Segla Gear Guides

A quality sea kayak paddle is a precision piece of equipment. Carbon and fibreglass paddles are built to last for years, but only if you look after them. Salt, UV exposure, rocky landings, and careless transport are the four main enemies. Here's how to protect your investment and keep your paddle performing at its best.

After Every Session: Rinse and Dry

Salt water is corrosive. After every paddle in the sea, rinse your paddle thoroughly with fresh water — blades, shaft, ferrule joint, and any adjustable mechanisms. Pay particular attention to the ferrule (the join between the two halves): salt crystals that dry inside the joint can make it stiff.

After rinsing, dry your paddle before storing it. Leaving a wet paddle in a bag or car boot encourages mildew and can trap moisture against the blade surface.

Quick routine: rinse → shake off excess water → wipe blades with a soft cloth → leave to air dry before storing.

Protect the Tips: The Most Vulnerable Point

The blade tip takes the most punishment, beach launches, rocky shore landings, shallow water braces, and portages all put stress on the very end of the blade. Carbon and fibreglass tips can split or crack if repeatedly struck against hard surfaces without protection.

The fix is simple: fit protective rock tips and replace them when they show wear. They're far cheaper than a blade repair.

For Ikigai Greenland Paddles

The IKIGAI Silicone Rock Tip (set) is a press-fit silicone tip protector that absorbs impact energy on rocky shores and shallow water. It also reduces tip noise during deck storage and prevents scuffing on fibreglass and composite hull surfaces. No adhesive required — just press on and paddle. Sold as a pair.

For Viper and Narwhal Greenland Paddles

The Viper / Narwhal Spare Rock Tip is a screw-in high-impact tip insert that shields the blade tip from splitting and cracking. Available in two lengths: 25 mm standard for regular touring use, and 50 mm extended for high-use expedition paddlers who are regularly landing on rocky shores. Available in black and sand/mint green to match your paddle finish. No specialist tools needed.

UV Protection: The Silent Killer of Carbon Paddles

UV radiation degrades carbon fibre resin and fibreglass laminates over a long period of time, causing surface oxidation, fading, and — in severe cases — micro-cracking in the outer layer. This is especially relevant if you paddle in sunny conditions or leave your paddle on a roof rack between sessions.

Two habits make a big difference:

• Don't leave your paddle in direct sunlight when not in use. Store it in the shade or indoors.
• Use blade covers during transport. Roof racking without covers exposes your blades to hours of UV and road debris on every journey.

Transport: Cover Your Blades

Roof racks, car boots, and van floors are where most paddle damage happens — scratches, chips, and pressure marks from contact with hard surfaces. Neoprene blade covers are the simplest and most effective protection.

For Greenland Paddles

The Neoprene Greenland Cover (set) provides full-length coverage from tip to loom shoulder, protecting the entire blade against scratches, chips, and UV damage during roof racking, transport, and storage. The slim fit stays in place on the deck without bulking out your rigging. Sold as a pair.

For Euroblade / K-PRO Paddles

The Neoprene Euroblade Cover (set) is tailored specifically for Euro blade paddles, with a soft internal lining that prevents blade surface scratches and a UV-resistant outer material that shields carbon and carbon-Kevlar blades from long-term degradation. Essential protection for premium paddles between sessions. Sold as a pair.

Storage: Keep It Horizontal and Out of the Heat

Store your paddle horizontally or hang it by the shaft — never lean it vertically against a wall for extended periods, as this can introduce a slight warp in the shaft over time. Keep it out of hot environments (garages in summer, car boots in direct sun) as prolonged heat can soften epoxy resins and affect blade stiffness.

For off-season storage or travel, a dedicated paddle bag is the best way to protect your paddle from dust, knocks, and accidental damage.

For Greenland Paddles

The Paddle Bag – Greenland is a long-format padded carry bag built specifically for the full blade profile of Greenland paddles. Standard paddle bags leave Greenland blades inadequately protected — this bag is dimensioned and padded for the blade width and total length of a full Greenland paddle. Protects against scratches, tip chips, and blade surface damage during transport, roof racking, and storage between sessions.

For Sea and Touring Paddles

The Paddle Bag – Sea/Touring fits 2-piece and 4-piece sea and touring paddles up to 240 cm. Dual-layer padded construction protects blade faces and shaft ferrules against impact during transport and roof rack loading. A full-length zipper gives easy access without shaking the paddle clear, and a shoulder carry strap means hands-free transport to and from the water.

Ferrule and Joint Care

The ferrule joint on a two-piece paddle needs occasional attention. If it becomes stiff or difficult to adjust:

• Rinse thoroughly with fresh water to clear any salt or grit.
• Avoid silicone sprays or petroleum-based lubricants, which can degrade rubber O-rings and composite surfaces.

Inspecting for Damage

After any session involving rocky landings or impacts, inspect your blade tips and edges. Small chips and scratches on the blade face are cosmetic and don't affect performance. But cracks at the tip, delamination (where layers of the blade separate), or a cracked shaft are structural issues that need attention before your next paddle.

Minor tip chips can be filled with marine epoxy and sanded smooth. For anything more significant, contact us — we can advise on repair or replacement.

The Short Version

• Rinse with fresh water after every salt water session.
• Dry before storing.
• Fit rock tips and replace them when worn.
• Use neoprene blade covers for transport and storage.
• Store in a paddle bag for off-season storage and travel.
• Store horizontally, out of direct sun and heat.
• Keep the ferrule clean.
• Inspect for tip damage after rocky landings.

Shop Paddle Protection

Everything you need to keep your paddle in expedition condition:

• IKIGAI Silicone Rock Tip (set) — press-fit tip protection for Ikigai paddles
• Viper / Narwhal Spare Rock Tip — screw-in tip protection in 25 mm and 50 mm lengths
• Neoprene Greenland Cover (set) — full-length blade covers for Greenland paddles
• Neoprene Euroblade Cover (set) — tailored blade covers for K-PRO Euroblade paddles
• Paddle Bag – Greenland — padded carry bag dimensioned for the full Greenland paddle profile
• Paddle Bag – Sea/Touring — dual-layer padded bag for 2- and 4-piece paddles up to 240 cm

Browse our full range of Greenland Paddles and Elite Paddles.