Surftech Aleka
- Written by Staff
- Published in Reviews
- Comments::DISQUS_COMMENTS
Overview:
Paddle Board Highlights
Who is it for?
If you’re looking for a board that is designed for women that is a stable, all around board to paddle short to mid-range distances then the Surftech Aleka is something to consider. This standup paddle board (SUP) retails starting at $1,349 and is offered in two different sizes: 10’4” and 11’2”. The Aleka uses Surftech’s Tuflite V-tech construction which makes the board strong and durable. At 29 and 30 inches wide the board is pretty stable and easy to carry, weighing just over 22 lbs. The Aleka is a hybrid all around / touring shape so it can be used in a wide variety of conditions whether you’re looking to go for a quick paddle around the shoreline, catch a few waves, or go on a mid-range paddle the Aleka was designed to do it all.
First Impressions
Surftech and prAna have gone 3 for 3 with the Aleka. The third rendition is once again stunning, earning an A-grade for the 3rd consecutive year. The board comes in two sizes with each size having a different set of graphics, both equally stunning. If you’re concerned about floatation you’ll definitely want to get the larger one. The bigger size will float you better. It’s a fairly lightweight board to carry, which is great for the women’s market and in terms of graphics it has beautiful color coordination with the paddle and the leash so it’s just an all around gorgeous package. The board is pretty stable with an incredibly comfortable deck pad which as a bonus is eco-friendly and like none-other. The bungee cords are a nice addition that allow for you to bring some extra gear and the extra handles are a nice addition that help with transportation. The Aleka is truly a beautiful all around board that makes a statement as you hit the water. If you want to make a fashion statement and have a nice board that is touring with a touch of all around to it, than this is the board to get.
Benefits
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Primary Use
All-Around UsePaddle Boards fall into two broad categories, All-Around and Specialty boards, with all-around designed primarily for recreation while speciality boards for top performance in specific disciplines
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Durability
DurableDurability is largely a result of the board construction and shape, with more durable boards typically carrying more materials (added layers, PVC, etc) and as such adding to the weight.
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Stability
StableStability is a product of construction and shape, where boards w/ 30”+ wide and 200+ liters in volume offer plenty of stability for your AVG adult while a board under 26” wide is a challenge.
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Glide
AverageGlide is a result of board shape and construction, w/ boards weighing under 30lbs and designed for racing offering best glide while recreational boards normally being on the slow side.
Learn more on the Surftech website.
Features
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Dimensions
11'2" x 29" x 4.8"Industry standard in board dimensions reads: L (length, from nose to tail) x W (width, from rail to rail at midpoint length), and H (height, from top to bottom of board at midpoint length).
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Weight
22.11lbsStandup paddle boards tend to fall into 4 different weight classes: extremely lightweight (under 20 lbs), lightweight (20-28 lbs), average weight (28-35 lbs), heavy (above 35 lbs).
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Volume
181 LVolume is a key metric to determine how much weight a board can carry. Boards w/ 200+ liters offer most floatation with boards under 150 liters typically for high-performance surf.
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Capacity
UnknownCapacity is the max cargo weight a stand up paddle board can carry, considering not only the paddler’s weight but whatever else the paddler may choose to carry alongside him/her.
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Add On's
BungeeAdd-on’s include bungee cords, a minimalist way to haul things; Connexsup, which allows for all sorts of attachments, even fishing rods; and FCS II/Connect, for easy fin install.
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Handle
Ergo WellHandles directly affect carrying ease, with external grip handles (Liftsup & EZgrab) offering most comfort, Internal Ergo Grip the mid-tier comfort, and box handles as least comfortable.
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Holders
NoFishing rod holders and/or paddle holders can make paddling that much more pleasant, esp. when needing holders for the rod or having a safe place for the paddle during yoga.
Sizes Available
Length | Width | Thickness | Volume |
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10 Feet 4 Inches | 30 Inches | 4.5 Inches | 165 L |
11 Feet 2 Inches | 29 Inches | 4.8 Inches | 181 L |
Previous Versions: 2019
In the second generation collaboration with Prana, the Aleka boards from Surftech once again have stunning graphics and stand out against other boards on the market. In fact, the women can’t control themselves raving about it. That’s enough to earn an A-grade for the 2nd year. The board does come in two sizes with each size having a different set of graphics, both equally stunning. If you’re concerned about floatation you’ll definitely want to get the larger one. The bigger size will float you better. It’s a fairly lightweight board to carry, which is great for the women’s market and in terms of graphics it has beautiful color coordination with the paddle and the leash so it’s just an all around gorgeous package. The board is pretty stable with an incredibly comfortable deck pad which as a bonus is eco-friendly and like none-other. The bungee cords are a nice addition that allow for you to bring some extra gear and the extra handles are a nice addition that help with transportation. The Aleka is truly a beautiful all around board that makes a statement as you hit the water. If you want to make a fashion statement and have a nice board that is touring with a touch of all around to it, than this is the board to get.
Previous Versions: 2018
Similar Products
For more detailed reviews and to look at similar models, visit Supconnect.com. If you like this review, give us the thumbs up. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments. And make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss the latest news and reviews from Supconnect.