Compact 2-piece Canoe Paddle Wanted

[keoeeit]

I recently got one of those new origami canoes called a "Tote-N-Boat", a 10 ft. canoe that collapses down to a 48"x14"x4" pack. I plan to cart it around on my mountain-bike, for the ultimate traveling combo (put canoe on bike for land, put bike in canoe for waters).

However, I'm having a hard time coming up with a decent paddle that will collapse down for easy packing.

Does anyone know of a sturdy 2-piece or adjustable canoe paddle that can be had for $40 or less that would be a good accompaniment to this plan? I've searched the net but keep coming up empty. Due to my own paddling style I require a paddle that's around 5'-6" in length. I've found a few online that are boat-hook/paddle combos that are sold as emergency paddles but I don't know how sturdy they are.

Since this set-up is going to be taking me into some very remote locations, I'd need a collapsible paddle that will last. I'd hate to be out in the middle of nowhere and end up stranded with half a paddle or worse.

Thanks if you can help.

(If curious about this bike/canoe project of mine, you can read more about it on my discussion forums at Gay Outdoorsmen in the "Water Ways" category, topic "A Folding Canoe?!?")

[Mountainman]

Have you thought of trying to make or build one? All you need is the handle and paddle. Come up with a sturdy center piece. Some how I'm thinking of one of those backpack shovels would work great! Just attach the paddle end and go with it. Hope this helps or atleats geats your imagenation going!

Ed

[keoeeit]

Thanks for the ideas, someone else suggested (on another forum recently) that I get some of the ferrules they use for kayak paddles and make my own from my favorite canoe paddle. They also suggested one made by a company called Soar, but at $65+ it starting to seem awfully expensive for a paddle, but it's made well (it's still short though). I keep coming up empty with anything pre-made that seems to fit the bill so far. This might just very well become a DIY project in the end. :-)

[Mountainman]

You might want to spend the extra money. You don't want cheap equipment in the backcountry. You get what you pay for! Be sure to carry stuff with you that can fix a paddle if need be. JB Weld can fix just about anything and takes almost no room in your back. I have also used a fishing net with a seat cushion in it to make a paddle once. Man that was a bad day!

Ed