Got 300mts onto a downwinder today and my 7month old paddle snapped at the handle. The paddle is a Starboard High aspect full carbon. The handle snapped at the top of the shaft. Am I unlucky or is thing pretty common I only flat water paddle and downwind with this paddle as I have a shorter paddle for surfing so it has been looked after and not banged around.

WINDSURFnSNOW said..
Ask the shop you bought it through to inspect first then ask about warranty if they think it's got issues beyond your control.

Yes I plan to. I know 2nd Wind will get me sorted. I'm just curious if this has happened to anyone else.

emw said..
Bender, that's really strange. Just curious, is there any of the handle still glued inside the shaft?

yes, the handle slides at least 40mm into the main shaft. Its the handle that has failed not the shaft

At least Starboard have a good understanding of the intellect of their customers.
A "wrong way" sticker on a paddle (Especially a very expensive one). Now I've seen it all.

All sorted now. The boys at 2nd Wind have provided a replacement handle.

Cheers Jez and Paul

Bender said..

westozwind said..
At least Starboard have a good understanding of the intellect of their customers.
A "wrong way" sticker on a paddle (Especially a very expensive one). Now I've seen it all.

Its the opposite actually. The wrong way sticker you can see is a visual guide that lets you know which way the paddles faces. Given that the shaft is round its very useful after a dismount to grab the paddle the right way first time.

The Wrong Way sticker is a visual guide for when you glue the handle into the shaft. You are supposed to take it off thereafter.