The Nimbus Chinook is one battle hardened paddle. The Chinook was actually the first paddle the expedition leader, Koji, purchased over 20 years ago. Since then not much has changed in the build quality or durability. When it came time to get paddles for the Japan to Korea expedition, the Chinook was our first and only choice. We ordered the 245cm Carbon/Basalt paddle and got a great wholesale price from paddle directly from Numbus. One a side note the Carbon/Basalt is a really good paddle for those who want the weight reduction of carbon but without the price tag of a full carbon paddle. Check out the video about the Nimbus Chinook paddle and here’s the site if you want to pick up the Chinook http://www.nimbuspaddles.com/