DIY Land Paddle

Like a strange amalgam of skating and canoeing, land paddling on a longboard is a total body workout that's perfect for snowboarders, surfers and skaters. And for the extreme sport novice, it is more exciting than jogging on a treadmill while huffing the gym's ever-present, sweat-steeped smell. But land paddles are pricey. Make your own at a minimal cost, or even for free if you happen to have the necessary components lying around your house. In no time, you'll be using your DIY paddle to propel yourself, to stop and to pivot when you're carving across the road.

Things You'll Need

  • Pole
  • Power drill with auger bit
  • 2 solid rubber ball
  • 2 screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get a pole that is approximately the same height as you. Use a dowel rod, a fiberglass painter's rod, bamboo or an old hockey stick.

    • 2

      Drill a hole halfway through the solid rubber ball using an auger bit. This hole should be slightly smaller than the rod.

    • 3

      Insert the rod into the ball. Since the hole in the ball is smaller than the rod, twist and pound the ball to get it onto the rod.

    • 4

      Run a screw through the ball into the pole. Do this through the side, rather than from the bottom, of the ball.

    • 5

      Repeat this entire process on the other end of the stick. This way, you can use one ball as a paddle and one as a grip to hold onto. When the paddle end wears out, flip the stick and use the grip end as a fresh paddle.