FAQ

Paddles/Shorts/Apparel/Cases/Ordering/Company

Paddles

Q: How do I determine the correct paddle length?

A: The correct paddle length depends on a lot of factors. The type of boats you are in, paddling style, where you sit in the boat, type of crew, and your body type. As a general rule:

1. In a fully loaded boat in your correct sitting position, let go of your top hand and extend your outside arm forward so it is parallel to the water/boat.

2. Now flip the paddle so that the T-handle is pointing down (you may want to adjust your outside hand).

3. Now the top of the T-handle should be near or almost touching the water...that will be the length.

Q: How do you measure the length of the paddle.

A: The length of the paddle is measured from the tip of the blade to the top of the handle.

Q: Why carbon fiber?

A: There are many reasons why carbon fiber is such a popular material to use.

The first and most evident advantage is its' strength to weight ratio. What this means is that you are able to build a super light weight item without sacrificing strength/flex. If you were to build a same weight paddle in wood you would have to shave off so much material that the resulting flex/strength would be unacceptable.

The second reason carbon is so nice to use is its' material consistency. It gives us performance characteristics that are nearly impossible with wood. Wood is a living and growing object. If you ever look at a piece of wood, no two pieces are alike (some have knots, density varies, some absorb more water) thus no two pieces perform in the same way. You will notice this as your paddles get heavier over time and lose that crispness you felt when it was new. Carbon on the other hand is a very high tech man-made material. We predetermine the exact amount of fibers and their precise orientation in the structure during production. This allows us to control the exact weight, and believe it or not, the desired stiffness of the paddle.

The third reason is that carbon fiber is a tough material. It can handle all the dings and paddle clashes and is used in formula one cars and jet fighters...need I say more.

Q: Will carbon fiber be too stiff?

A: Yes and no. The common misconception is that carbon fiber paddles are always super stiff and very hard on the joints. What people do not realize is we can control the amount of stiffness in a paddle. We can build things that will not bend if you stood on it to something as flexible as a fishing pole or golf shaft. What we have done is incorporated feedback from the top racing teams to figure out where the sweet spot is.

Q: Why are your paddles so expensive?

A: There are factors that contribute to the cost of the paddle.

The most obvious being the cost of materials. We use the same carbon fiber materials found in formula one cars and jet fighters. These materials allow us to build one of the lightest and strong paddles in market.

Secondly, is its' design and construction. We paddle and we have made it our goal to understand and provide for the needs of the racer. The paddle is such an instrumental connection between you, the racer, and the water that it is so important to get this aspect right. For the area where the paddler holds the shaft, we have designed a special ergonomic elliptical shaft to fit perfectly in the craddle of your hand. We could have gone with an easier to manufacture round tube or a squashed oval tube but it just wouldn't be the same. On the other end of the shaft we managed to design a carbon fiber solution for the standard T-handle that everyone likes, but lighter and stronger.

Thirdly, there is no substitute for a paddle that feels right when paddling. A paddle designed to give you a crisp catch and the ability to transfer your power to water not to the flex of the blade, one that is light enough to give you a quick, smooth, recovery and strong enough to handle all the power you got.

Fourth, We have also put a lot of time in research and development to create what we feel is one of the best dragon boat paddles. When you consider all the features we have incorporated into the design of the paddle you are actually getting a deal!

Q: What happens if my paddle breaks?

A:You must be extremely strong or you ran over it with a heavy object (car, person, etc.). Contact us and we will help resolve this issue.

Q: What is the difference between the regular handle and the carbon handle?

A: The regular handle is a solid epoxy handle weighing 55 grams. The carbon handle is a super light hollow carbon fiber handle weighing 40 grams. If light weight and high performance are important to you then the carbon handle is the way to go.

Q: What is the IDBF 202 paddle specification and why is it so important?

A: The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the governing body for the sport of dragon boat racing. They have created certain standards that ensure races and equipment are on a level playing field. This way you can be assured you can use your paddle at all IDBF sanctioned events.

Q: Why the new spec and is my old paddle still good?

A: The new paddle specification was drafted in 2002/2003 this year to standardize dragon boat paddles on an international level. That way all paddle manufacturers have to follow the same guidelines when making paddles. Old paddles with a later specification mark PS 101/102 can still be used at races. These older paddles will be phased out in the next couple of years and all subsequent paddles will have the IDBF PS 202 mark.

Q: What is the difference between the old spec and newer specification?

A: The main difference between the two are shape and materials. The new spec has a slightly different blade shape that more closely resembles the traditional dragon boat paddle.The newer spec also takes into consideration new materials like carbon fiber/composites.

Q: Do you offer different blade shapes?

A: Unfortunately, the blade shape is controlled by the IDBF. Every manufacturer who wants to produce a paddle that is certifiable will have the same shape.

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Shorts

Q: What sizes do you offer?

A: Here is our sizing chart.

Q: Are the shorts comfortable?

A: Yes! It is created from 1/4" (6mm) closed cell foam padding. The padding is specially scored in a way to conform to your body in the sitting or standing position.

Q: Can your shorts be used for biking.

A: Yes, you can but they are best used while paddling.

Q: Are there any special laundering instructions?

A: Nope, just wash, hang dry is prefered or light, tumble dry.

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Apparel

Q: What is stretch fitted?

A:Stretch fitted is a cap fitting design that eliminates the need for conventional cap closures. Caps are designed with a special inner brim that flexes to fit your head. These caps are very comfortable and very cool. Caps come in two sizes S/M and L/XL.

Q: What is the difference between the two styles of caps?

A: One style incorporates the stretch fitted design and the other cap uses a standard velcro closure for people who like the adjustability.

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Cases

Q: Can you fit an outrigger paddle in the hardcases?

A: The quad hardcase is designed to fit one double bend outrigger blade that is shorter than 53". The padding on one side of the case may have to be taken out.

Q: How do I check in the case at the airport?

A: The hard cases are designed with traveling in mind. Check the case in as one of your luggages, there should be no extra charge. Since the events of September 11, paddlers can no longer carry on their paddles and must check them in.

Q: Do airlines charge to check the hardcases in?

A: Most airlines do not charge to check the hardcases in. It counts as 1 of your 2 bags.

Q: How secure are the hardcases?

A: There are four lock points on either of the cases for padlocks. The cases are made of very tough plastic and are built to take a beating.

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Ordering

Q: What if I am not happy with my order or need a different size/length?

A: Please check our order page for our terms and conditions. In most cases we will do our best to resolve any issues you may have. Please do not send anything back to us without the proper RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION (RMA) number!

Q: Do you guys take Visa/Master Card orders?

A:Yes, we currently take Visa/Master cards orders. Please call to provide your credit card information. Do not send your credit card information using non-secure e-mail.

Q: How long does it take to get my order?

A: That all depends on where you live. We typically ship UPS whenever we can. Ground is the cheapest, especially for paddles. Ground within the US typically takes 3-5 days. We usually ship orders within 48 hours of payment.

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: Yes! Contact us and we will tell you how to order.

Q: Do you have any distributors or retail stores?

A: Unfortunately, we are selling direct to racers and teams to bring the best possible prices.

Q: Can I get my order faster?

A: It depends on a lot of things like where you live, what you are ordering and how much you want to pay. We normally ship UPS ground. This takes 5-7 business days within the United States (usually less if you live closer to California). Of course you can ship anything next day or second day air for almost double or triple the shipping cost. If you are willing pay this extra premium we will be more than willing to accomodate you. We usually ship orders within 48 hours of payment.

Q: Can I request any other shipping carrier?

A: Yes, we ship UPS as a default since they are one of the most reliable and affordable. We can at your request ship via FedEx, United States postal service.

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COMPANY

Q: What is the logo supposed to mean?

A: That's the official Burnwater™ logo. It stands for a lot of things-our passion for racing, the products we create. It's the yin and yang-the aggression coupled with the calm. If you race, you know what we mean..!

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