We enjoy talking to passionate paddlers, and we want you to enjoy paddling as much as we do! If you have an issue with your paddle, we want to hear about it. Please e-mail us a photo and explain the issue as clearly as possible. We will quickly assess the situation and reply with instructions for next steps.

We build strong paddles and have one of the lowest breakage rates in the industry, but we know the unthinkable can happen. When it does, we honor all reasonable requests for repair or replacements.

While we strive to offer the most reliable options for getting your paddle from our factory to your door, sometimes the unthinkable happens. If your paddle has been delayed or is missing, please first use the form provided by the carrier you selected at checkout for your shipment.

For paddles purchased directly from Bending Branches, please submit this form within 30 days of purchase. Include your order number or receipt and the reason for your return. Paddles must be unused to qualify for a return.

Our team will review your request and, if approved, issue a Return Authorization (RA) number with all necessary return instructions. Please wait until you receive your RA number before shipping your paddle.

Customers are responsible for return shipping costs to our factory. Once your paddle has been received and inspected, approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method for the original purchase price of the paddle, less a $20 restocking fee. Original shipping charges are nonrefundable.

If you need a different size or model, please return your paddle through this process and place a new order for your preferred paddle.

*If you purchased your paddle from an authorized retailer, please contact that retailer directly regarding their return or exchange policy.

Canoe Sizing Guide

Kayak Fishing Sizing Guide

Kayak Sizing Guide

It's best to reach out to us as soon as you notice an issue. Usually we can repair small issues if found right away. Email photos to bbinfo@bendingbranches.com and we can better evaluate your paddle's unique situation. 

Since we manufacture each paddle with precision, we do not offer generic replacement parts. We prefer to have you send us your remaining components to ensure that we have a perfect fit on your replacement. Please email bbinfo@bendingbranches.com  a photo of the paddle and/or see above question regarding return for review or repair instructions.

Paddle Care Guide

We currently do not offer a kayak paddle extender. If your recreational or touring kayak paddle is too short, please take a look at our extra-long kayak paddles like the Impression Solo or our kayak fishing paddles, which are ideal for wider kayaks and solo paddling a canoe. They are available up to 280cm.

We also offer an adjustable length ferrule system—the Versa-Lok™—that offers 15cm of additional length. Shop Versa-Lok™ paddles here.

All Bending Branches paddles float. Wood is naturally buoyant and our composite paddles come reinforced with foam plugs that trap air inside the shaft to keep it afloat and water out to prevent leaks for the lifetime of the paddle. 

We commonly get questions about whether we can build custom paddles for our customers. Examples include: Can I get a different grip, decorative designs, unfinished paddles, etc.

Here at Bending Branches, we are a lean, build-to-order, United States manufacturer that requires standard product in order to keep our costs competitive. Therefore, we do not accept custom, non-standard product requests for new paddles. We apologize for any inconvenience.

We commonly get questions from customers about changing their current Bending Branches paddle. Examples include: Can I get my paddle shortened, lengthened, a different grip/ferrule, change the ovalization, etc.

Here at Bending Branches, we are a lean, build-to-order, United States manufacturer that requires standard product in order to keep our costs competitive. Therefore, we do not accept custom, non-standard product requests for current or new paddles. Additionally, this manufacturing process means it's incredibly costly for us to manipulate an existing product, making it cost prohibitive for the consumer. In many cases, the cost of manipulation can be even more expensive than it would be to simply purchase a new paddle to fit the desired application.  

The Versa-Lok™ bolt is precision tightened to maximize performance. Adjustments may
cause undue stress, failure and void warranty. If loosened, the clamping mechanism may not lock tight enough onto the ferrule insert and risks the chance of slipping. If tightened, undue stress will be placed on the internal components and shorten the lifespan of the product. If you believe that your bolt has come loose, please contact our customer service team.