Forums > Stand Up Paddle General

Adjustable paddle clamp causing hand blisters

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Created by watermelon25 > 9 months ago, 21 Nov 2020
watermelon25
5 posts
21 Nov 2020 11:25AM
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Hey guys.

Ive just started using my new Starboard Enduro adjustable paddle, but unfortunately the clasp on the adjustable clamp seems to be exactly where my bottom hand wants to sit. I had to stop paddling early today as I was developing a blister. Any ideas of what I can do to pad the clamp? I'm thinking some sort of removable foam, can't be adhesive as I need to be able to adjust the height of the paddle. Have no idea where I'd find something like that though.

any suggestions appreciated

gregjet
QLD, 84 posts
21 Nov 2020 2:20PM
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watermelon25 said..
Hey guys.

Ive just started using my new Starboard Enduro adjustable paddle, but unfortunately the clasp on the adjustable clamp seems to be exactly where my bottom hand wants to sit. I had to stop paddling early today as I was developing a blister. Any ideas of what I can do to pad the clamp? I'm thinking some sort of removable foam, can't be adhesive as I need to be able to adjust the height of the paddle. Have no idea where I'd find something like that though.

any suggestions appreciated



I had the same problem with the clamp on the upperend Naish carbon paddles. The little lock tag just tore into my hands. I got some neoprene gloves and it ripped them. VERY poor design.
You could try putting a MTB velco neoprene or hypalon sleeve kevlar outer frame protector.
Me, I gave up and went to fixed length paddles. I still have the adjustable but I never use it.
Fixed lengths are way lighter I soon found out.

colas
4986 posts
21 Nov 2020 2:48PM
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gregjet said..
Me, I gave up and went to fixed length paddles. I still have the adjustable but I never use it.
Fixed lengths are way lighter I soon found out.


+1

supthecreek
2583 posts
21 Nov 2020 8:19PM
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Zactly.... fixed is worth the investment!
I would never paddle with an adjustable... well, I have, but it totally inhibited my paddle switching and was too heavy.
I am always amazed when I see people using them.

Adjustables do have their uses, like experimenting to find the length that works best for you.

I use my surf paddle in flatwater as well, because my flatwater boards sit as low in the water as my surf SUPs.

DavidJohn
VIC, 17408 posts
22 Nov 2020 12:11AM
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Kialoa adjustable paddles don't have this problem because the lever is actually in the handle leaving the shaft clean.. I would take the lever assembly off and epoxy it to the length you like.. Or better still get a fixed length paddle.

gregjet
QLD, 84 posts
22 Nov 2020 8:28AM
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Actually I forgot about my Red adjustable. It has the adjuster in the handle as well. Definitely no lower hand problem but the mech was a little heavy and if it was loose enough to get the handle out to wash it it would rotate topvbottom, and if you tightened it so it didn't rotate , you couldn't get it come out. Tried all sorts of things. Needed a guide and well as a lock. Lock to control length and guide ( like Naish maybe) to control rotation.

Tardy
4919 posts
22 Nov 2020 4:16PM
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try making it shorter ,so your hand is lower ,i use my adjustable short as i have found the same problem .

i use fixed paddles most of the time too ...but i do use a few fat boards ,so i'm higher up and need the extra length paddle at times .

pumpjockey02
309 posts
22 Nov 2020 8:03PM
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I went fixed its worth it, Starboard carbon with the wood core. Its great for the bigger rider. I have a few suggestions for you.
I find bmx jump gloves are perfect for SUP, distance or dunking. I have 5 pairs of oneal ones from local bike shop. I just let them dry out for over a day.
Also try buying a pool noodle and creating a large hand area out of that I'd go twice as large as the shaft splitter lock. Tape it on to start if it works glue the pool noodle on. It also helps the paddle float.
pump.

slipperyduck
WA, 63 posts
29 Nov 2020 3:42PM
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Jumping in late to the convo....as also have a adjustable.
lots of suggestions here on going the fixed length.
couple of questions if going fixed...
do you recommend shorter length of paddle for wave riding compared to flat water cruising?
How do you work out the ideal length?
cheers!

LastSupper
VIC, 360 posts
29 Nov 2020 11:39PM
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slipperyduck said..
Jumping in late to the convo....as also have a adjustable.
lots of suggestions here on going the fixed length.
couple of questions if going fixed...
do you recommend shorter length of paddle for wave riding compared to flat water cruising?
How do you work out the ideal length?
cheers!


For me its shorter 4 surf as i bend my knees more! longer for the flat as im more uprite and its easier on my lower back !

pumpjockey02
309 posts
30 Nov 2020 8:21PM
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+1 last supper,

if your going to flat water daily get a fixed paddle, As for length bring in your adjustable paddle and measure twice and cut once. I got my first one from Wind surf snow and the guys could just judge by my height.
Also last supper I find my paddling helps my lower back muscle up.

DiscoStupid
NSW, 90 posts
1 Dec 2020 11:38AM
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Select to expand quote
slipperyduck said..
Jumping in late to the convo....as also have a adjustable.
lots of suggestions here on going the fixed length.
couple of questions if going fixed...
do you recommend shorter length of paddle for wave riding compared to flat water cruising?
How do you work out the ideal length?
cheers!


Yep, definitely shorter for surf. When cutting the paddle down to size, you're better off going too long and taking a few attempts to get the size correct. Additionally, this gives your body time to adjust to the shorter paddle/ slight changes in technique etc..... = less chance of injury.



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"Adjustable paddle clamp causing hand blisters" started by watermelon25