Brendan recently got a new paddle and had to cut the paddle to length and add a handle to it. So we decided to document the process and share it with you.

Step 1: What do you need? Masking tape, hack saw, epoxy glue, new handle, and paddle

Step 2: Measure the desired length of the paddle. There are a couple of methods to establish the length which we will discuss in a different article. The desired length is a personal one as you will need to decide on what length feels comfortable and the kind of paddling you are intending to do. Usually you will add between 6 to 8 inches to your hight to give you the length of the paddle. Here Brendan is indicating the 6 to 8 inches above his hight.

Step3: Making your mark. Once you have worked out the length, measure it on the paddle (from the paddle blade end up the shaft) and mark it with a pencile of pen. Then place some tape midway over the mark were you will cut and tape it all the way around the shaft. (this stops the wood or carbon from splintering when you saw the extra shaft off)

Step 4: Cutting the Shaft. Use a hack saw (or wooden shafts a saw with small teeth on the blade) to cut through the tape and the shaft. Saw through the shaft slowly as you do not want to rush and run the risk of damage to the shaft.

Step 5: Cleaning the cut. Once you have the shaft to the correct height use sand paper (on wood) or wet and dry paper (on carbon) to smooth the edges where you sawed (they need to be super smooth so bits don’t splinter into your hand when you are paddling so take your time). Make sure the inside of the shaft (if it is carbon) is free from dust. You can slightly rough up the inside surface to help the glue to stick, but clean out any dust.

Step 6: Align the handle and paddle. Before you glue the handle into place it is a good idea to align it with the blade first and make it accordingly. Here we have used another piece of tape to mark the correct alignment of the handle with the blade. Once in the right spot we made a clean cut in the tape to allow us to separate the handle from the shaft to add the glue.

Step 7: Time to get sticky. Add the epoxy glue (or other adhisive of your choice) to the base of the handle and insert the base into the shaft ensuring that the glue is evenly spread makeing for maximum contact. Wipe any excess glue off straight away.

Now you can allow for the glue to dry and your paddle is ready!

If the join is not even or clean and you are concerned about water getting into the shaft, then use some bath silicone sealant around the join and a neat covering with insulating/electrical tape to keep it clear of water.

Now go out and have a paddle ;)