How to order your custom kayak paddles
Ordering custom kayak paddles from MaxPaddles is easy!
Step 1: Choose your paddle type
There are two types of custom kayak paddles available – both are handcrafted and tailor-made for you:
Standard Greenland kayak paddle
Standard Greenland kayak paddle
The standard Greenland kayak paddle is your everyday paddle, suitable for most conditions.
This is the paddle you’ll use 95% of the time. It’s lightweight, strong, flexible, and the key to enjoyable “comfort paddling”. Price: NZ$797 - includes free shipping to New Zealand addresses. |
Greenland storm paddle
Greenland storm paddle
Keen kayakers will use the standard Greenland paddle, but will also strap a storm paddle to their boat for emergency use when the going gets tough.
The Greenland storm paddle is shorter than the standard paddle, so there is less wind resistance on the paddle, making it ideal for rough and windy conditions. Price: NZ$797 - includes free shipping to New Zealand addresses. |
Step 2: Your tailoring session on Skype
We will arrange a mutually convenient date and time to have a video call on Skype or Facebook Messenger.
Your call will be with me, Max, so that we can have a chat about your paddling, and for me to obtain the measurements I need to tailor-make your paddle.
This is also your opportunity to ask me any questions about the manufacturing process, or Greenland kayak paddles in general. And if you’re not sure if you want a Standard Greenland Paddle, a Storm Paddle, or both, we can talk this through.
We’ll also discuss the timeline for your kayak paddle: as you’ll see from the steps below, a good amount of work goes into my custom kayak paddles, and the time it takes to craft your paddle will depend on how long my waiting list is.
It’s important that our conversation is a video call, rather than just a voice call, so I can see you and check that you’re taking the measurements correctly for the Greenland paddle sizing process.
My Skype address is: maxwell.john.love
… Be sure to have a tape measure handy, and I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Your call will be with me, Max, so that we can have a chat about your paddling, and for me to obtain the measurements I need to tailor-make your paddle.
This is also your opportunity to ask me any questions about the manufacturing process, or Greenland kayak paddles in general. And if you’re not sure if you want a Standard Greenland Paddle, a Storm Paddle, or both, we can talk this through.
We’ll also discuss the timeline for your kayak paddle: as you’ll see from the steps below, a good amount of work goes into my custom kayak paddles, and the time it takes to craft your paddle will depend on how long my waiting list is.
It’s important that our conversation is a video call, rather than just a voice call, so I can see you and check that you’re taking the measurements correctly for the Greenland paddle sizing process.
My Skype address is: maxwell.john.love
… Be sure to have a tape measure handy, and I’m looking forward to meeting you.
Step 3: Payment
The next step will be for you to pay for your kayak paddle. The payment is to be made by Direct Credit to my bank account, please, using your name as the reference. Details will be given to you after our video call.
Step 4: Timber selection
Once I’ve received your cleared funds, I will visit my supplier to select the ideal piece of Western Red Cedar timber.
This is an important step, as the paddle is carved from one solid piece of timber: there are no joins, laminates, or glues used. So it’s important that I spend time selecting the perfect piece of timber.
This is an important step, as the paddle is carved from one solid piece of timber: there are no joins, laminates, or glues used. So it’s important that I spend time selecting the perfect piece of timber.
Step 5: Handcrafting your paddle
Next, I will spend many hours in my workshop handcrafting your paddle. All the work is done by hand: there are no computers or lasers; only old-fashioned craftsmanship.
Once I’m absolutely happy with the shape, I’ll give the paddle 8 coats of tung oil, allowing it to dry in between coats. This process takes about a week. (Tung oil is a natural oil, derived from the nut of the tung tree. It adds a beautiful sheen to the timber; doesn’t crack; and helps preserve the wood.)
Your paddle will feature the MaxPaddles embossing – and as your paddle is a unique, handmade masterpiece, it will feature my signature, and also the unique paddle number.
Once I’m absolutely happy with the shape, I’ll give the paddle 8 coats of tung oil, allowing it to dry in between coats. This process takes about a week. (Tung oil is a natural oil, derived from the nut of the tung tree. It adds a beautiful sheen to the timber; doesn’t crack; and helps preserve the wood.)
Your paddle will feature the MaxPaddles embossing – and as your paddle is a unique, handmade masterpiece, it will feature my signature, and also the unique paddle number.
Step 6: Shipping
Shipping is free to New Zealand addresses.
I can also ship the Greenland paddle to Australia – and worldwide. Please contact me for a shipping price. When you receive your paddle, it will include a storage bag, as well as a bottle of tung oil, and care instructions. |
Your paddle will be embossed, signed, and comes with a cotton storage bag, tung oil, and care instructions.
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Step 7: Caring for your paddle
Your paddle has already had 8 coats of tung oil applied to it; from to time you may need to apply a further coat for full protection of the timber.
This is easy to do, and your package will include enough tung oil for you, plus care instructions. The beauty of tung oil is that it looks wonderful, is completely natural, and is flexible, so it doesn’t crack or peel and helps to preserve and waterproof the wood.
This is easy to do, and your package will include enough tung oil for you, plus care instructions. The beauty of tung oil is that it looks wonderful, is completely natural, and is flexible, so it doesn’t crack or peel and helps to preserve and waterproof the wood.
Step 8: Have fun!
Enjoy your tailor-made kayak paddle – and I’ve love to see some photos of you with it, so please feel free to email me with your kayaking pictures and your experience of the paddle: lovelymaxwell@gmail.com. Your feedback and questions are important to me, so I can help you get the most out of your paddle.
Your guarantee
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MaxPaddles are strong! Your paddle is guaranteed for one year against defective materials or workmanship, provided it has only been subject to normal use (i.e. paddling). It is not designed to be used as a lever, brace, or anything else other than paddling.
If your paddle does get broken or badly damaged by normal use, please contact me to arrange a replacement paddle. Hyperlink to contact page. |
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Do you have any questions?
If you’re not quite ready to order and have some questions about the custom kayak paddles, please contact me, I'll be happy to help you.
Happy paddling,
Happy paddling,
Max Love – owner and craftsman, MaxPaddles
Opua, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Opua, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
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FREE shipping in NZ (worldwide shipping also available)
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Your paddle is
tailor-made for you |
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FREE oil and carry case
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