What are the differences between a carbon and aluminum paddle board?

The Paddle or stand up paddle (SUP) is a discipline that has developed strongly over the last 10 years. This sport has its origins in Polynesian culture. It has grown strongly around the world with its versatility as well as its ease of learning.

Inflatable paddle boards have played a major role in its development thanks to its practicality and ease of transport. In addition, with the arrival of foils and their development on the market, this sport has greatly evolved in its different variations: SUP foil, downwind foil…

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started in the discipline or you’re a more experienced rider looking to improve your technique and performance, the choice of equipment, especially the paddle, can make all the difference. In this article, we will help you to equip yourself for paddle and downwind foil. We’ll explore paddle boarding and its performance by looking at carbon and aluminum paddles to help you make the best choice.

Carbon Paddle vs Aluminum Paddle

For the choice of paddle, there are two more common options, the aluminum paddle or the carbon paddle. They come in 2 or 3 parts. It’s up to you to choose the best option for you.

1. The Aluminum Paddle Paddle

As for the aluminum paddle, which is the most common and cheap. It may be heavier, but its strength won’t disappoint. Perfectly suited to occasional walking use, it will accompany you in all your sessions. In addition, its plastic blade requires less attention to detail on a daily basis and will be more resistant to everyday impacts.

Available in two or three parts, it will be perfect for family use, it will also be suitable for children. Indeed, we have Aluminum children’s paddles that are smaller, stronger and sturdy.

Adjustable and adaptable to all sizes, it will suit you and your friends very well. The three-piece paddle is a little less rigid than the two-piece paddle but can be stored directly in the carrying bag of your inflatable paddle and therefore you can combine pleasure and practicality without having to have the trunk full of equipment.

2. Carbon Paddle Paddle

The carbon paddle is the more efficient of the two. Available in one, two or three parts. They are light, nervous… This will allow you to perform at your best in every session. This nervousness will give you more efficiency and efficiency with each stroke of the oar. You’ll be able to cover more distance with less effort.

Available in 50% or 100% carbon, Sroka carbon paddles will accompany you every time you go into the water.

The 2 and three part paddles will allow you to test different lengths and find your ideal length as well as to be able to modify the length according to the activity: walking, surfing, racing… and also to be able to relieve certain muscles.

Indeed, in surfing, the paddle should be shorter, in walking, you can lengthen the paddle a little. In the sup foil, you will have to lengthen it a little more. A longer paddle will relieve your lower back and a shorter paddle your shoulders and thus allow you to enjoy your sessions longer in comfort.

As for the 1-part paddle, it will be recommended to the experienced rider, offering you rigidity, nervousness, reactivity, it will transmit the best of your performance. Adjustable to the millimetre, get ready to perform in the field.

Is there another option between carbon paddle and aluminum paddle?

Yes, there is still a third choice: a Mixed paddle. The shaft is made of 50% carbon and the blade is made of carbon-reinforced plastic. This makes it possible to combine solidity, nervousness of the handle and have a product with an excellent value for money. This type of paddle is perfectly suited for inflatable paddle boards.

In short

In summary, the choice of paddle can make a big difference to your experience. It is important to keep in mind the advantages and disadvantages of each paddle and to choose the paddle that best suits what you are looking for and your use.

The aluminium paddle: