FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What is your warranty policy?
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 replacement. Bending Branches paddles are guaranteed against manufacturing defects for one year from date of purchase.
We may be able to resolve the issue with a photo or two. Simply submit a Warranty & Repair Form to help us evaluate the situation. We will reply within 2-3 business days with a Return Authorization (RA) number and further instructions.
If you are returning your paddle for repair, please reference the RA number on the outside of the box as shown below. This will help us promptly and efficiently process your request. Please also reference this RA number when calling or e-mailing us after returning.
Bending Branches
ATTN: RA# (we will give you this)
812 Prospect Court
Osceola, WI 54020
How do I return/exchange my paddle?
If your paddle was purchased at a Bending Branches authorized retailer, please contact the retailer regarding their return policy.
If your paddle was purchased at bendingbranches.com, please contact us at [email protected]. We won’t make you fill out any time consuming forms or jump through too many hoops. We simply want to chat with you to figure out the best solution going forward. To help speed up your request, please include a copy of your receipt and your reason for return within 30 days of purchase. Returns must be in unused condition and returned in their original packaging.
Please reference the Return Authorization (RA) number that we give you on the outside of the box as follows:
Bending Branches
ATTN: RA# (we will give you this)
812 Prospect Court
Osceola, WI 54020
Once your return has been received, we will inspect the paddle and notify you of your refund status. If your request is approved, a credit will be applied to the original method of payment. Freight charges cannot be credited.
The finish has worn on my wooden paddle. What can I do to make it look like new again?
Click here for our simple maintenance instructions and video. If you have any questions, please give us a call: (715) 755-3405. If you choose to return your paddle for review or repair, please see question above regarding returns.
What size paddle do I need?
You can find our best recommendations here, however, it is always best to try out a paddle before you buy it. Oftentimes retailers will have demo paddles available for this purpose. Please click here to find a retailer near you.
Paddle Extenders
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, which are ideal for wider inflatable kayaks and solo paddling a canoe. They are available up to 280cm.
Slice Glass Solo
Wood Impression Solo
The Rockgard® tip of my new wooden paddle appears worn.
All of our wooden paddles are built with a Rockgard® tip; either black or caramel in color. Once our paddles reach the finishing area, they are ready for varnish. We hand dip our paddles in a mixture of varnish and mineral spirits and allow them to drip dry. This process is manually repeated four times.
Once the final dip is dry, we complete the process by burnishing the drip residue off the tip of the paddle. Sometimes this leaves a worn appearance, and it is generally more pronounced on our black Rockgard® tips. This is normal and will not affect the performance of your paddle.
We hand dip our paddles to give them an even finish, versus a spotty or uneven finish that spray varnish produces. Our process is also more beneficial for our employees and the environment as excess varnish is not emitted into the atmosphere.
I broke/lost a part of my paddle. Can I order a replacement part?
Since we manufacture each paddle with precision, we do not offer generic replacement parts. In fact, we prefer to have you send us your remaining components to ensure that we have a perfect fit on your replacement. Please email [email protected] a photo of the paddle and/or see above question regarding return for review or repair instructions.
The Bottom Line
If you have an issue with your paddle, please email us a photo and explain the issue as clearly as possible. We will quickly assess and reply with instructions for next steps. We want you to enjoy paddling as much as we do, which means getting you on the water as quickly as we can!
