Choosing a SUP Paddle - Part 2
Choosing a stand-up paddle to accompany your board is an important decision that’ll affect your enjoyment of paddleboarding. There are three main considerations when selecting the right paddle for you and your board:
1. What’s the paddle made of?
The materials your paddle is made of affects not only weight and durability, but dramatically impacts the price point as well. For example…
Our most economical SUP paddle, the Spark has an aluminum shaft and fiberglass-reinforced resin blade. It’s a great choice for the beginner who’s also looking for a lower price point. It weighs 33 ounces and its MSRP is $109.95.
From there you can go up to to a carbon shaft and fiberglass-reinforced resin blade found in our Freedom 85 or Lyric paddles. They have a slightly lower swing weight and provide great durability. These weigh 23.5 ounces and their MSRP is $139.95.
If you're a serious paddleboarder, you can go with a top-of-the-line carbon paddle like Aqua-Bound’s Malta Carbon. This paddle comes with a 100% carbon shaft and a compression-molded carbon blade for a super-light swing weight. It weighs a mere 18 ounces. It’s MSRP is $324.95.
Beyond the materials, paddles come in 1-piece, 2-piece or 4-piece breakdown options. Plan ahead to how you’ll be transporting your gear. You’ll want to be able to pack it easily.
2. What length do you need?
With the material and price determined, next you’ll want to make sure you get the right length SUP paddle. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to select a paddle that's 8”-12” greater than your height. The ideal height can be determined by the type of SUP paddling you intend to do.
3. What look do you want?
Simple black? Polynesian graphics? Translucent waves of color? Do you want your paddle to match your board? Some paddles are simple solid colors and others are works of art. Whatever your style, you can find an Aqua-Bound paddle to match it.
Choosing your SUP paddle is an important decision.
If you’d like more help choosing one, please contact us. We’re happy to help you!
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