Carlisle Paddles Taboo Convertible Stand-Up Kayak Paddle, Black, 230 cm

This paddle does exactly what it is supposed to, for a very reasonable price. I acquired it to use with my SUP/kayak hybrid, and it works very well for this purpose, as long as the boat has a way to secure the additional attachment when not in use. I only have one negative comment, which is very minor: the black color causes the aluminum handle to heat up quickly in the sun. This is not an issue while paddling, but it can be uncomfortable to grasp if left sitting in the sun for just a few minutes.I have not experienced any of the problems mentioned by other reviewers. Specifically:1. Fitment issues: the manufacturing process may not have the best quality control, but they either improved it or I got lucky, because all of the pieces fit together and snap in place perfectly.2. Flotation: the paddle floats in fresh water for at least a minute or so. Perhaps others who had to cut or otherwise modify for proper fitment experienced water ingress that made the paddle sink.3. Flat blade shape is suboptimal for paddling power: this may be true, but with my admittedly very limited knowledge of paddles, I think this is done intentionally because kayak and SUP paddles have different optimal blade shapes, so the flat blade provides a minimal compromise for both. Regardless of that, it paddles just fine for me, and what can you really expect for this price?4. I haven't tested it in salt water, so I can't comment on corrosion.

Had the paddle for a day. As far as ease of use and quality for the price I would have given 5 stars. However, we were out in the water on the paddle board with the kids playing around. We fell off the board into the water and one of the kids grabbed the paddle after it had fallen out of my hands.He was holding on to it under the water and then he let go. The DAMN THING SUNK!!! We have other paddles for Kayaking and have done the same thing and they never sank to the bottom.So now after one day of use I have no paddle. Otherwise the paddle worked great just make sure you don't drop it in the water or it may sink to the bottom. I wish they had put a warning or something about the possibility that the paddle might sink.Anyways, now I need to buy another paddle. Anyone have suggestions for one reasonably priced that won't sink?

Well made but heavy heavy.

The his and hers length handles are about right for average male/female heights, if you are not average then look for a paddle with multiple adjustment holes. The paddle faces are flat rather than curved but seem to perform okay. The additional paddle will need a second hole drilled into the shaft as the current attachment hole positions the two blades square to each other.Another reviewer mentions that his paddle sank. I tested this and the paddle does float but I suspect that if you don't retrieve it fairly quickly then there is potential for water to seep into the tube and overcome the float ability.Decent product for the price and the seller is very helpful (we needed a redirect).

Read other reviews that said it doesn't float. It definitely floats! Great product, very sturdy and well built.Updated review: After a limited 1 summer of use, the paddle does not adjust length anymore. Sand and water have gotten into the handle and have stuck the handle at the same position. When I tried to pry it loose the "t" grip on the end of the handle popped off. Poorly constructed and falls apart.

This item and amazon's customer service are awesome! The paddle set came missing the extra paddle portion to convert it to a kayak-style paddle. The only option I found online was to return the item, but I'm still able to use it as intended for stand-up paddling my canoe. Not wanting to return it I called amazon customer service to ask about replacing the missing piece. The representative tried to get started on the return and I declined and said I'd keep it, it works for my purposes and I didn't want to deal with the return. So they're sending me a new one at no cost!As to the quality of the paddle, it's a carlisle. Anybody that's ever been outfitted for a float has probably used one. They're cheap, indestructable and this one is massive. Some have complained about the weight, what do you want from a metal paddle that's nearly 7 feet long?!! Some have complained that it doesn't float, it would have been nice if they'd fill it with foam, but as it comes in pieces, there's a hole at the end of the aluminum tube - it's not air tight, so yeah, when a metal tube fills with water it sinks. It's exactly what I expected, I understand it's limitations, and I love it! It'd rather stand in a canoe (it's easier to read the river that way) so this is my new favorite paddle.

I wanted to try out using an old sailboard as a stand up paddle board, but didn't want to spend too much money on the paddle in case it didn't work out. This paddle seemed to fit the bill since I could always use it with my kayaks and canoe if the sailboard didn't work out. As a single paddle, it has 2 lengths depending on which top piece you snap on. The taller one fits me perfectly (I'm 6'1). Construction and materials are first rate.As it turns out, the sailboard, an older and wider beginner type, works very nicely as a paddle board, and this convertible stand-up paddle was perfect for my needs. It's working so well as a stand-up paddle that I haven't bothered to try the dual ends for kayaking.I had read the reviews about the paddle sinking, so before I used it, I slipped on a foam noodle about 1 foot long and it floats nicely. Judging from the other posts, I would recommend that the manufacturer include a small piece of foam for this purpose.

This paddle is heavy. Others have said that but it is REALLY heavy. Also the holes didn't line up. I was going to return it but my friend can cut some of the plastic to fix that. Finally if you use this you will have to choose stand up or kayak and not switch much. I like to go back and forth but that's a pain since you will have to switch out the end every time. But as the only sup/kayak paddle on the market you don't have much choice...