Aqua Bound’s New Product for 2027

4-minute read

The crew at Aqua Bound is pleased to introduce you to our 2027 new product line that includes the Torq whitewater kayak paddle, Crux and Sport rafting paddles, and the new Lumen Glow design for our Tango, Whiskey and Malta paddles.

Aqua Bound's 2027 Torq whitewater paddle in the hands of a kayaker

One of our four Core Values here is to Lean Forward: We think boldly and move with courage. We embrace change, spark new ideas, and keep building toward what’s next. 

For 2027, that means fresh designs as well as brand new products that fill a gap and even bring us into a whole new market in the paddling industry.

Let’s take a look…

Torq Whitewater Kayak Paddle

The new Torq whitewater kayak paddle helps us complete our whitewater line that started with the Shred (which is still very popular with novices and those on a budget) and introduced the Aerial family in 2024 (with our proprietary Lam-Lok™ edge protection), which was created as the bomb-proof whitewater paddle for the experts.

With the Torq, we believe we’ve landed in the sweet spot of where most whitewater paddlers want a paddle to land: It’s a high-performance paddle in the mid-level price range:

  • More foam in the blades’ core provides lightness and buoyancy while keeping them stiff and responsive
  • The Lam-Lok™ edge protection along the blade tips ensures durability through heavy use on rocky rivers
  • The carbon shaft is built for heavy-duty use as well (this is no touring shaft), while still shaving off weight where we can
  • We recruited artists to give the blades an edgy and colorful river map design that fits right into the whitewater world
Aqua Bound's 2027 Torq whitewater paddle in the hands of a kayaker

Torq whitewater paddle

We designed the Torq with three paddlers in mind: 

  • Whitewater kayakers looking for that sweet spot paddle
  • Packrafters who want a lightweight paddle that can go the distance while carrying a loaded boat
  • Sea kayakers who love to surf and rock hop, and want a paddle that’s a little beefier than a standard touring paddle

Here’s how the Torq fits into our line of whitewater paddles (for simplicity’s sake, we’ll compare 1-piece straight-shaft models):

 PADDLE MATERIALS WEIGHT 2027 RETAIL PRICE
Shred Fiberglass abXII fiberglass-reinforced nylon blades/fiberglass shaft 38.5 oz/1091 g $199.95
Shred Carbon abX carbon-reinforced nylon blades/tight-weave carbon shaft 34.5 oz/978 g $264.95
Torq compression-molded fiberglass blades with Lam-Lok edge protection/ carbon fiber shaft 34 oz/964 g $349.95
Aerial Minor Fiberglass compression-molded fiberglass blades with Lam-Lok edge protection/ carbon fiber shaft 40.8 oz/1156 g $459.95
Aerial Minor Carbon carbon fiber blades with Lam-Lok, carbon fiber shaft 39.1 oz/1105 g $559.95
Aerial Major Fiberglass compression-molded fiberglass blades with Lam-Lok edge protection/ carbon fiber shaft 42.3 oz/1196 g $459.95
Aerial Major Carbon carbon fiber blades with Lam-Lok, carbon fiber shaft 38.5 oz/1090 g $559.95

See the Torq family here

Crux and Sport Rafting Paddles 

The next two brand-new paddles represent Aqua Bound’s introduction to the whitewater rafting market.

The Crux is named for those times of decision every rafting guide makes constantly while taking groups down the river. This heavy-duty guide stick delivers durability and precise control all day long. 

Aqua Bound's 2027 Crux whitewater rafting guide paddle

Crux paddle designed for rafting guides

We paired an extra-thick carbon shaft with a rugged fiberglass blade that’s reinforced with our Lam-Lok™ edge protection—the same technology we use on all our elite kayak paddles.

The Crux’s colorful high-visibility blade coordinates with the bright gold of the Sport, the paddle the other group members will use. The fiberglass-reinforced polypropylene blade and aluminum shaft maximize durability while keeping the price approachable for quantity orders.

Aqua Bound's 2027 Crew rafting paddle, for the crew

The Sport rafting paddle for the rest of the crew

Lumen Glow Design for Tango and Whiskey Kayak Paddles & Malta Stand-Up Paddle

Our newest color option for our performance Whiskey and Tango kayak paddles and Malta stand-up paddle is called Lumen Glow. The beautiful design is reminiscent of the bioluminescence paddlers can sometimes witness just below the water’s surface. 

These feather-light, award-winning paddles have been favorites with our customers since we introduced them in 2017. Along with continual fresh color choices, the Lumen Glow completes our three-year effort to roll out all our elite paddles with our ultra-durable Lam-Lok™ edge protection, ensuring your paddle a long and happy life.

two sea kayakers use Aqua Bound's Whiskey and Tango paddles in the 2027 color, Lumen Glow

Our Whiskey and Tango kayak paddles in Lumen Glow

See all our paddles available in Lumen Glow here

What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or sales@aquabound.com.

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