Paddle grips/padding

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I use a cricket bat handle grip. They're cheap and last a year or so before needing replacing.

I find that 2 layers suits me best (one grip cut in 2 for each hand.)

If you're in the USA I don't know if you'd be able to use this method (and if you're in SA just call up the test team, they've got a lot of bats that don't get too much use)

A previous thread fryerrobin that you may find useful:
www.surfski.info/forum/17-equipment/1609...ddle-grip.html#16167

If you want some grip without geting the shat bigger, just use some surfboard wax where you place your hand on the shaft.

Hi, I'm certainly not an expert.

I use Yak grips, I found the shaft on my Epic pretty slippery. yak grips are comfortable for me.

Yak grips do move around a little, I like the non Velcro model the best. The Velcro ones seemed to move enough to be annoying, causing me to readjust them frequently.

Good luck!

PS I also wear synthetic leather palmed (Amara?) neoprene gloves.

I will try non velcro model!
But Epic Kayaks recommends that you do not remove your collar. Mounting of non velcro model is easy without removing lenght lock collar?

Yes, it's pretty easy.

I have an Epic Mid Wing with a lever lock. I found it easy to work the grip over the mechanism.

Wetting the grips and paddle shaft will help a lot. If you find it really difficult, or if your having dexterity issues, try a little bit of liquid dish soap. Be sure to wash it away.

I'm sure I've seen it mentioned before on this site, but not in this thread or the one GlenRuskie has provided a link to above…

If you want a cheap and simple solution that doesn't add too much diameter to the shaft ( better for people with smaller hands or who prefer a thinner shaft):

You can use one of the bandage tapes with adhesive on the back (Leukoplast in Oz).
Easy to cut to size, doesn't need taping down at the ends to prevent unravelling, and the adhesive stays behind on the shaft when the tape comes off and still gives good grip. Lasts me about 3 months before replacing.

I use a strip only about 2cmx10cm along the shaft (rather than a complete wrap of the shaft) which allows me to just hook my hand over loosely while still able to pull hard.

Hope this helps.

seamonkey wrote: Yes, it's pretty easy.

I have an Epic Mid Wing with a lever lock. I found it easy to work the grip over the mechanism.

Wetting the grips and paddle shaft will help a lot. If you find it really difficult, or if your having dexterity issues, try a little bit of liquid dish soap. Be sure to wash it away.

Hmmm... I red also this comment (Amazon.com, 2 stars):

Trying to use the Yak grips on a wing paddle [Epic midwing] was a fiasco. They slip and slide, because the paddle shaft stays wet, I guess. The increased leverage for torqueing while paddling leads to a shift in the angle of the paddle faces unexpectedly. I would not recommend their use for this type of paddle.
(www.amazon.com/Yakpads-Yak-Grips/product...tar&showViewpoints=0)

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Rather than trying a smaller blade have you tried just shortening the shaft ( presuming adjustable) and paddling higher cadence?
BTW, I too have the Epic Mid and I use tennis racquet grip tape. I can even use the overlaps to stop fingers sliding along the shaft.

Marieski wrote: BTW, I too have the Epic Mid and I use tennis racquet grip tape. I can even use the overlaps to stop fingers sliding along the shaft.

My wife also uses this type of tape and just loves it; (I just use my callouses). She applied it to her Orca Flex prior to the last Hawkesbury Classic (and won her Division - clever girl) and it is still going strong despite being used 3-5 times per week.

Great video about paddle grips. Its really helpful for me. Thanks a lot.

If you use yak grips, you need to tape around each end of the grip with electrical tape. This completely eliminates any slippage.

yes, but if you change hand position, grip is not so confortable (on electricl tape area...).

After trying many tape and grip options I have landed at just sanding the shaft with 1200 grit wet sandpaper. either along the shaft for more grip or round the shaft for less grip. this solution provides better grip when wet. You´ll find that a better grip reduce the need for fingergrip around the shaft
good luck with your experimentation!

I've found tennis grip tape seems to work pretty well. I've mostly paddled with a raised plastic locator on my control side, but have been experimenting with a new Bracsa IV with and without the locator. I think I still prefer to have the locator as it seems to allow a looser grip.

I use a light strapping tape on all my paddles. Cheap, and easy to swap off every few months when it wears.

I've been told by a few guys that ice hockey stick tape is excellent. Water proof too. Haven't tried it though.