: Hi - This summer I built my first paddles, in a couple different traditional
: styles. They're light, and a lot of fun to use...easier on my joints than
: my commercial broad-bladed paddle. However, I'd like to install some sort
: of drip rings, because they drip a lot of water down the blades, and my
: hands get soaked. I've looked at internet sites that sell standard drip
: rings, and it appears that you need to have a take-apart paddle to install
: these. Has anyone figured out a way to add drip rings to a one-piece
: paddle?

Your hands are intended to slide smoothly all the way to the ends of the blade on native paddles so drip rings are not used.

My Aleut paddles do have a small shoulder at the blade/loom transition that acts as a drip edge. Again if I do paddle slowly all those drips will land in my lap.

A shoulder width hand placement will lend to a naturally faster cadance and less water on you and your hands.

All the best,

Rob Macks
Laughing Loon CC&K
www.LaughingLoon.com