A SUP may seem simple. A board. A paddle. The horizon… But there’s more to it than that. The key component of a SUP paddle is weight. While blade shape and construction affect performance, a lightweight SUP paddle reduces fatigue so an angler can paddle farther with less energy. Swinging long paddle from a standing position puts a SUP paddler at a disadvantage.
By the time an angler piles on tackle, rods, reels, drinks and snacks, the board will be loaded to capacity and the paddle will be working overtime. Aqua-Bound’s new Challenge SUP paddle, $189.95, cuts ounces with a carbon shaft and carbon reinforced blade. Even if the paddle is a featherweight, it’s 100-cm-wide blade pulls like a bruiser. Most of all, I like the adjustable, two-piece shaft. I can jump from one SUP to another without changing paddles. At the end of the day, the paddle shaft collapses and fits in the back of the car.
I’m new to SUP fishing and one thing I learned quickly is the importance of a great paddle. When the wind and current turn against me, it takes a high-quality paddle to pull an angler and his gear through the rough stuff. I wanted a paddle that I could beat up without the paddle beating me up.
The Challenge was a perfect choice. A carbon fiber shaft is light and stiff so every ounce of energy put into the paddle comes out on the water. The fiberglass paddleblade is tough enough to stick into oyster bars and rock piles without breaking or scratching. The adjustable shaft length lets me store the paddle in my trunk. I can also adjust the length when I move from one board to another or lend the paddle to other paddlers.
For more information about Aqua-Bound, or their Challenge SUP paddle, check out their website, aquabound.com.
