Paddle gelcoat chipping

Hi all

Just bought a naish makani 8.0 paddle had it for 2weeks and the gel coating on the handle is chipping away.
I noticed I was getting a blister (from paddling) and thought it might be just a rough spot but there was no sign of it chipping until last Sunday it was visible.
I was just wondering if it was a common fault with this paddle or I was just unlucky...
I don't think I should have to put tape on the handle of a brand new $300.00 paddle to use it that's all especially after only 2 weeks.
I haven't dropped it and I carry it to the beach,so it's to rolling around the back of a ute or anything...
Just after some feedback before I get to narky with the supplier ...who reluctantly has offered to replace it with a new one if the one HE has at home doesn't look new...???WTF...

Do you wear a ring?

A couple of my paddle handles have some sort of scuff/chip in a similar spot, where my wedding band scrapes them.

You could try this.. www.seabreeze.com.au/forums/Stand-Up-Paddle/SUP/Simple-paint-chip-repair/

I've seen a lot of those paddles that have been knocked around and although they may have some scratches and chips I've not seen a chip that big.. I'm often letting newbies use my gear and as careful as I am I can't control how rough they are with it.. Most if not all of my damage has been from others.. You can buy a new handle and should not cost much.. If you do I would recommend the black handle.. They cost the same I think and you should not have any future chipping problems.. I'm pretty sure that your chips on your handle would not result in hand blisters.. I would put it down to general wer and tear but it wouldn't hurt to contact your local Naish dealer or go direct to Aidan at Windginuity and see what they say about it.. I'm sure they would appreciate the feed back and if no one complains they don't know there's a problem.

DJ