Paddle Construction:

When considering the build materials of a paddle it's important to realise that there are some desirable attributes and some not so desirable attributes of modern materials that are used.

Carbon Fiber is very light and very stiff. It does not resist impact well, and can easily chip or break on impact with an edge. The stiffness of carbon can also lead to excessive shock loading on tendons and muscles. Paddle shafts and blades need some flexibility to absorb shock, and not transfer all the forces directly to the paddler.

Kevlar is extremely strong in tension and resists impact well.

Fiberglass is an excellent material that has been used for a very long time now. Heavier than carbon and Kevlar, it's extremely durable and has excellent strength and is still a mainstay material in the boat building industry.

A skilled manufacturer, who understands both the materials, and the use of the product, will construct a paddle that employs the best properties of each material so that the user will have a paddle that is light, strong, and one they'll enjoy owning and using for many years.

Legend Paddles are made just this way, by people that paddle, who understand the needs of paddlers.

	Blade - Each blade is made from a carbon fiber and Kevlar in a special lay up that uses the best properties of both materials. The face of the blade is 100% carbon for light weight strength. The back of the blade Kevlar blended with carbon giving greater resistance to impact.
	Blade Tips - Each blade has a unique bonded alloy tip. The special tip protects the blade from impact with rocks and logs, and provides very clean entry. The tip adds great durability to your investment and allows you to paddle agressively in shallow water without fear of ruining your prized paddle.
	Shaft - Made from carbon fiber and fibreglass in a composite construction developed for New Zealand Olympic kayak team. Experience showed that 100% carbon shafts can be too stiff, often causing stress injuries. These composite shafts have been developed to provide a shaft that gives the right combination of stiffness, weight, strength, and shock absorption.
	Hand Grips - Each shaft has one ovalised and one round hand grip position. The hand positions are wrapped in a special material to reduce friction and improve comfort. All paddles can be supplied without any ovalization if desired.
	Quiklok Paddle Adjuster - Strong injected moulded non binding threaded clamp system, even in salt water. Each two piece shaft is adjustable in length by 10 cm (4 in), marked in 1 cm increments. Blade angle adjustable and marked from 45 to 75 degrees.