broken shaft. Assuming you can get a replacement blade for your Fanatic at reasonable cost, it shouldn't be a difficult job if approached with due care. If/when you replace the blade, hot glue is much easier to deal with than epoxy and holds perfectly well (Ke Nalu paddles and the new modular starboard paddles are assembled with hot glue)

Cheers Humancartoon, some good advice. I have emailed the Fanatic guy in NZ about how the blade is attached, so hopefully he can give me some specific advice.

If not ill try your technique.

Here's hoping!!!

If no joy: Anybody got a recommendation for a middle a middle of the range paddle by any company that has good lifespan? I'm not interested in high performance, as Im paddling an Allwave, and to be honest, a super fancy paddle does not make a difference to a tank like my 9'6!!!! I want something that has a little flex, lasts forever, and ..... is cheap!

Dang it, mines lasted 2 years, so won't be claiming they owe me a replacement