Gday , I have now gone through 4 paddles 2 alloy a second hand carbon and a brand new around the $400 mark carbon paddle the last only lasting 2 months. I treated the last paddle like it was a fluro light I was so worried about breaking it ! had a bag washed it dried it would of burped it if I thought that had helped but no luck 3 rd wave today right at the top boom! She blew up . The day before I did a mini down wind with the local club and I am sure I could hear it creaking is this possible? Or just my imagination . My question is when i took it to the shop they weren't very keen to replace it , they talked about never seing a break in that spot "that spot being between top and bottom hand " So is this unheard off or are they having a lend of me . Any input would be great because it's starting to get depressing thinking I have to find $400 every 3 months . Thanks