What type of finish is on my paddle?

Varnish: high gloss exterior polyurethane with UV block
Oil: boiled linseed oil

No, the oil will not sufficiently seal the glue laminations.

How do I refinish my oiled paddle?

The number of times per year you will need to apply oil to your paddle will depend on the usage and storage conditions. When you see scratches or the wood appears 'dusty' or dry then you need to apply a coat of oil. If the paddles feels rough to the touch you can do a light sanding with fine sandpaper and then remove all dust with a tack cloth. Using a clean, dry rag, apply a thin coat of oil moving in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Let the paddle sit for ten minutes. With another clean, dry rag, buff the paddle (by hand, in the same direction as the grain) to remove any excess oil (this prevents a sticky build-up). Apply a second coat if required. PLEASE FOLLOW THE OIL MANUFACTURERS DIRECTIONS CLOSELY WITH REGARDS TO DISGARDING OIL SOAKED RAGS AS THEY ARE HIGHLY COMBUSTABLE.

How do I refinish my varnished paddle?

Touch Up: seal any exposed wood with varnish on a regular basis. Lightly sand area, apply a diluted (by 10%) coat of finish and let dry. Lightly sand area again and apply a full strength coat of varnish.
Complete Refinish: strip all finish off the paddle using sand paper. Use a tack cloth to remove fine dust. Dilute first coat of finish by 10% and apply with a brush. Let dry. Sand paddle with fine sand paper and remove all fine dust with a tack cloth. Apply second coat of finish at 100% strength. Let dry. Apply third coat if required.

How do I store my paddle?

The best method is to hang the paddle so it is not resting on the ground. If they must be stored touching the ground, turn the paddle up-side-down (so only the handle is in touch with the ground) and keep the paddle as vertical as possible. Avoiding contact with the ground during storage will prevent warping.

How do I attach a wooden handle?

• Cut the shaft to the desired length (remember the handle will add 1/2" to the overall length) with a fine tooth finishing or back saw. Use a mitre box to keep it square.
• Sand the finish off the top 1/2" of the shaft where you will attach the handle
• Using epoxy, apply glue to the top 1/2" of the shaft and the inside of the handle.
• Press the handle onto the shaft.
• Immediately remove any excess glue.
• Let the handle dry making sure the handle is parallel to the blade.

How do I attach a Raven/Freestyle handle?

• Wrap masking tape around the shaft at the desired cut point (remember the handle will add 2 1/2" to the overall length of your paddle).
• Cut the shaft with a fine tooth hacksaw blade or laminate cutting tool.
• The shim sleeve may be easily cut with a utility knife or split by hand.
• Use as much of the shim sleeve material as is required to obtain a close fit. WARNING: Do not make the fit so tight that the handle has to be forced or tapped into position as splitting of the shaft may occur.
• Glue (epoxy) the piece of shim material onto the handle and hold with elastics or tape until dry being careful to remove any excess 'squeeze out' glue that you see.
• When the glue has dried the shim material can now be sanded to provide a proper fit (if required). Avoid scratching the handle with sandpaper.
• Apply glue (epoxy) to the handle base and slide it into the shaft wiping off any excess 'squeeze out'.
• Let the handle dry making sure the handle is parallel to the blade
• Slide the piece of shrink wrap up the shaft to cover the seam between the handle and shaft
• Use a blow dryer set on high heat to shrink the material around the seam.

How do I attach a Jet handle?

• Wrap masking tape around the shaft at the desired cut point (remember the handle will add 2 1/2" to the overall paddle length
• Cut the shaft using a fine tooth hacksaw blade or laminate cutting tool
• Apply glue (epoxy) to the handle base and slide it into the shaft wiping off and excess 'squeeze out'.
• Let the handle dry making sure the handle is parallel to the blade.