I can’t be the only to be frustrated by this. I keep being told to use an inner-tube, while that works, the solution is quite unsatisfying. For me, the paddle still bounces around and gets in the way. I’m talking about going upwind for an hour or so, so it has to really work well. A buddy of mine is using a 3-piece collapsible, which sounds pretty good but I prefer the paddle I have. I’ve seen some of the hawaii guys just ride one-handed with the parawing and the paddle in the other. That’s exceeds my level of skill to be honest. I am considering a sewing project to make a set of just the right straps for my vaikobi to strap the paddle securely on my back. Before I do, I guess I’d like to hear everyone’s favorite methods here.
Some climbing/skiing/mountaineering backpacks have straps for carrying tools/poles on them. Also saw that the Patagonia guidewater sling 15L has straps, don’t know if they are strong enough to trust for the purpose though.
I’ve done the inner tube thing with a single attachment point (tube not cut, larks head onto the paddle shaft) and with a double attachment (tube cut and each end tied onto the paddle shaft pulled semi tight). The double attachment works better and doesn’t flap around as much but it’s still annoying. I’ve been thinking about lashing my paddle to the nose of my board, it would create a tangle hazard but should be a lot more comfortable on long upwinders once up and riding.
the inner tube thing is not optimal. bungee rope is much better
Great. You guys are influencing my algorithm.
I tried the inner tube when it seemed to be a thing here but found it absolutely annoying. Blade up it was like a weather vane. Blade down felt like a beaver tail. I would consider a 2/3 piece paddle if I was doing channel crossings. I’m enjoying the hands free DW that parawings offer but staying within prone paddling distance from shore in case wind dies.
Same experience, I tried once or twice and I definitely don’t feel the need to try again, it was super frustrating, made an already relatively tedious process completely terrible.
I want to eventually get a 3 piece and that would be the only circumstance I’d ride with a paddle. I can imagine if you only need to burn out to the windline then fine but grinding upwind for an hour it needs to be comfortable.
I have only managed one so far but I put it through the arm holes on my life vest at my back. I was just using the parawing to get out a ways then taking the paddle out so it was no issue at all for me. May be worth a try?