|
Welcome ...
... to those of you who have just found us for the first time and our old friends who are wondering what the heck is going on. Please look around to see whats new with our elegantly functional ONNO paddles and peerless component / outfitting upgrade products. Hope there is something here that is of interest to you and maybe we will both be better off for it : )
Humblest thanks for stopping by now and maybe later.
Aloha from all of us at ONNO.
Please feel free to call or write with any specific questions you might have or ideas you would like to bounce off of us ... Happy to discuss with alacrity and as always ... No pressure ever ... Here to help. Please note, we are rarely able to grab the phone on the spot for being right in the middle of building something. Please leave a number and a good time to call and we will get right back to you asap. Our phone # is 858.405.0652. You may also email us @ paddleshop@hotmail.com
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
|
|
WINGS
Right up there with the bicycle chain in terms of efficiency. Lots of handwork goes into these. One of the lightest on the market. Very stiff. The blades not the price. Built to order. Questions on this and other wings? Please feel free to call.
Please note, these paddles are hard ( for non button pushers like myself ) to get a good shot of.
O.K. New camera here and this is a new shot of the Sprint, Endurance and Smaller Endurance Race Wings ...... need to get a nicer one of the twist. Sorry if the carbon reflection makes them look a little funny ...... All the paddles have the same basic twist to them and the bigger they are the more the twist runs ...... hope this makes sense.
|
As usual we can build them to any length and feather angle you wish as well as do them in a one or super snug, precise adjustable length two piece with our new ONNO Lever Lock. (link here please ) Layup may also be tailored to your intended use ...... from rock bashing to featherweight. Just ask. Happy to go over any specific sizing details too < 1/2 cm increments no problem.... just let us know what you are thinking / picturing. We can help decide.
These 'Next Generation' wings are a jump forward in modified 'teardrop' wing paddle design. Paddlers who use a wing everyday have recorded Personal Bests on their everyday loop first time after switching to one of these paddles. Even though these are full race paddles, they are still forgiving. These paddles have a firm catch and do not 'dive' or attempt to fly off in some odd direction ... even in a wild sprint. They are rock solid throughout second third of the stroke too but my favorite part is how cleanly they release with no hesitation or 'sticking' ... just right and out ready to go ... This is nice when chasing the bumps and just hitting that one more stroke to pop the boat on.... The lighter weight helps the whole time you are trying to surge ahead too.
We have tons of time invested in getting these things right. We even built up paddles with ever so subtle different blades on each side to get instant, on-the-water feedback of the subtleties as we fine tuned the profiles. These same paddles then got matching mates and were time trialed again against each other just to confirm. The results are paddles that you can have a strong start with yet allow you to run up to redline and recover throughout the whole day.
Touring boat, SOT and Recreational Paddlers ... You CAN use these paddles everyday for the utmost in efficiency. Contrary to some info you might come across, these paddles are NOT finicky and in fact help 'coach' you into good form + o.k. to just noodle around with them too. Please see Smaller Endurance Race Wing. Call anytime to let me know what you are thinking / picturing.
Synapsized descripions:
SPRINT WING 20" X 7.125"... For strong paddlers and / or folks looking for a ultra powerful paddle to use with a slower cadence. This is one of the most powerful wings on the market.... This paddle WILL hit you back if you push it ... be honest with yourself ... can you really spin this thing with efficiency? Gotta have the power for a Sprint. If you have a slender, diesel engine type physique I opine you would be better off with the Endurance profiles. Another fun thing the Sprint Profiles are good for besides keeping your boat at 10/10ths is just cruising around..... sort of like riding around town in the big ring on a cold day. This larger profile WILL get you a couple more 10ths on the top end. Sort of like that 54 you have been saving for the race to the next post.
Weight is slightly HIGHER than Mid Endurance Race Wing.
MID ENDURANCE RACE WING 19.375" X 6.5" ... Whether you are paddling a Surfski or a skinny race kayak, as described above, powerful and forgiving. If you are currently using an older generation wing in the 20" -21" blade length range you will be blown away by the feel, and greater power of this new shape. Perfect for racing and fast paced fitness paddling ... The industry standard for racing profiles. *** Weight examples below
SMALLER MID WING 19.25" X 6.375" Photo soon... We have been working with some of the top racers both here on Hawaii and in the Mainland on this cutting edge profile + have factored in the current trend towards shorter lengths overall for distance and bump paddling for our newest progessive design. Please call us anytime talk story about this evolution.
Subtle tip reprofiling with a slight reduction in surface area make this the "goto" paddle for endurance paddlers looking to improve ergonomic efficiency with reduced fatigue without sacrificing power to jump on any wake or bump you please while maintaining continual race pace speed and the ability to run up to redline over and over with reloaded recoveries.
Weight is slightly LIGHTER than Mid Endurance Race Wing.
SMALL ENDURANCE RACE WING 18" X 6" ... I really like this one and the REAL inspiration behind this are smaller folk who are less strong. NOT necessarily pound for pound less strong but who just might not have the absolute power to turn over one of the 'regular' size wings out there with the balanced, ergonomic efficiency a larger person would. It kills me to see less-than-giant folks bogging down with the ubiquitous 'Mid' sizes for lack of something better for them. Please do not settle for a wing that is just too big for you. A perfect match. Scaled down for YOU.
Weight is LIGHTER than Mid Endurance Race Wing #s listed.
Other uses ...
For regular Sea kayak use, both fast pace fitness / racing and touring this paddle ( and Mid Endurance too ) is really nice ... Still has much more power than a 'regular' paddle but with scalpel-like manners and efficiency. Please do not be fooled by its smaller size ... you will be suprised for sure. If your boat does not have a high potential top speed yet you wish to paddle with the utmost efficiency then this one works great. Why 'floor it' going up hill by using a bigger paddle when you can only go so fast anyway. In other words you can pull and pull on the Mid Endurance Race or Sprint wings but if your boat 'hits the wall' before you reach a cadence you can 'spin' thoughout your day on the water at the given speed, you are just beating yourself up needlessly.
Real fun for rougher water use too where you might need to rip the paddle out for a suprise brace now and then... .
This is THE multisport, long distance 'Texas Water Safari' paddle for those who are looking to push themselves on and off the water.
|
Construction ...
I am now building these in two different Carbon Constructions ... Cored Carbon (CC) and Solid Carbon (SC). Price for either is the same.
The CORED CARBON construction allows me to build these ultra light, strong and safe. Made to order, these are truely the lightest wing paddles you can buy.
The blades are strong and will not self destruct if you come in contact with something hard but they are not as hardy for use around rocks, coral, oyster, trailer hitches, or other miscellaneous, non-fluid flotsam.
The SOLID CARBON construction is my favorite. These paddles are only a tiny bit heavier than the CORED CARBON blades but are extremely strong and tough. Most of the paddles I build now are this construction due to the combination of super light weight AND durability.
More info on Shaft, Ferule, ONNO Lever Lock and passion for building these below.
Wing Weights ... Can go all over the place ... lots of " it depends " and NOT in the excuse sense. Please see FIT / SIZING below for some of our reasons for saying this : )
A REAL WORLD example ...
*** A Solid Carbon (SC) layup, MID ENDURANCE RACE WING in a 207+10cm range, 2 piece construction will weigh right around 24 ounces +/- a bit depending on the person i am building it for. Take 1+ oz. more off for the Cored Carbon (CC) and two more off for a one piece.
Wing Paddles CC or SC construction.
One piece 349.00
Two piece 399.00
Touring and Surf Paddles
Several profiles to choose from here. All of these paddles flow seamlessly between high and low angle styles without drama.
These paddles are extremely smooth and DO NOT FLUTTER allowing you to open your grip to simply hooking your fingers on the shaft with a light touch. This relaxed, naturally ergonomic grip takes a tremendous amount of loading off the forearms, wrists and hands while the light weight of the paddle overall continuously contributes overall from the elbows up ... You will feel this immediately and at the end of the day as well ... there is a difference.
I know that sounds like hype but i invite comparison on the water. I am lucky to have good folks speaking up for me http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=646 and I humbly thank you all for your support over the years.
|
 |
| LENGTH 19", WIDTH 5.5" |
|
FEATHER
I like the name "Feather" for this paddle. Feather Tour does not really sound right........ Soft is the best description and Soft Tour is not the strongest suggestive genre-name especially after consulting the Thesaurus for options to 'soft'. Lots of choices, no options. Feather it is, besides, it does have an organic shape. I really put alot of R&D time into this one. Some folks might use it as a high wind / low windage paddle, others would use it to lessen stress and loads on the joints or even as a nice, optional "something different ". I have also been selling this paddle with happy results in a longer length configurations to people using the double blade in the canoe. After putting this and a few other (kid specific) prototypes I had designed into every little paddler I could find on the beach, I am also pleased to say that this one worked the best for the keiki. Please feel free to call anytime to pick my brain about kids paddles ... no pressure ever ... here to help.
It is a small area paddle with way less loading than the Mid but still has a suprising amount of power. This paddle has a very gentle catch, a mild power phase you can still pull on and a super clean release while still being balanced for mixed paddling styles for those who like to take it easy out on the water. It will never be our best seller, but it is worth it to build this paddle.
If the all of the fun things or hard work you have done in your life are taking their toll on your body now, this might be a nice option for you. We hope this paddle helps keep you healthy and feeling good on and off the water. Weight is less than the Mid Tour in each layup.
|
 |
| LENGTH 19.125", WIDTH 6.375" |
|
MID +
Designed specifically as a long haul touring paddle and an easy going paddle for serious non-seriousness. Plenty of power for bracing / rolling or the occasional surf. This is a paddle you can go farther with. This paddle nicely compliments the Full Tour while being just a little different. It is also a perfect symbiotic cadence balancer for strong and less strong double paddlers.
|
 |
| LENGTH 19.125", WIDTH 7.125" |
|
FULL TOUR
All the power you need in a blade that is equally at home in the surf or pushing a tandem upwind. High angle fitness or long slow cruising. This is my 'go to' paddle for all round use. NOT a giant blade that will bog your cadence down ... just has more bite for powering upwind, swell, current, working the bumps or chasing fish.
|
Mid + or FULL ???
These are the most popular designs. I have men 6ft. 4in. using the Mid + and women 4ft. 6in. paddling the Full. If you tried both of them out @ a cruising pace they would feel similar. With the nod going to the Mid + as feeling 'easier'. All of them work just great for keeping any boat going @ a crusing pace. The Full has more power available and you can tell as soon as you start pulling on it harder. Then you might notice the Mid + does not quite hook up as much as the Full. I would suggest the Full Tour paddle if you paddle a SOT, like to workout at a faster pace @ say 5/8ths or more of your boat's top speed for sustained periods and or like to play on wind and ground swells, boat wakes or the occasional surf. This is still my favorite all round profile. The Mid + would / might ( depending on conditions ) be easier on your body, cumulatively speaking, on a long trip multi-day trip with a less than perfect resting scenario for example. It still has power to keep moving upwind o.k. Just not as much for fooling around.
Weight difference is negligible.
Some speed comparison using different paddles with the TIDELINE 15
|
 |
| LENGTH 19.125", WIDTH 7.75" |
|
F.A.S.T. Tour ( Forward Athletic Stroke Technique)
Our latest progression for going faster.
This paddle is designed for racing and fitness paddling using the wing style 'forward stroke' technique where a wing might not be allowed or desired. This profile has a firmer, more powerful catch, a solid mid pull and then a quick release ... all with zero flutter or commotion to distract. Shoulders are narrowed for close-to-boat entry. More surface area than our regular Touring paddles but still works fine for everday use.
|
 |
| LENGTH 18.5", WIDTH 8" |
|
SURFCROSS
With knowledge, wisdom and paddler feedback from what we have learned with the Newave comes a refreshed WWWSURF paddle for '09. Renamed Surfcross because this is how we see it being used best ...
The Surfcross paddle (still : ) has full width shoulders and a narrower tip to allow precision while on the wave face. Need to get out? Power up WITHOUT the flutter associated with large, flat WW blades. This is the perfect mixed styles paddle for surfing and rock garden play + when you actually have to cover some distance to get there, its still fun and smooth. The new ONNO Lever Lock and adjustable range ferule further enhance this paddle's multi-personality function because you can change the length in seconds just outside the impact zone then bump it back out to go home.
|
 |
| LENGTH 18", WIDTH 8.875" |
|
NEWAVE
A Newave is here for those who love the surf. Tons of instant, variable-for-each-situation acceleration, precision rudder strokes + Flat top like braces with positive roll support. We did not set out to copy or imitate some ancient design, this paddle emerged from our design imaginations and evolved from some fanatical, on-the-water R&D. We have spent alot of time on the Newave. A paddle this big is not supposed to be so smooth. Constant curving surfaces and a unique ( cannot see in photo ) edge treatment help control high speed planing braces and leans with way less worry of stuffing the edge.
While i for one try to avoid 'trendy' words, i still cannot help but think "Tribal" upon studying this paddle. I think the early Pacific Islanders were onto something as this shape did not come about by chance. Just like the present. O ld N ew N ew O ld defined.
|
Elegantly Functional CONSTRUCTION ... 2 different ones ... give or take.
Please feel free to call or write with any specific questions you might have on this or any of our other paddles.... happy to discuss. As always, no pressure ever .... here to help. We can add extra material to the tips, reinforce the Touring profiles for surf / ww use etc. ... A little material in the right places goes a long way.
|
CARBON SIGNATURE One piece 225.00 / 2 piece 265.00
Pre-preg Carbon shaft with Carbon / S-glass blades.
O.K., I'm taking a deep breath here ... When people ask me what I recommend for the layup, I never hesitate... CARBON SIGNATURE. This is my favorite because of its combination of performance, light weight, super duty construction and fair price. IMHO this is the best performing paddle you can buy ... at any price. Want to spend more? See Carbon / Carbon : )
SIGNATURE
|
Weight Examples
|
MID TOUR
|
20-25.5 oz
|
FULL TOUR
|
21-26.5 oz
|
WWWSURF
|
26 oz (200 cm)
|
|
The high end ... CARBON / CARBON 1 piece 325.00 / 2 piece 365.00
Pre-preg Carbon shaft with 100% Carbon blades. You probably already know about this wonderful material. Yes it does cost a lot ... about 8X more. I am primarily going for super, super light weight when I build these. The blades take longer to build + all the carbon, hence the price difference. I love this material. It allows me to build these paddles incredibly light and strong. The evidence is below.
When you pay a little more for less for the CARBON / CARBON paddle you DO get a few more things. The paddle blades receive a bit more handwork to pretty them up. This has nothing to due with performance and if you had a SIGNATURE you might not even notice at first but it's there and is just more proof to show I care ... or maybe I feel guilty ... I go back and forth on that one.
CARBON
|
Weight Examples
|
MID TOUR
|
18-23.5 oz
|
FULL TOUR
|
19-24.5 oz
|
WWWSURF
|
23 oz (200 cm)
|
*** Please note, these are REAL WORLD, HONEST weight ranges of common sizes for both one piece and two piece INCLUDING my 10cm, adjustable length ferule AND drip rings which weight one ounce. Weights listed on WWWSURF paddles are for a Surf Layup. WWW layups are a little heavier due to the necessity of overbuilding them for errant terra firma introductions. If you have special needs I *CAN* do the Carbon / Carbon paddles much lighter but something has to give a little ... please call to discuss.
|
 |
| UNLOCKED |
|
The Shafts ...
My shafts and ferules are made to my specs from pre-preg carbon and are extremely true ( concentric ) and precise yet I still order the ferules a couple thousandths oversize so I can fit each one by hand to the shaft with as close a tolerance as possible. The shafts have a Human Friendly wet sanded finish which is nice and soft when dry and provides just the right amount of grip when wet. You will love this.
The Ferules ... photo coming soon.
|
 |
| LOCKED |
|
The ONNO Lever Lock ...
We now have what we believe to be the lightest, best holding, easiest to use adjustable length locker in the industry.
Introducing the " ONNO Lever Lock "
This super low profile locker is machined by a hard working, one man shop right here in the US and features a beautiful anodized finish and super precise fit.
It does not have any parts to fall off or get lost.
This locker works with a simple lever, requires no tools, holds like a vice and does NOT require heavy handed twisting pressure to tighten or loosen. It can be operated by young or old ... even with freezing hands.
The beauty of this is you can adjust the paddle length and feather angle in seconds on land or out on the water WITHOUT coming to a full stop to hunt for a tool or fight a twist lock with wet, slippery hands. You can even keep your grip orientation and 'slow paddle' while you dial in the adjustment.
You know how sometimes you just 'deal with it' because the 30 seconds it would take to change adjustment matters too much to lose ? Well this one takes only THREE seconds to adjust with no fumbling or parts to lose. So now instead of worrying about messing something up, You may actually find yourself varying the paddle length and / or feather angle out on the water all the time ... like shifting on the bike ... A quick run upwind ? Bump up the feather angle a few degrees ... change back to regular when you bear away ... Rough water outside the harbor ? Shorten length for a quicker cadence and more stability by keeping the blades 'spinning' a little faster ... Maybe run the length out a bit on a long, flat water sprint with good form or scraping along in skinny water while fishing.
I hope you see the possibilites with these new ONNO Lever Locks and can tell how excited I am to have them.
|
FIT / SIZING ... Keeping it live ...
Being human we can adapt to almost anything or at least force it. Your paddle size / shape cannot be confined within the walls of some generic chart. Our interactive 'chart' is using our ears to listen to you and then using what is left between them to sort things out.
We talk with lots of good folks everyday about this stuff and pay attention to the feedback + we are out on the water WAY over thinking things to better our repertoire of advice and experience to relate to you. We are in no way looking to force some kind of agenda on you nor are we saying that we know better than you. Often times, folks are not sure WHAT they should go for. Or maybe you are considering something totally different yet complimentary to your other stuff that you have not tried out yet ? Thinking you have the wrong size ? Wondering if maybe you should go just a cm bigger or smaller to really get specific ? Want to hear how the changes in feather angle will feel and effect performance ? Not sure what to even base what you are thinking about on ? Have some old or new injuries that will matter ? Ask the Chart ???
Call us and fire away for an opinion. In keeping with today's society, you always have soneone to blame if its not right : )
Before you call think about what you are using now, blade size and length overall. Likes / dislikes ? Any other boat(s) down the road you are considering and would like to factor in ? Are you experiencing any problems? My point is, a chart cannot interpolate all nuances that should be factored in. We also like to go over your intended use and waters paddled while factoring in your paddling style + personal preferences and expectations to get things right the first time. Please give us a call and I will discuss every last detail with alacrity. I want you to feel satisfied that you have exactly the 'correct' paddle.
Your paddle will then be made specifically for you by hand, by one person, right here in the US. Thank you.
ONNO PADDLES are very strong but accidents happen. So, If you get tossed over the falls, auger in, or just have 'something happen'. Don't worry, I will take care of your paddle : ) I'm in this to help you have a better time with your life.
P.S. comment ... There are a lot of 'experts' out there who's portfolio is a nickel's worth of knowledge. Whatever you do, please do not go by ye ole 'fingers over the top of the paddle' trick to size your paddle ...
ONTO REALITY,
Money doesn't need to talk, it goes without saying. Which is what I wish I could do when it comes to this subject. The Paddles speak for themselves but not for me. The prices are based on the different construction levels. Touring, whitewater, or race profiles all cost the same. Prices reflect carbon costs quadrupling over the last year as it becomes more scarce .....
Please humor me. Yes you can buy a plastic paddle for 40.00 or less. But. What if you could travel farther with less effort or paddle for even an extra 15 minutes just because your paddle boosted your efforts? What is that time worth to you? How about in your profession? The extra expense is made up fast.
Real world #s: 1stroke = L-R-L
40oz. plastic 25oz. ONNO Signature = 15oz. x 20 strokes per minute = 300oz. x 60 min. = 18,000oz.
That's 1125 pounds per hour you are swinging around needlessly. Hey, you just filled 22, fifty pound bags of sand with your hands on your leisure time. Or 1500 cokes.
Effective as of March 18th 2003 ...
Note to self, every time you finish a set of wing blades you always say " These blades really ARE more labor intensive, you gotta start chargin' more for these."
Well I've done it ... I have heard from people who have told me if things get too busy for me to handle, I should raise my prices. Sounds easy....... but I 'm not into it at all. Should I weed out or "punish" those folks who really would like to own one of my paddles at my fair prices in favor of only the ones who would pay more? These are my idea of fair prices though I find myself in a quandary and in need of professional advice. Are my paddles perceived as less than top quality because they cost less? Should I jack my prices and suppress my conscience? Or should I shut up and get on with it? Please, let me know.
I figure I will have to do it across the board soon enough as fossil fuels become more 'busy'.
For now I like things the way they are and I hope you do too.
Following the exception to every rule theorem ( for the second time : ) I am going to do something I have been threatening to do for a long time, everytime I finish a set on one particular item. Raise my wing prices.
I love building the wing paddles as they challenge me everytime I build a set. In order to squeeze every last gram of extra weight out of these things and keep them the TRUE lightest, best performing wing paddles on the market I have to do several labor intensive steps. Each of these takes time and effort and I will not have it any other way ... and I just cannot "forget" all the good techniques I know I can do just to keep the cost down. Material costs have gone up almost 4X since I last wrote this in 2003 but doing them in fiberglass to bring the cost down just does not do the wing paddle design justice. You can find wings in the 250.00 range but generally, these only have one ply of Carbon on the outside skins covering an isotropic, glass based layup, poor cosmetics and finishing with a low percentage of carbon shaft. PLEASE COMPARE .... there IS a difference. Thank you.
Please note what you are getting here is several hours of fully focused, intensive, hands on work over a couple of days by a person who has willingly spent the last 30 + years of his life working with composites to get to your paddle. If I was going by boutique markets these working pieces of art would be somewhere around 1000.00. Everytime I finish a set of these I feel like they are the best ones I ever made.
What I am getting at is I am finally going to ask for a raise on these paddles.
Each of these special paddles will be built custom to your required specifications and intended use along with factoring in your personal preferences and expectations.
|
NO DEALS ... THIS IS MY LIFE.
We do not ...
... put our paddles on sale, offer multi-purchase discounts ( I still have to make each oneatatime ), offer special pricing or 'pro deals' as these IMO are insulting to all the good folks who purchase my paddles and accessories at my regular fair prices. This might cause discomfort some industry types who think I am doing it all wrong but they are not standing in my shoes and so we are holding the line on this one for more than just us.
WHAT I ASK ...
I am a young guy with a beautiful wife and a growing little boy ... both I love dearly and only slightly more than i love my business : ) I have been developing these paddles for over 15 years while nurturing our relationship for about the same. I have, what I firmly believe, are exceptional paddles. Priced fairly, which I stand behind 100%.
Though you may have never heard of ONNO paddles, I humbly invite you to give one a try.
Thank you.
O.K. That's it for now. I welcome and truly appreciate your comments, input ...and advice.
Most sincerely,
pat
|
Sticky Handshake # 1
Resin Traps Idiot in boat or The day I hacked off my hair.
As many of you might not know ... for years while developing the paddles and boats, I also did the repairs for all the paddling, windsurf and some surf shops in the S.D.area and had enjoyed a reputation as the best in the business ... Even as a humble, big fish in a little pond, the slapping heavy hand of said humility usually found a way of sneaking up on me.
So one day I had a person asked me to reinforce the decks between the bulkheads of his boat with kevlar ....
"Lets do it on the inside where it works the best" was my suggestion.
A good way to do this while not making a mess or contorting oneself perminently into a more simian posture is to put the boat upside down @ a good workable height between two ladders and operate while standing with ones head and shoulders at about coaming level ...
At the time of this work I had nice long hair which for not knowing what to do with it anyway, just never got it cut ...
Boat set, light going ( those that know resins might already have a handle on what is coming right about now after reading the"light going" part ) on inside and working ...
I get the aft-of-coaming kevlar layed in with no worries and turn around to get the longer , more tedious foredeck done ... The light* is now behind me firing forwards to see what i can see ...
*Not one of those Curly Fry CFL units either ... this one is a full 100 watts of current sucking, too hot for the cheap lamp, instantly burn the first face that touches it, Phillips " Sunbeam" bulb or something like that.
Once you get it in place and things are cut, the kevlar is easy to work with and I pay no attention nor worry to my scissors sliding out and dropping to the floor as I already have my hands busy getting things to lay down just right ... the little things here are what separate the pros from the men here IMO and this is a good place to show ones skills ... might as well go all the way if things are going well eh ? So I spend a little more time getting things nice and smooth / just right around the recessed fittings ...
Using Epoxy resin just to keep me from kinning any more bain cellls but I am t llate side done ....
Ed. note ... this high speed, gotta' get it down, two fingered typo was left in place exactly as written to bear witness to something ...
O.K. done ...
I proceed to pull off my gloves as normal as i slightly stoop to extract myself from inside my fumed up breathing pod ... whoa, my head snaps up like the steriotypical cave woman getting dragged to to her fate and my hands instinctivly fly up to stop a high tech, heavy-er, kevlar reinforced log from dropping on my head ... what the ... no.
As I stand back up and with the boat on my shoulders now I realize the fate of my lovely mane is set ......
The aft section I just completed is now organically reinforced with some of the rarest red fibers on the planet ......
Since I had been backed all the way up to do the fore deck, unbeknownst to me, my hair was comingling with the kevlar / epoxy section I had just layed up and was fully wet out + lucky for me ... post cured by the heat of the lamp.
So, as the saying goes ... "There I was", the 'professional', hair bonded right in, boat on my shoulders one ladder knocked over, both hands occupied, scissiors out of reach and no one to here me scream ....
Slowly stoop down, keep bow of boat on one remaining ladder, set stern down but DON"T LET GO .... try to grab hair with one hand and pull it out ...... uhh uhhh.... nope , not happening. Step two: Crab over ( that would be Hermit crab over with boat on my back ) and pick up fresh resin encrusted scissors ..... uhh uhhh ..... got 'em. Step three: Reach around and do what you know needs to be done to survive.
So i place the non-Barbazon approved shears and lop away closer to boat side than head side .....
Done, put boat down and survey revised layup schedule ..... not too bad ..... will do what every glass guy gets good at fast ..... undoing the work of hacks.
Speaking of hacking ..... now what to do ...... resin still a little green. Hmmmmm , knowing its too late for the comb and the rest of the shampoo, dishwashing soap, Tide or even the green-esc organic vinegar route I know I only have one chance ...... try the Acetone ..... grabbing the stiffest (hair) brush I have, I lay back in a chair and proceed to saturate my hair in a meek attempt to do the impossible ..... the jerking , melting hairbrush is my signal ...... its over.
So now I finally had my real reason and a good story as to why I needed a haircut, next one was years later in Thailand just hours before getting married.
Were it not for the fact that I still had to actually UNDO my handiwork this might have been one of those life changing moments where someone would curse, chuck it all and go sell worms..... but then again , those guys have to get up pretty early I have heard.
onnopaddles.com has been a long time coming. This is our new, fun, ONNO kayak paddle and aftermarket kayak accessory website where we will launch new products, post amusing and refeshing informative articles from the "Sticky Handshake", spotlight ONNO stuff and attempt to keep the hand picked photos fresh ..... Please feel free to submit your ONNO products-in-action photos and stories to us or suggestions for anything else you might like to see within the ONNO paddle realm for future featuring. Thank you.
|
|
|
