Broken Paddle - and a test...

[Orygoner]

I have posted this on the CCBB about a broken paddle we experienced this summer. I am posting here because I just got my password snafu remedied thanks to OP and wanted to test out my ability to post.

I recalled the CCBB discussions about carrying a spare paddle. Many posters maintained it was silly not to have at least one in the party. A surprising number (to me) said they never take one.

Well, I have always taken one (take a spare oar for the driftboat too) and I was happy to have it this time. We broke a Zaveral paddle during our Lake of the Woods trip - the trip I haven't posted a report on yet, but will.

I thought the broken paddle situation might warrant a post of its own, so here's a few pictures.

img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/Orygoner/Broken%20Paddle/BrokenZaveralPaddlefull450x600.jpg

img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/Orygoner/Broken%20Paddle/BrokenZaveralPaddletopandbot700x525.jpg

img.photobucket.com/albums/v487/Orygoner/Broken%20Paddle/BrokenZaveralPaddleshaftclose700x525.jpg

Note that the yellow electrician's tape is merely to distinguish may paddle from Mrs. O's. I had heard some little popping sounds on occasion during our Quetico trip and they continued during our Lake of the Woods trip. However, it didn't dawn on me that my paddle was disintigrating until the knob popped off.

Also note the fracture pattern is something similar to obsidian. It appears to me that it may have been cracking for sometime. The color on some portion of the shaft looks old (weathered - or something like that) while another portion looks freshly exposed.

This is the second year for these Zaveral's. I wouldn't say we give them hard use, but they get exercised in Oregon as well as on our canoe country trips.

Anyone else have any similar problems with these hi-techy things? I gotta get ahold of Zaveral or the place I bought them and see if I can get a replacement. Seems like 2 yrs is too short a life span.

[PG]

Don't know anything about high tech paddles - never owned one that wasn't wood. Kind of set in my ways on such things - sorry. Do have a couple that are laminated, but they are not used , except by guests who don't know enough to bring their own paddle.

I always stow a spare when on the trail. We once broke two on a trip and were forced to hack out a replacement - from a downed cedar - with saw, hand axe and crooked knife. After some sanding at home it turned out to be a very good paddle and accompanied me on my latest trip.

We make our own paddles at home in somewhat similar fashion, substituting a sabre saw for the hand axe, and a drawknife for the crooked knife. They don't look like that much, but they are balanced, light, and work well at their appointed task.

Pierre

[Ragamuffin]

Randy -
These paddles have knobs that are bonded into the end of the shaft after the shaft is cut to length. I can't really tell by the pics, but my hunch is that the handle "plug" broke. It should be a fairly simple repair, at worst should only cost you and inch or two of length. I wouldn't hesitate to contact Zaveral directly (if you haven't already). They may be able to direct a repair (at least they should - at most, they shoudl replace the paddle, IMHO). I'll ask the Wenonah folks about this kind of thing when I'm down there later this week.

[intrepidcamper]

A couple years ago met a party coming home on Moose Lake, the two young men in the lead canoe were paddling with rotten birch tree logs about paddle length and 4-5 inches diameter. They had broken all available paddles I guess. In spite of this they were making good time with the logs.

[Orygoner]

I have been so pre-occupied with other things since I got back from Minnesota that I haven't turned a wheel on the broken Zaveral paddle thing.

I appreciate your information Rags. If you learn anything more that might be helpful, I'd be happy to hear about that too.

I will be in contact with the Zaveral folks pretty soon.

Thanks again.

[Kawishiway]

IC... if I did not know you and have met you, I'd call your tales unbelievable, but since I have, I must admit, your tale is credible. After all, who would believe me, telling all I met a lady on Birch doing the Man chain all alone, and giving me much needed advice.

I'd really hope to see you at Stump's big ol show...but only time permits what it can. I hope to c u again...as Nibi says, "On Trail"... and as I say... IC.... a "Friend"

k