Take-apart

These are called splits in Europe. They are also called two-piece (or three...) or breakdown paddles.

Take-aparts are a type of Paddle that can be dismantled into two, three or even four pieces. This allows them to be stashed into the back of a kayak and used as spares, when paddles are lost or broken. Splits may be structurally weaker and less durable than single piece paddles but a well-designed split paddle that is intended to be as strong as a single piece will just be a tad heavier.

This is useful equipment to have in a mixed abilities group, where an expert can carry splits just in case one of the beginners loses their paddle. Although it is rare, paddles sometimes break! This can happen to creek boaters in narrow canyons, running big drops or accidently wedging it between the rocks on the river bottom. In inaccessible areas having a spare can save a lot of hassle!

It is easy to make a set of splits out of ordinary paddles, by making a clean slice through the shaft, and glueing a tight fitting peice of plastic tube on the inside of one side, so that the two pieces slide together. Also it is often possible to salvage broken paddles by making splits out of them.

A breakdown paddle is required for The Grand Canyon and many other rivers. It is always a good idea to have at least one in a group. Some breakdown paddles can be reassembled with various amounts of feather (ie: 30 or 45 degrees). If you have left-handers in a group it's useful to have splits that feather either way.