Drilling holes in packraft paddle to secure them on bike.

[Mark_BC]

In a few weeks I'll be going on a big bikerafting trip and no matter what I do, there is no easy way to mount the paddle blades. The shafts are easy, they just go beside the rolled up packraft. I am thinking I could drill a hole in each blade and use this to string a rope or something which could be used to mount them. I can't imagine that the forces on the shaft would be that large that I'd contribute to premature failure of the blades (plastic). Then when I use them for paddling I can put some hockey tape over the hole. Just fishing for people's thoughts.

[AZTtripper]

Haven't done any packrafting but have done a lot of white water boating. I have broken paddle blades, in shallow water while playing hard, I think you'll be safe to drill small holes.

For some runs I would carry a spare made from two old broken paddles. I would just buy some wooden dowel and shave it down for the insert where I cut the shafts. Only had to load it out once, but it worked fine.

If your getting rowdy you could break anything, holes or not, if you aren't playboating you should be fine.

Hope that helps.
Tim   

[Dylan]

My initial reaction is that you could just put the blades in your backpack.  Then you won't need to bring tape, and if you ever trade up to carbon blades you won't be trying to sell plastic blades with holes in them.  But structurally, yes, you should probably be OK if you are gentle.

[adelorenzo]

Can you give us some info on your setup in terms of bags? Might help with suggestions.

I have used mine to help give structure to a frameless backpack. Also inside or outside of a backpack. I've seen them lashed on to saddle bags and rear racks as well.