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#3560 - 02/02/11 05:32 AM Cutting a Paddle Shaft?
Paddlemonster Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 02/02/11
Posts: 5
Loc: MA/RI Boarder
Has anyone successfully cut down to shorten, a carbon/blend paddle shaft successfully? I bought 2 paddles too long (before I knew better)like them both but now have a shorter carbon I love the length of much better. 1 is only a backup paddle- used in surfing, rock landings to save my Werner carbon. The other a quality carbon paddle (Onno). I don't think I want to 'send them out' to be resized. I'll also need to drill new holes for the 'lock in' button. Suggestions?
Any experiences with this or advice is appreciated.

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#3561 - 02/02/11 07:22 AM Re: Cutting a Paddle Shaft? [Re: Paddlemonster]
magooch Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 02/18/07
Posts: 637
Paddlemonster, I think you'd better take a real close look at the shaft before you think about cutting it down. Unless you have figured out how to remove the male insert without destroying it, I'm assuming you would be just cutting the female end. Check where that would put the joint. I'm not saying it can't be done, but I've considered it on one of my Werners and it isn't practical.

Besides, you never know when you might want a longer paddle. Recently, I've been doing some testing and I've found that at least part of the time I actually like using a longer shaft when just cruising.

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#3570 - 02/04/11 05:57 AM Re: Cutting a Paddle Shaft? [Re: magooch]
Paddlemonster Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 02/02/11
Posts: 5
Loc: MA/RI Boarder
Thanks for the warning. Yes, I WAS going to only cut from the FEMALE side to avoid dealing with the 'mechaniam' side. Does it really matter if the junction DOESN'T sit in the middle? I wouldn't think so, but does anyone know for sure?
If I end up doing this, I DEFINITELY will try it on my cheaper Aquabound before I mess with my Onno.

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#3576 - 02/04/11 08:49 AM Re: Cutting a Paddle Shaft? [Re: Paddlemonster]
magooch Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 02/18/07
Posts: 637
Yes it does matter where the joint is. There is a good chance that it will be right where one of your hands go after you cut the shaft. That might, or might not be a problem, depending on exactly what type of joint you have.

I'm still of the opinion that you might want a longer paddle someday--even though you might think you've got your best length all figured out. I've got em all the way from 198 to 240.

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#3580 - 02/04/11 02:59 PM Re: Cutting a Paddle Shaft? [Re: magooch]
Team_AquaBound Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 02/04/11
Posts: 1
Hello! We just want to jump in here and offer that if you are contemplating cutting your Aqua-Bound, please give us a shout. We're always glad to give suggestions or offer to shorten for a minimal charge. sales@aquabound.com or 866-755-3405

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#3582 - 02/04/11 10:13 PM Re: Cutting a Paddle Shaft? [Re: Team_AquaBound]
DGF Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 08/30/07
Posts: 50
Loc: Tennesse
I agree with Magooch that every once in a while it is nice to have a long paddle. I typically use a GP or a 205 cm warner Shuna but still keep a 220 and a 230 paddle around.
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#3584 - 02/05/11 06:51 AM Re: Cutting a Paddle Shaft? [Re: DGF]
Paddlemonster Offline
Forum Participant

Registered: 02/02/11
Posts: 5
Loc: MA/RI Boarder
This HAS been helpful. I will take a look at where the connection will fall relating to 'hand placement'if I cut from 1 side. I hadn't gotten that far in thinking this through yet.
I also may check cost via AquaBound to have it done 'properly'.
I really DO like this paddle but was not picky enough about it's specs when I grabbed it.
I will also reconsider shortening it, perhaps testing THAT out early this season. Anyway, I now see more options. Thanks, again to all.

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