Surftech’s Bark Aleka Named Outside Mag’s Gear of the Year

CARLSBAD, California - San Diego based brands, Surftech and prAna, together have created the ultimate line of women’s-specific standup paddle boards (SUPs), paddles, and accessories. With prAna’s outdoor experience and Surftech bringing the art of technology, the brands are ecstatic to be recognized by Outside Magazine for the 2018 Gear of the Year award. The paddle sports community is buzzing around these boards and the amazing design features, construction, and groundbreaking sustainable features.

The product line launched with 3 composite SUPs (Aleka), 2 Inflatable SUPs (Alta), 2 adjustable carbon paddles, and 3 coil leashes. All products feature either the Marrakesh or Desert Geo prints from the prAna spring / summer 2018 swim collection. They carry the Sustainable Surf’s “ECOBOARD” validation for the use of alternative materials, bio resins, and Bloom Algae-based deck pads.

"Surftech’s Aleka takes home our Gear of the Year award for one deceptively simple reason: in nearly all conditions, it shone. Designed for SUPers focused on fitness, it’s lightweight, it’s durable, and it held its own on distance outings, through choppy short trips, and in small waves off the Northern California coast. The Aleka was shaped by legendary board designer Joe Bark and built with Surftech’s combination of interior foam and exterior fiberglass and bamboo layers. With a 29-inch waist, it’s not as stable as some river-focused boards or the multi-person designs we tested, but it achieved a near perfect balance of steadiness, glide, and responsiveness. It doesn’t hurt that it’s poppy and fun to paddle. In surf at the mouth of the Eel River on California’s wild north coast, the Aleka accelerated quickly and caught waves with ease. Rocker in the nose helped avoid pearling in steep shore break, and the board was quick to maneuver. It’s on the lighter side (23.5 pounds) for a rigid 11-footer, and that adds to the nimble feeling. Though the deck pad doesn’t reach the nose (sorry, no hanging ten), there’s enough coverage for the necessary footwork. Surftech uses bio-based epoxy and algae based foam in the pad, and the smooth texture is comfy on bare feet. Overall, the build and aesthetic remind us that SUP design is very much about the little things."- Outside Magazine

See our review of the Surftech Aleka HERE.

About Surftech

Shaping the Art of Technology: SURFTECH was founded in 1989 in a quest to find and utilize new technologies that would bring game improvement to surfers of all abilities everywhere. We build boards for many of the best and most popular surfboard brands on the planet and we were the first to do it! Today we continue to employ the most advanced materials and manufacturing techniques available. We continue to push every boundary utilized in manufacturing, while also attaining a high level of sustainability. We build what others can only dream of doing. Visit us at www.surftech.com for additional information.

About prAna

prAna clothing and gear is made with intention: every detail from trim and fabric to hangtags is carefully designed to enhance all of our lives today while still considering the needs of tomorrow. For more than 22 years, this vision has been at the root of prAna’s relationships with customers and retailers. prAna clothing is designed in Southern California with style and versatility in mind. prAna is deeply committed to mitigating the impact they have on the environment in manufacturing and selling its clothing and that all products are made in safe and fair working conditions. prAna is sold in seven flagship stores, online at prana.com, and in 1,400 specialty retailers across the US, Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. prAna is one of the portfolio brands of Columbia Sportswear Company.

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