What is a ferrule on a paddle?
A ferrule system is the mechanism which connects the left and right halves of a 2-piece kayak paddle. Its purpose is to allow a 2-piece paddle to function as a 1-piece paddle, allow blade feathering functionality, and to provide break-down capability for transport.
Can you fix a kayak paddle?
The Repair Process. Wooden paddles – Most of the wear on wooden paddles appears as frayed and scraped tips and edges. These can simply be sanded smooth and finished with a few coats of good marine varnish (or polyurethane). Several light coatings are better than one thick application.
How do you reinforce a paddle?
Wrap the bottom of the blade with a smooth piece of cloth coated with resin. Or, skip the cloth and just apply four or five coats of epoxy resin to the bottom three inches of the paddle’s blade.
What are the rubber rings on a kayak paddle?
Kayak paddle drip rings are cupped rubber rings that fit on both ends of the shaft near the blade. Drip rings help prevent water from running down the shaft to your arm, into your armpits, onto your torso, or dripping on your legs, in the cockpit, or on the deck.
Should you feather kayak paddle?
Whether you feather your paddle or not isn’t a right-or-wrong choice, but a preference. Many kayak paddles have adjustable ferrules that permit the paddler to adjust the feathering on-the-fly to fit the specific situation. Most kayak paddles today can be feathered between 15 and 60 degrees.
How do you seal a paddle?
Touch Up: seal any exposed wood with varnish on a regular basis. Lightly sand area, apply a diluted (by 10%) coat of finish and let dry. Lightly sand area again and apply a full strength coat of varnish. Complete Refinish: strip all finish off the paddle using sand paper.
Do paddle drip rings work?
Drip rings can be an effective way to keep water out of your kayak when you are paddling. Make sure the drip rings are set up correctly to keep water out of your lap. It may require a little experimenting to find the right placement.