The day Portland paddle maker Lee Bonfiglio closed up shop, folks lucky enough to own a Fluid paddle sighed, knowing that one of the best whitewater paddles ever made had become irreplaceable. After three years of abuse, I still haven’t managed to break mine, though it is missing a large chunk out of the blade.
Local boaters went to Lee’s house, begging him to sell them some of his remaining stock. There was rumor that the company that bought him out would someday make the paddles again, but we weren’t holding our breath.
Two weeks ago, I was paddling with my buddy Steve and I noticed that his bright orange paddle was shaped exactly like my Fluid.
Minnesota-based Accent Paddles really did start making them again.
“We’ve had people approach us about making different blades, but why? This one works for everything,” says owner Stuart Lee.
Ain’t that the truth. Thanks Stuart!!!
[...] paddle-maker Lee Bonfiglio’s old company Fluid Paddles has returned to life, reborn from the land of 10,000 lakes and average temperatures colder than [...]
Actually, all of the Accent Paddles are designed by me, Lee Bonfiglio, and are manufactured to my strict specifications. I designed all of Accent Paddles blade shapes and materials requirements for their line of whitewater and touring paddles. I feel more than confident with my name being associated with each and every paddle that leaves the Accent factory. If you loved the Fluid Technology line of paddles I’m confident you will feel the same about Accent Paddles.
Lee Bonfiglio