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SWIFT PADDLES
Maintenance Tips:
Like kayaks, paddles don't require much maintenance.
Nevertheless, some minimal care will eliminate problems
down the road. The ferrule on a two-piece paddle is vulnerable
to wear or jamming from sand, salt, mud or grit. A simple
rinse or dip in clean water prior to putting the paddle together,
and after taking it apart is the proverbial "ounce of prevention".
If your paddling style causes abrasion on any part of the
paddle shaft, we recommend a light wrap of vinyl tape in that
area for protection. Inspect the shaft occasionally for signs
of damage. Blade tips are very strong and designed to
withstand pushing off of beaches etc. However, the blade
edges are vulnerable to impact and abrasion. Be cautious in
shallow rocky water and try to avoid "chopping wood" with
your paddle. If blade edges do get dinged, repair can be
accomplished with epoxy or fiberglass resin. Some folks tape
the blade edges with vinyl tape to protect them. Also light
sanding will remove the smaller dings and will not affect your
paddles performance.
Joint repair:
Too Tight
The breakdown joint of a two piece paddle is a dramatically
precise piece of work. Only a few thousands of an inch in
dimension can make the difference between too loose and
too tight. There are several factors that can cause changes
in the fit. Fine deposits of salt, silt, chemical buildup from
pollutants in the water, even temperature changes can affect
the fit.
If the ferrule is too tight, we recommend sanding the ferrule
using 400 grit sand paper and water. Rotate the male ferrule
in your hand while cupping it with sandpaper and sliding it back
and forth. Try to sand evenly all around the tube and rinse
frequently. Sand a little, clean it and try the fit until you have
what you like. Then some auto wax or Armorall will keep it
sliding smoothly.
Too Loose
It is rare for a ferrule to become too loose with our new featherlock
system, since rotational movement is prevented when it is joined.
However, if you wish a tighter fit, we recommend masking the
lock collar and spraying the male tube with a quick drying clear
lacquer like Krylon. This allows very thin coats and a gradual
buildup. Test the fit after each application (when dry). If it
becomes too tight, simply go back to the "too tight" solution.
Our new Feather Lock Adjustable Ferrule System allows
precise feathering changes in 15 degree increments:
0, 45, 60, and 75 degrees - right and left sides.
The Feather Lock collar is low profile and its protected, external
configuration makes for easy cleaning and reduces the possibility
of jamming.
When closed there is NO rotational play in the joint and no doubt
about the angle you have chosen.
To change feather degree:
Depress the button and slide the joint apart.
Rotate the shaft to desired position.
While still holding button down, push the joint together to lock.
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