: . . . but would like to find
: something that would be an easy release type system, but also hold it
: solid while paddling.

Those rigid broom keeper are destined to either rust, or snag you.

Why not go for 2 loops of velcro epoxied to the hull in two places in the cockpit, where they are near to reach, and then make a loop of rope or a pocket of fabric to hold the far end of the paddle blade. With three point suspension it should ride securely, and it would just take a couple tugs on the velcro to free the paddle when needed.

They make a product out of velcro for holding extension cords, rope, and similar items. While it comes in various sizes, generally the idea is that they take a piece of the 1 inch wide and about 8 inches long soft (fuzzy loops) velcro, and attack to the back of it a 1 inch wide and 1 to 2 inch long piece of the rigid (hook) velcro. When you coil the fuzzy velcro into a circle, it sticks on that piece of the hooks at any length you want.

If you don't buy these readymade, you can make them in minutes.

Mounting them to the sides of the boat could be done with a few drops of epoxy. You would want to leave enough of the end that has the hooks part on it free so that you could use it to snag the rest of the strip.

If you want a REAL strong mount, you just have to trap the velcro strip under a patch of epoxy saturated glass cloth that makes contact with an inch or two of the boat on both sides of the strip. A touch of sanding and fillcoats and that glass cloth blends in wwith the rest of the boat, and the velcro strip is beautifully, and strongly, laminated inside.

If there is no paddle being carried, the loops can hold other gear, or you can leave them open. They are so soft that bumping them won't cause you grief.

As for the far end of the paddle, you can make a wood rack, or something from softer materials. Simplest would probably be just piece of nylon rope epoxied to the hull at each end. Slip the blade in the loop and when you tighten the velcro your paddle should sit tight.

If you make the velcro strips long enough, and make two mounting spots for the ends of the paddles ( maybe one aft and the other forward), you could carry two, not just one.

Hope this helps

PGJ