fiber glass cracking on paddle

[Garth]

After a trip to the Cossatot this weekend, my paddle has developed a crack in the fiber glass...looks like it's separating slightly on the edge. I saw it develop after seeing it thrown onto the bank hitting a rock on its edge. Is there any preventative maintenance that I can do on the blade so as to extend the life and delay the inevitable trip to werner for a new blade?

[BEubanks]

Haven't tried to fix that particular problem, but I'd try working some resin into the part that's separating and then clamping while the resin sets up. Use some plastic wrap on the paddle to make sure the clamps don't get set up with the resin.

[Garth]

thank you, any specific resin that works best for the environment that paddles contend?

[BEubanks]

I've used West Systems for hull repairs on kayaks and canoes as well as a few touch ups on paddles. I'm in Arkadelphia. If you're close or come this way on occasion, I'd be happy to give you a hand. Won't take much resin for the problem you've described, and I think quart size is the smallest I've ever bought before (but my memory ain't so good).

I would imagine about any two-part resin you could get at a auto parts store would work for your paddle problem. You could probably find some in small quantities. If you get some, look for the slow curing kind. That will give you plenty of time to work it into the problem area and arrange your clamps before it sets up.