How do you guys strap down your spare paddles to the iako's? pics if you got em.
Submitted by jf808 on Sun, 11/04/2012 - 7:19am
How do you guys strap down your spare paddles to the iako's? pics if you got em.
Submitted by jf808 on Sun, 11/04/2012 - 7:19am
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Rubber. Black, stretchy, rubber...recycle!
#1 Sun, 11/04/2012 - 12:37pm
Just go to your local bike shop and get some of their old bicycle tubes. They work like a dream!
#2 Sun, 11/04/2012 - 1:48pm
I'm curious about this too.
So I understand the reasoning behind using the inner tube as lashing: inexpensive, stretchy....etc. But how do you actually tie it off? Do you wrap it around and just snug the end under a wrap? Or do you tie the knot?
Obviously you want to be able to get the spare paddle out quickly in the event of needing a replacement for a lost or broken blade...so what's the best method for releasing the paddle in a flash?
Secondly, do you just carry one regular blade as a spare or do you carry two: a regular paddle and a steering paddle?
Thirdly, and I take a risk at at asking a total noob question, if a paddler drops a paddle during a race, do you just grab up your spare and hope that a chase boat will pick up the dropped blade or that you'll be able to find that paddle later? Or do you swing round in a quick circle hoping to snag the floating paddle right away?
#3 Sun, 11/11/2012 - 8:49am
IF you drop your paddle, say like I did during a Maliko race (fumbled on change over hitting hoop), you HOPE and pray ANYBODY seated behind you can grab it. Unfortunately for me, seats 5 and 6 missed the grab. I had seat three give me her paddle and I paddled while she pulled the tie down (rubber used to tie paddle to iako, tucked in such a way where one tug and it comes loose). We swapped paddles back and finished the race. I would never ask to turn around to look for a paddle during a race! Needless to say, I never saw my less than three months old Xylo paddle again and I still miss it two years later. Whoever found it, lucky luck for them. My bad for not putting my name and number on it.
#4 Sun, 11/11/2012 - 9:15am
missjacque, very helpful post in all ways! Personal experience is such a great educator! I appreciate you sharing your story of being separated from your paddle - ouch - a painful outcome, losing your almost brand new paddle like that.
OK, I get it about the tie down having its end just tucked in and held there by the tension of the stretchy rubber.
And, great tip about remember to have one's name and phone number on the paddle!
So I take it your crew uses one spare paddle and your steer does not have a spare steering blade on board, is that right?
#5 Sun, 11/11/2012 - 2:36pm
Thin flat Strips of Used Bike Tire Tubes work really well, as others have mentioned, with a Slip knot Tail Tucked under one of the raps. OC1's - OC6's the same drill. As for putting your name on your Paddles!!! This would be a good idea for I fine Paddles on the Race Courses more often then you think. At a Buck Fifty plus per Blade I would be happy to return it to the rightful owner. Same for your OC1's, OC2's,Surfski's and SUP. If give Free "Paddle Smart" Decals out for the USCG Auxiliary Nationwide Program as well as Vessel Safety Check's for your Boats. If anyone is Interested in these Courtesy Vessel Checks you can call me at 306-4121. Sorry gang, I didn't intend to promote my USCGAUX Programs in this Forum however, since I'm here !!! Oh! well. I am a Paddler and Escort Boat Driver as well. Just saying!!! Sharing is caring, A hui hou
#6 Sun, 11/11/2012 - 7:51pm
you can get a clip that goes on the 'iako and clips on the paddle to elevate your paddle if it presses down on the lock pin of the 'iako sleeve of an OC-1.You still need to strap everything down with inner tube though.Another good thing to do is to tie a small loop on the handle of your paddle and then you can clip your paddle to your PFD or camelback and then you have both hands free to right a canoe or do an emergency repair.I use the thin black elastic bungee like is found on rack pads.
#7 Sun, 11/11/2012 - 7:52pm
Ho'okele, a good steersman will always have a spare. The spare steering blade was on the back iako. The spare paddle was on the front iako. All sides covered. :)
#8 Sun, 11/11/2012 - 8:52pm
missjacque, thanks so much for clarifying that....spare steering blade plus spare paddle,... makes total sense....I'm on it next racing season!
#9 Mon, 11/12/2012 - 1:59pm