GP easier to rip off the deck
for me anyway, it’s easier to grab the end of a GP than fish around for that skinny Euro blade when upside down. I’ve only ever done this in practice, and not nearly enough, but I found it easier to pull a GP.
They are also esier in wind. So, when it’s me a group of like paddlers, it’s often a Euro and a GP.
However, when thinking about a more mixed group I prefer to carry a spare Euro, since that’s what will be useful for most people.
whadayathink?
What do you think of them? I have a set on order through my local paddle shop.
my belief on a spare paddle is that
a) should be up front easily accessible
b) most of the time i carry it for others in hopes of not using it…
c)i carry one all the time…
d) the worst idea is to carry an inferior paddle as your spare…
If you break your paddle out there and need ot use a spare do you REALLY want to put all the faith you have left in you on one paddle that is not as good as your usual primary paddle???
my spare is interchangeable with my normal paddle…both padlok’d lendals…that give me lots of options if i need them…and i also carry in my bags a Lendal T-handle to be able to make a short paddle if needed or to paddle single bladed if i have to (last wish though)…
Another reason for foredeck stowage
– Last Updated: May-23-09 9:30 AM EST –
To keep the rear deck clear if needed for rescue (either your own or another paddler) and lessen chance of snaring line if towing.
If one fails to roll, many re-entry techniques require coming over/onto the rear deck. This is much easier when there is not additional stuff (such as paddles) on the aft deck.
If you have to get someone out of the water and not immediately back into their own boat, it is easiest and most stable carrying them on your rear deck.
me to - canoe paddle for spare
Its easy to roll with as well as paddle my skegged yaks with a single blade, but I’ll admit coming through the surf zone can be interesting (when you need to throw a quick brace on the other side).
Looks good on deck to 
Interesting
I never really thought about a spare paddle that way before.Rather than just tucking in your old spare paddle:Use one for cruising along and then your work paddle.
BUT…Do you then give up the one your not useing when your Buddy breaks his by useing the tip to push off the rocks?
high/low gear
I have a big Ikelos paddle that’s good for short work outs and surf, but could strain my shoulder for long paddles. So I often use my smaller paddle. But when I have a good stiff tail wind the smaller paddle feels like I’m just swinging at air I then pull out the bigger Ikelos and get good speed and bracing in following seas without strain.
If I need to bail out a friend I suppose I’d let him take his pick.
Sure do!
– Last Updated: May-22-09 5:53 PM EST –
Ah's busted 'nuff canoo paddles (usually on de shaft) in me day ta know better. Attached wit bungie cord looped through a thwart.
FE
It Depends
If there’s no racing involved I’d let my buddy choose one of my paddles. If we race, I’ll choose.
hiiiiiiiiiiiii
hello, i am itchi,few days ago i found paddle in a shop that was to attractive, once it can be use. so for more contact me plz…
vichi…
workout routines
Single Blade on the bow
I carry a bent shaft 48 inch canoe paddle on the bow under the bungees. Recently I saw a fellas boat that had a tennis ball on the bungee to make it easier to slide in the paddle.
The single blade is a really nice change of pace from a double on a long day. It’s like taking a rest but the boat keeps moving along. It’s also the paddle to used in higher winds as long as it isn’t too rough.
It is not a spare
The spare is the third paddle.
Paul
always carry a spare
Same story as a spare tire in your car. You can go through your whole life without a flat but when you NEED it; worth it’s weight in gold. I use the North Water Paddle Britches and they work very well on the front deck. I too keep the rear deck free for rescue and also don’t like anything over the rear hatch cover that will possible distort it over time. My spare is a 210 Bending Branches wood paddle that I use to gear down as other posters have mentioned.
Always
I paddle with a Zav, but like a kayak paddle strapped to the front deck, and depending on where I am going, sometimes an extra Zav. (kayak paddle is nice for rough water. can brace either side easier)
Variety
I’ve been bringing a GP and my Werner Ikelos along lately. Which one gets a ride under the rear bungies depends on what I’m up to at the moment. Lately the Werner has seen more deck time since I’m trying to sharpen my Greenland skills. Neither is a spare but it’s nice to know I always have a back up.
so far they are a hit
They work better than any other method I have tried (under the bungee variations and PVC pipe variations).
With every other method I tried I was actively looking for a better way to store my spare paddle. Now I can turn my attention to other bits of gear since this meets all of my requirements. I am not going to say it is the BEST method, just better than ALL of the other things I have tried, and I have tried a lot.
It’s like jumper cables or a spare tire
Always carry a spare paddle and first aid for you as well as the boat. “That’s why they call it an accident”
even I have a spare
I keep an old plastic, heavy as all get out, beater paddle broke down and wedged in my Otter. My kayak is not for serious outings, but even I have a spare with me.
Oh yea, the GOOD paddle is a Bending Braches…nothing too expensive, just good all around fun.
Liveoutside
For whitewater, I never have. For
touring kayaks, I can’t say. Over 35 years of paddling, I can only remember a three instances where I have lost or broken a paddle. With kayaks, getting to a spare paddle is not necessarily easy.
The reason for 4 piece paddle
My current main back-up paddle for ww is a 4 piece.
Unlike in a sea kayak you are not going to get to your spare while in the boat. However, I have seen paddlers loose their paddles in ww and a spare is required.