355 posts
just wondered if anyone has played around with molding there own paddles or boards for that matter. ive started having a little play with making a plug for a blade but not yet decided on what to use for a shaft yet. my end goal is to build a 14' distance board for next summer. just wonder if anyone else can share any experience with trying them selfs?
QLD
3954 posts
Funny you should say that.
I started today on a new paddle, 1st one. So far so good.
No moulds, unless you have a perfect design why build a mould?
I am using Surfboard foam and shaping it into the blade I want. This will be hand laminated with Innegra Polyproylene cloth and epoxy.
I made a quick bending board and laminated with Innegra and epoxy a wooden shaft with a 10 degree bend.
Shaft, blade and palm grip done in one afternoon, total cost including tools and materials under $100.00.
Glue it all together tomorrow, round the shaft, quick shape of the blade to match the wood cut to go down into the blade, glass it all up and done. New paddle! BANG! If it turns out OK, next one will use Carbon in the lams and balsa to reduce weight.
