This issue has been true of our paddles built with the injection-molded (plastic) ferrule. This ferrule design was re-engineered in the spring of 2009 and paddles are now built with a composite tube ferrule, which is not prone to swelling. Check the blade fit up before each use. If the fit up between the blade and shaft is tighter than you prefer, use 100 grit sandpaper and sand down the blade peg to achieve the fit up you desire. If your blade is already stuck into the shaft we recommend placing a cold compression ice pack around the shaft at the joint area and wait five minutes. After five minutes remove ice pack, make sure the push button is depressed. Grab a partner and place the blade under the armpit of one person and secure the blade tightly under the arm. The second person then can twist the shaft back and forth to loosen up the blade from the shaft. Repeat process as many times as needed. If this does not work for you, you may send the paddle in for a warranty ferrule replacement. Please contact us for a Return Authorization number (please see question above regarding returns for review or repair instructions). A key note here: we recommend that you store two-piece and four-piece paddles completely disassembled.