Running over the paddle with the foil

Downwind Foil
1

I’ve been learning to flat water paddle up. A couple times I have run over my paddle with my foil. Usually it’s the last stroke before being fully on foil. The foil hits the paddle blade and completely delaminates the two carbon surfaces of the paddle blade. This kills the session and I go home to fix it by gluing the two back together with epoxy, clamping, wait 24 hours.
Is it common to accidentally run over the paddle? Should I be consciously avoiding putting the paddle too far into the water? (Until now I have been consciously putting the paddle far in.) For those that have done it, does it instantly break your paddle as well? I am wondering if I should be worried for this happening when downwinding out in the ocean. Or maybe my paddle is too weak for this sport?

The paddle is one inch under my height and the mast is 65 cm.

2

It’s a common problem. Yes it breaks paddles.

The fix is paddle in front of yourself. Get the paddle out before the foil.

1 Like
3

What Hdip said. And be careful when you turn away from the side that you are paddling on as the giant foil will be really close to surface in a turn. Most of my paddle/foil strikes happen once I am already up and maneuvering. A longer mast will help as well.

4

It sounds like you’re not the only one, but no, I’ve done it a few times and my paddle is fine.