SUP blade guard

[kmcarls]

Hi all,

I have a question about SUP blade guards. I've been using a guard for years. I recently joined an outrigger canoe team, and when I bought my paddle, I put a guard on that also. After I put the guard on the blade, the blade started making a "plonk" sound when it entered the water. My teammates say it is because of the guard, which they contend is not hydrodynamic.

I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on this. I know the sites that sell the guards say they don't affect performance, but I'm wondering if people believe this to be true. Can anyone think of a reason the guard would be "not hydrodynamic" when used for outrigger canoeing, but "hydrodynamic" when used for SUP?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Krista

[lezant1999]

Hello.
Try Steve West at www.islanderpaddler.com
His contact details are on his website.
Paul j.