Malta Fiberglass SUP Paddle

The Aqua Bound Malta is a proper stand-up paddle rather than the aluminium stick that comes bundled with a board. At 20 ounces on a carbon shaft it is light enough that an hour on the water stops being a shoulder workout.

The 10-Degree Bend Is the Point

The shaft has a 10° bend just above the blade. That angle keeps the blade vertical for longer through the power phase of the stroke, so more of each stroke pushes you forward instead of lifting water at the end of it. Once you have used one, a straight-shaft SUP paddle feels like it is finishing early.

Adjustable, Not Fixed

Ours is the two-piece, adjustable from 76 to 86 inches. That matters if more than one person uses the board, or if you paddle both kneeling and standing — and it comes apart for the car. A fixed one-piece is a couple of ounces lighter and a little stiffer, and it is the right answer only when the board has exactly one paddler.

Aqua Bound Malta Details

• Blade: compression-moulded fiberglass, 87 sq in (561 sq cm), 7.125" x 16.25"

• Shaft: 100% carbon with a 10° bend

• Contoured carbon palm grip

• 20 oz (567 g)

• Adjustable 76–86"

• 2 year manufacturing warranty

We have one, in Berry. Height sizing for a SUP paddle is different from a kayak paddle — bring yourself to our Clearwater shop and we will set it where it should be rather than guessing from a chart.