I have just recently bought a new KeNalu paddle and have an the option of glueing or clamping the handle. The shaft on the handle is fairly long so that option of adjusting length is available. As you can see by the photos below, there is also an option of attaching a clamp to the shaft end and glueing in place. The handle can then be inserted and clamped to the desired length and adjusted as need be by using an Alan key.

Anyway, before going down that path was wondering what others thought would be best - to glue the handle directly into the shaft without clamp or to glue the clamp and have that as an option or paddle adjustment at a later date.

My theory is that the clamp is just another addition to the paddle and is not overly necessary given adjustments if need be can still be made at a later date as I use a hot-melt glue...however maybe the clamp is a good idea??? Hoping to get others ideas and experiences.

Cheers

I've used the clamp as a temporary thing to figure out the length I want, then gone to glue once I've figured it out. The hot glue is easy enough to adjust but the clamp is a good bit easier and quicker. If you're using the one paddle for surf and flat water the clamp's adjustability is secure and doesn't compromise strength, although can let a little water in if tossed around in surf.

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HumanCartoon said...
I've used the clamp as a temporary thing to figure out the length I want, then gone to glue once I've figured it out. The hot glue is easy enough to adjust but the clamp is a good bit easier and quicker. If you're using the one paddle for surf and flat water the clamp's adjustability is secure and doesn't compromise strength, although can let a little water in if tossed around in surf.

+1

a clamp is just going to be a protruding annoyance and an unnecessary addition that will give you the shi ts

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micksmith said..
a clamp is just going to be a protruding annoyance and an unnecessary addition that will give you the shi ts

Ke Nalu clamp sits right up high on top of the shaft and secures the relatively short extension handle. You won't bump into it unless your paddle form is very very weird. This is unlike other adjustable paddles with a clamp somewhere nearer the mid point.

I just fix my handles with electrical tape. Believe it or not, one taping has lasted 5 years of hard use in surf. No water ingress either. QB paddles