Jim Terrell, the Mastermind Behind Quickblade Paddles – an Inside Scoop of the Business and Brand

Quickblade was founded by Jim Terrell, a four-time Olympic paddler and multiple national and international award winner. He began creating the world’s finest competition paddles at the young age of 11 in his father’s garage in Milford, Ohio. Jim is profoundly passionate about hydrodynamics, a passion that has been supported by decades of experience in scientifically testing paddle mechanics and force analysis using strain gauges. His advanced composite technology skills span from aerospace to motorsports. Essentially, the more energy Jim invests in his designs, the greater the level of performance is basically guaranteed. Over the years, Jim has engaged in a variety of scientific test techniques, such as underwater high-speed photography, all with a view to advancing paddle mechanics. From his deep experience, he develops innovative shape and design, using advanced aerospace materials to create paddles of exceptional quality. Today we had the pleasure to talk to Jim, the mastermind behind Quickblade to learn more about the business, the brand, and what makes Quickblade some of the highest quality paddles on the market.

Welcome to TotalSUP Jim! We are thrilled to have you here today to share with us all things Quickblade! What inspired you to start Quickblade Paddles, and how did you get started in the paddle industry?

I built my very first paddle when I was just 11 years old, back in 1976, and by 1988, I had progressed to crafting carbon fiber sprint canoe paddles not only for myself but also for my teammates in the confines of my friend’s garage. As I continued to develop my paddles, another friend suggested that I should sign them, thinking it would add a personal touch. However, we ultimately decided it would be better to create a brand name that would reflect our passion and dedication. In 1989, we proudly established the brand known as Quickblade. Last year, we celebrated our 35th anniversary!

Wow 35 years! Congratulations! Can you describe the unique features of Quickblade Paddles that set them apart from competitors?

We aim to make the lightest and strongest paddles on the market with the most advanced blade, shaft and handle designs. Shapes come from my own 55 years of paddling experience plus feedback from our elite group of Team Riders over the years. QB Team members Dave Kalama and Travis Grant were instrumental in the development of the V-Drive and Trifecta models, while Titouan Puyo helped with the new Trifecta (T2) design.

Absolutely incredible! Your paddles have definitely progressed a lot over the past 35 years! How do you approach the design and development process for new paddle models?

The new Stingray paddle is my own “brainchild” inspired by the progression of foiling, we are also collecting feedback from current Team Riders to develop the next generation of SUP race paddles.
I typically fabricate the new designs in house using numerous techniques depending on the shape. Once I test the prototypes, we typically have Team Riders use them before we go to production so any changes are made prior to making mass production tooling which is expensive.

That’s wonderful that your team riders can assist with testing prototypes before the paddles go into production! What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in growing Quickblade Paddles, and how did you overcome them?

When SUP exploded with popularity in the early 2000’s I quit my full time aerospace job to dedicate full time to QB. I would say cash flow was initially our biggest challenge and continues to be from time to time still. Our business is seasonal and difficult to predict. Another challenge is that our designs are frequently copied, so we have to work hard at designing better and better models every few years.

Those seem like humbling but manageable challenges! How do you ensure that your paddles meet the needs of both recreational and competitive paddlers?

I typically focus on creating and crafting high-performance paddles specifically designed for competitive paddlers who seek exceptional speed and efficiency on the water. While the recreational market is relatively saturated with a myriad of options, we do make an effort to include a more “friendly priced” model in our product lineup, ensuring that those who are looking for quality paddles without breaking the bank have options to choose from. This approach allows us to cater to a broader audience while maintaining our commitment to performance and innovation in paddle design.

That is great that you can provide good quality options for all kinds of paddlers! We’re curious to know, what materials do you use in your paddles, and what benefits do these materials offer?

Our paddles are primarily constructed from premium composite materials, including custom woven carbon fiber, which provides a perfect balance of strength and lightweight performance, along with high-quality epoxy resin systems that ensure durability and resilience. Additionally, one of the standout features that Quickblade is recognized for is our innovative use of ABS edges, a pioneering development we introduced in 2005 to enhance the durability and impact resistance of our paddles. The materials we utilize are exceptionally reliable and are designed to withstand the rigors of intensive use, ensuring that they will last a long time when reasonably cared for and maintained by their owners, allowing for countless hours of paddling.

Fantastic! Besides the materials you use, what role does sustainability play in your manufacturing processes?

I try to approach sustainably  by simply making a light weight product that will last a long, long time. We do experiment with environmentally friendly materials but don’t like to compromise on reliability and durability. We have an in house repair team that repairs and replaces broken components at a reasonable price using cosmetic “blem” components. We often see paddles here that I made over 20 years ago. We fix them up to look almost brand new again.

Definitely important not to compromise the reliability and durability of your paddles! How do you see the paddle sports industry evolving in the next few years, and how is Quickblade adapting to those changes?

I often find myself wishing I could glimpse into the future to better understand the evolving trends in paddle sports. Currently, we are witnessing substantial growth in the outrigger community, with more enthusiasts taking to the water and embracing the joy of paddling. Additionally, foil paddles are also steadily gaining popularity, capturing the interest of adventurous paddlers looking for new experiences; however, it’s important to note that this remains a relatively niche market. As more people discover foiling, I am excited to see how this segment may develop and expand in the coming years, potentially bringing new opportunities to the paddling industry.

I wish I could predict the future too, but I think you’re on the right track with the growth of outrigger and foiling! Before we let you go today Jim, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own business?

Follow your heart and your passion and not the money. Don’t give up when it gets hard, it’s not going to be easy to be successful. Good things will come to those who work the hardest!

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today Jim! We wish nothing but the best for Quickblade in 2025, and hope to see a successful 36th year in business!

To learn more about Quickblade visit quickbladepaddles.com

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