West Coast Paddles
Balsa Ultralite
Weight: approx. 17-18 oz
Blade: 9"
T-Grip or Palm-Grip
Cost: double $ 195 single $182 This paddle is now available with carbon fiber reinforcements. (See below)
Shipping: $12 for 1st paddle and $8 for each additional paddle
Balsa Ultralite -- This is a very “blade lite” paddle. Balsa is nearly all air, and is essentially just providing body to the blade; its substance, though highly aerated, is sandwiched between layers of epoxied cloth, and combined with cedar laminates for more stiffness and balance, without sacrificing weight. All this provides a nice, stiff laminated effect -- one that is also quite durable, since the profile of the blade is wrapped in ash. At approximately 17 ounces this is a paddle of great feeling beauty. This paddle is laminated from select cedar and Basswood, with strategically placed inserts of walnut and ash. Blade is epoxied with West System and 2 ounce cloth. There is also an ash banding wrapped around the blade's profile for great protection. (Please note that with single angles, 51" or less, it is possible the paddle will be in the l5 -l6 ounce range)
This lay-up is my lightest blade. The 2 ounce cloth with 4 ounce fiberglass reinforcements and Maple profile wrap make it very, very light. Phenolic tip: this is a very, very durable, very thin tip, that goes around the lower portion of the blade; it is inset into the body of the blade and goes up the sides about 3" .
One thing you needn't fear with this very light paddle is a lack of durability. It is very tough -- as tough as paddles much heavier, and quite a bit tougher than most of them anywhere near the same weight. It's tough because that's the way I make it! It’s also a superb water weapon.
As always feel free to call or email us with any questions.
We can special order paddles if needed.
Please E-mail us for extra width or other options.
West Coast Paddles
256 Allan Ave.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone (707) 793-0198
Fax (707) 793-0102
Email westcoastpaddles@hotmail.com
Website www.westcoastpaddles.com