Aqua-Bound Introduces The Malta Stand Up Paddle

OSCEOLA, Wisconsin – Aqua-Bound has introduced a new paddle this month, the Malta SUP paddle. This marks the company’s first investment into high-end, composite stand-up paddles. The Malta is designed to be a top-of-the-line choice for paddlers who appreciate lightweight performance in a paddle.

According to Aqua-Bound Sales Manager, Jake Wisse, the company’s goal was to offer high-performance SUP paddles that attract the experienced paddle boarder. He explains, “We wanted to round out our injection-molded plastic SUP family and offer paddle boarding enthusiasts a premium paddle that looks good on the water and delivers the performance they need.” The plan from the beginning was to offer a good-better-best family of paddles to simplify the buying process for dealers and consumers, and tell one simple brand message.

With the paddle boarding enthusiast in mind, Aqua-Bound conducted extensive market research to define the final paddle design. According to Andrew Stern, Marketing Supervisor for Aqua-Bound, consumers dictated the blade patterns on the Malta Fiberglass models. “We surveyed 175 paddle boarders, predominantly women, on 40 blade patterns and let them nail down their favorite patterns.” He goes on to say, “It’s a very straightforward process. We remove the many opinions our staff can have by letting the end-user decide our product’s look. This has proven to be a successful formula for us.” The end result is three fiberglass blade patterns: Sunwave, Berry, and Limeade (see below) – the carbon paddle is, of course, black.

Unlike other performance SUP paddles on the market, the blueprint for the Malta is aimed to offer the smoothest forward stroke in stand-up paddling. The 87 square inch blade is designed and tested to produce a flutter-less forward stroke. The shaft, grip, and ferrule are all 100 percent carbon fiber. This results in some of the lowest overall weights in SUP paddles. The Malta Carbon weighs in at 18 oz for the 2pc model and 16.5 oz for the 1pc model, with the Malta Fiberglass weighing in at 20 oz for the 2pc model and 18.5 oz for the 1pc model.

As the flagship models in the family, here are the specs for the Malta Carbon and Fiberglass:

Malta Carbon –

• Grip: Contoured palm grip. 100% carbon.
• Shaft: 100% carbon with 10° bend.
• Blade: Compression molded carbon.
• Blade size: 7.125” x 18.25” 87 sq. in. (561 sq. cm.)
• Weight: 18 oz (2pc). 16.5 oz (1pc).

Malta Fiberglass –

• Grip: Contoured palm grip. 100% carbon.
• Shaft: 100% carbon with 10° bend.
• Blade: Compression molded fiberglass.
• Blade Patterns: Sunwave, Berry, and Limeade.
• Blade size: 7.125” x 18.25” 87 sq. in. (561 sq. cm.)
• Weight: 20 oz (2pc). 18.5 oz (1pc).

Lengths Available –

• 2 pc: 64-74”, 70-80”, and 76-86”
• 1 pc: 70-86” (2” increments)
• Uncut: 86”

According to NPD market data, stand-up paddling continues to be one of the fastest growing sports in North America, particularly within the inland states. Early indications are that there is strong dealer and consumer receptiveness of the Malta’s design, construction, and look.

For more information on the Malta SUP paddle or any of the Aqua-Bound paddles, call (715) 755-3405, visit aquabound.com, email sales@aquabound.com, or write to 812 Prospect Court, Osceola, WI 54020-8163.