Care and Maintenance

Caring for your new paddle

Rinse your paddle with fresh clean water and wipe dry after each use. Store your paddle in a cool dry place. For take apart paddles, store tips up to facilitate drainage from the ferrule. Avoid direct sunlight, temperature, and humidity extremes for extended periods of time. See below for routine maintenance tips that will help keep your paddle in great condition.

Avoid long-term exposure to direct sunlight, temperature and humidity extremes. Avoid placing excessive weight or pressure on the loom (and ferrule if applicable).

Routine maintenance will help keep your wooden paddle in good condition and appearance. Over time, paddles will be subject to scratches, scuffs, and dings. Please use and enjoy your new paddle freely and try to view these marks as “character” and signs of a well-used paddle. Wood paddles, especially laminated ones, are susceptible to water absorption if the finish is damaged or not maintained.

Routine Maintenance

For Greenland Paddles and Norsaqs protected with 100% pure tung oil or 50/50 mix of tung oil & spar varnish, from time-to-time reapplication may be necessary to refresh the finish. The frequency of reapplication depends on use. In general, wipe your paddle down with a light coat of pure tung oil anytime the finish looks a little dry or the paddle starts to feel a little rougher than you’d like. Reapplication annually will generally be sufficient, but more won't hurt anything.

If the roughness feels excessive, your can lightly sand your paddle (400 grit or higher) prior to reapplying your choice of finish. For best results, wipe or brush on a good coat of finish and work it into the paddle using a clean cloth. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb, then wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. Repeat as needed. It is helpful to let your paddle cure 1-2 days between coats and 3-4 days before reuse.

Deeper Maintenance

If your Greenland paddle or Norsaq paddle gets banged up, scratched, or chipped , simply smooth the rough spots down with some coarse sandpaper (120 grit). Then lightly go over it with even finer sandpaper (220-340 grit). Don't sand excessively as you'll change the shape of your paddle. Lighter is better. Finally, reapply your choice of finish as described above in Routine Maintenance.

Safety Tips

• It is good practice to always carry a spare full-size paddle whenever you go kayaking.

• Secure your paddle when you are transporting it. You do not want it flying off your vehicle or worse flying inside your vehicle.

• Paddles are pretty strong but use judgment when applying full body weight or pushing off obstacles using your paddle.