PADDLER 106
The concept lies in the secondary category , but the design may help longdistance paddling by softening the blow to aching limbs . We have made kayak
“ and SUP blades with this concept , which is still under review .
PADDLER 106
Duvet Jackets 1978
What other paddling equipment did you design ? Loads : Vacuum formed kayaks in ABS . Outdoor clothing , duvet jackets etc . Racing sculling boats . Touring and training rowing boats . Rowing oars and sculling blades . Hand-shaped windsurfers . Polyurethane injection-moulded windsurfers . Polyurethane injection-moulded kayaks . Horizon 3 . Three-piece sea kayak . Skid Lid helmets .
In your business of paddle manufacturing , what is your proudest achievement ? Building the Polyurethane high-pressure injection plant was a concept for future manufacturing processes . The concept is that it utilised materials nearer their source , being either petrochemical or natural based . It uses very little energy by relying on chemical reactions that produce exotherm . The versatility of processing encourages the best structural performance from the materials regarding strength / weight . The speed of the process is so fast that it hits all the buttons for a costeffective product .
What is the most significant improvement you can make to a paddle in the design process ? It ’ s all about ‘ strength for weight .’ Modern carbon prepregs are interesting , and we are using them very effectively , especially with the ‘ Snap Cure ’ process . There are many other features to consider , but they are all secondary in the equation .
What are the biggest misconceptions regarding paddles ? Price . So often , the most expensive paddles only carry high costs of adverting and distribution , which all too easily influences the buyer .
Which is the largest market for Ainsworth paddles ? In the past , we marketed worldwide and supplied the major manufacturers of canoe and kayak equipment in Germany , but at the end of the day , this is a ‘ lifestyle business ’ and currently , we are quite happy just to operate for the UK market , and if any export customers wish , we will , of course , oblige .
If you could capture just one ‘ feel good ’ moment in your times of paddling or the business of constructing paddles – which would it be and why ? In 1984 we moved to Consett , Co Durham , and I can honestly say that I have never encountered such a workforce with so much talent , enthusiasm and commitment anywhere in the world . We ran a 24- hour shift pattern , and I can tell you that the town works hard and plays hard . Happy days .
How often do you now go out paddling ? I ’ m getting on a bit now ; the mental capacity is fading , the business doesn ’ t need me , and so ‘ hey ho ’ time for paddling . I ’ m looking to progress to SUP racing .
What are your goals for the next 12 months ? I can ’ t stop dabbling in design and inventions . SUP paddles are very interesting as power = force x distance ; the distance part of the paddle , i . e ., the shaft , is much longer than other paddles and so needs special design features . We have developed a bi-axial carbon composite shaft that is super powerful but with ' progressive recoil ’; hence it does not knock the hell out of your shoulders . As an ancient test rig , I can assure you it really works .
WE ’ VE RECEIVED EMAILS REGARDING SLITS IN PADDLES AND HOW SOME PADDLERS PREFER THEM – WHAT ’ S YOUR VIEW ?
The concept lies in the secondary category , but the design may help longdistance paddling by softening the blow to aching limbs . We have made kayak
“ and SUP blades with this concept , which is still under review .
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