How to To Protect A Canoe Paddle From Damage

When your out canoeing, there's nothing worse than a broken or cracked paddle. Here's how to protect a canoe paddle from damage.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fine grit sandpaper
• Polyurethane stain that matches your wood canoe paddle

1. Use care in shallow water:
   
   If you have a wood or carbon fiber canoe paddle, use care when launching your boat or heading through shallow water. If you do use your good paddle in shallow water or to launch your canoe, don't strike or thrash rocks or sand with your paddle. Use gentle, poling strokes, or keep your strokes shallow and avoid the bottom of the lake altogether. Of course, in an emergency or dangerous situation, the care of your paddle should be the last thing on your mind, and you'll need to strike out at rocks, dig deep, etc.

2. Use a less expensive, durable paddle on rivers.
   
   Seasoned canoeists use a second, less expensive paddle for shallow water and launches, and then switch to their "good" paddle in open water. If you own a quality paddle, always take two paddles out canoeing, and use the old durable standby paddle on river sections and shallow water.

3. Don't leave your paddle outside when you're not camping or canoeing.
   
   Don't leave you canoe paddle(s) in your backyard. Always take them inside or store them in your garage. Store a paddle leaning upright against a wall, in a cool part of the house with constant humidity and away from direct sunlight.

4. Sand and refinish the (wood) paddle if it shows signs of cracking or splitting.
   
   Stop splits and cracks before they start by sanding off the blade of the paddle with fine grade sandpaper and refinishing it with polyurethane or other appropriate stain.