I will be travelling to Sumatra in the new year. i will be taking a couple of carbon fibre paddles with me . can anyone suggest the safest way to package them
Took 2 paddles with me to Maui this year. After messing around with various options, ended up just taping them together and putting them into a normal paddle bag. Taped them together so that the shafts were collectively stiffer than leaving them separate. I put some foam padding between the paddle ends. Also got some "Fragile" stickers, but I'm not sure if that's actually an invitation to the baggage handlers to check out the fragility of the package.
Not sure about Asia, but in the US they WILL inspect your paddle bag, so DON'T put a lock on the zipper. In the US they'll put a box cutter through the bag so they can inspect it. So you'll end up with a wrecked bag.
Buy 2 pool noodles and slice them lengthways With a Stanley knife. Then "sleeve" the shafts with the noodles. Then put in paddle bag. For the blade just fold over with cardboard a sleeve for them and tape on. Very good protection from impact
Rob, ya shoulda left DJ & I with a couple to test! We'd bring them back in July!! And we'll test out the "bring a concealed gun into the US in your paddle bag" policy at the airport!!!
