I am posting to warn others from making the same mistake as I did. Don't get scammed like I did. This guy had a great reputation as one of the best paddle makers and a good business reputation to match, but that has changed over the last two years. He is now putting his paddles on sale on ebay.

I am posting this as a warning to all. I purchased a paddle from this guy last March of 2005 but have not received one. Once he got my money he refused to respond to phone calls, letters or emails. He has money from at least 30 people so far with unfilled orders many longer than mine.

Now he has put his paddles on auction at ebay even though he can't fill the orders of people that have already paid him. I would be very carefull ordering from him. Over the last year he has not fullfilled one single order. Yet continues to take money from unsuspecting customers.

Do as you want, but you have been warned from one who has already been screwed over!

Tim

I purchased a paddle from Peter Puddicombe a week and a half ago on Ebay. It was delivered today.

From what I have read on other boards it sounds like everyone has got the paddles that they ordered.

Peter said he is now taking new orders and should have enough paddles made to start selling them in stores again soon. Sounds like he is back on track.

BTW- This photo does not do the finish justice. It is absolutely beautiful!!!

Paddle looks great!
Your boat is lookin' pretty good also!

butthead

Thanks Butthead!

That paddle is ALMOST too beautiful to even use. :)

Hi beavers.

That is good news. I do know of some people who had been waiting who finally took delivery from Peter after many months of waiting. I'm glad to hear the quality sounds as good as ever. As far as I know Peter did get paddles to everyone that he had records of waiting-but that's only what I heard-I can't back it up with fact.

I have a Puddicomb paddle since 2001 that I have never taken to the BW but have always wanted to. I use it primarily for recreational paddling around home and felt like I would take it if I had another to keep as a work of art.

Knowing he is back in business might get me to buy another and use the one up in the wilderenss.

Thanks for sharing your paddle story.

I am glad people got their paddles. They look like beautiful pieces of work. However, I would be concerned that he will put himself and others in a similar situation in the future. One of the more concerning parts sounds like the lack of communication.

Just took delivery on 2 of Peter's paddles. I won them on eBay this past Thursday they were delivered on 3/29. They are beautiful, my son and I will use them for a June trip, hope they will be better than the aluminum(sp) rental paddles we have used in the past !!! The deal with Peter was flawless.

I bought 2 paddles from Peter in 2003, and they took several months to arrive. I did not get my nose out of joint because I know these are not from Walmart, but are custom made (we had nicknames put on -- which is under the lacquer). He told me the delay was that the finish was did not turn out so he remade them (I would love to get any "seconds" as that would still be incredible).


These are the GREATEST paddles. We spend at least 6 hours per weekend fishing in weedy areas for bass. These paddles make it so easy to paddle, and to rest on my lap when handling tackle, a net, or the fish. They are strong as they have taken hard paddling, pushing off rocks and stumps, and hardly show any wear.

And "beautiful" is the understatement. I still think they should be above a fireplace as artwork. I consider my paddle an heirloom and plan to will it to my "little brother" (Big Brothers/Sisters) as he enjoys the BWCA.

It may take a bit of time to get yours - but they are incredible paddles. And others have said the same thing - they may wait a bit, but are worth it.

Factspiz,

I have one of these paddles and it is a functional work of art. If I saw one and could hold it in my hands I would buy it again, but I could not in good conscience recommend someone buying direct ever again. I don't think you waiting a few months for your paddle compares to dozens of people waiting OVER A YEAR for theirs. Those same people would have gladly waited longer if needed, but their inquiry's were ignored while new orders were still be taken and left unfulfilled. There was pattern. Order taken, money sent, all communication ceased after check was cashed. As far as I know all paddles were eventually delivered, but not without some arm twisting.



If anyone wants a Peter Puddicombe Paddle or Wildwood paddle I'd buy from a dealer or Ebay where there is some recourse if delivery's are not made.

I think this outfitter used to sell them online you could try the link below.

No one in the U.S. carries these paddles anymore. Midwest Mountaineering, Rutabaga, Piragis all used to sell these paddles. The fact they no longer sell these awesome paddles should tell you something?


Paddles


T