So here is a description of how the LeverLock Adjustable SUP came to be, as described by Dave Chun, owner of
KIALOA Paddles. It gets a little technical but we think you'll find it interesting and maybe it will give a little insight into what we are thinking of while developing a new product.
Conception
The patent pending LeverLock adjustable is the brain child of my buddy and design partner Dirk Steinhour. Dirk was one of the original partners at AT kayak paddles. The LeverLock is based on the system used on drain plugs in boats. This idea has also been used to reseal wine bottles.
While the system is simple, the details of the project took 1 1/2 years to
complete. All parts are custom built to our specifications with the
exception of the nut, cotter pin, and the lever dowel pin. All metal parts
are stainless steel.
People might note a unique ribbed cut-out on the bottom of the handle. The purpose of the design is to decrease weight and control shrinking during the injection molding process. More predictable shrinking means we can build to a tighter tolerance.
Many of the discussions Dirk and I had were focused on who we thought would be using an adjustable paddle, as well as how they would be using the adjustable paddle. We felt that the majority of the users would fall into the family and rental categories. This is why we made the price point
Pupu Adjustable the first offering. We are currently working on other versions, but are not at the point of having a release date.
Testing
We have been using the original prototypes for over a year. We dropped tested the paddles without any problems. The handle can be snapped off.....but I had to swing the paddle like I was using a framing hammer. I have personally flipped the lever open and closed over 2000 times. The lever should not break or wear out unless the user over tightens the nut. The cable is rated at over 900lbs. All cam activated devices are subject to this type of user error problems. (quick release hubs on a bike wheel can snap the axle if over tightened) Over tightening does not improve the gripping strength of the plug.
The very minimal side to side play of the LeverLock is caused by the flexible rubber plug. A harder plug does not grip as well and will slip. The side to side movement is not detectable when
paddling. Pressure from the top hand is downward when paddling, and the unit does not slip downward. The plug also plays a dual role in preventing any water from entering the shaft and allowing the paddle to float. Kind of important with water sports equipment.
No More Disposable Products For the Landfills
Making something affordable should not mean making something cheap. The goal was a simple device which could be repaired in the event of a mishap. A guiding principle in any project I undertake is to minimize broken paddles in the land fill.
The beauty of the system is that it is simple and repairable. If someone breaks a lever, the fix is easy. Take off the nut, pull out the cable and the broken lever, pop out the dowel which will release the cable, and reverse the process with the new lever to assemble. Very little tightening of the nut is required to get a firm grip.
Like our all our Ikaika paddles, the Pupu Adjustable is built to last.
Aloha,
Dave
Mahalo to Outside magazine featuring our KIALOA paddleboarding paddles, the Pupu and our women's SUP paddle, the Pipes!! We are stoked and honored to be in the Summer 2012 Buyer's Guide. Check out a copy, it's full of field tested bikes, paddleboards, running shoes, kayaks, and more than you need for your best summer ever.
Shortly after the races,
I shared some of my observations with my brother, Dr. Will Wu (for those of you
that don't know, he has a PhD in Kinesiology and prescribes our land/midweek
training). I told him our propensity in Tempe to leap ahead the first 1/2 then
lose steam in the second half of the race (there may have been 1-2 races where
this didn't happen). He said this was expected based on the training he has
prescribed to date in preparation for CCWC.
Testing
