Do I need a Carbon Fiber Paddle?
This is going to be a short post. If you are serious about paddling, the answer is a resounding yes. The key is to first understand what ‘serious’ means to you. So let’s dive in…
Setting the Bar
First, let’s try to find the line between those who might need a carbon paddle and those who don’t. Essentially, if you want to maximize your performance, have an easier experience, use paddling for exercise vs. recreation, travel any distance, or simply want optimal performance, carbon paddles are well worth the investment. If you’re just poking around the cove or a lake, don’t paddle too often, are simply paddling for recreation, you can probably live with the fiberglass or hybrid version that came with your board.
Performance Isses
So why is a carbon fiber paddle so much better. There are a few factors that make a compelling case. First is weight. Carbon is lighter than fiberglass and plastic. Since you’re holding and swinging your paddle for hours at a time, the weight is a factor and will reduce fatigue on your arms with a lighter model. Perhaps the most important factor is rigidity. The more rigid your paddle is, the more effective it is in transferring energy from your core to the water. A paddle that has flex or bends at all, will be less efficient, directing unnecessary energy into the flex.
Other factors include durability and thermo-expansion. Carbon will not be affected by weather, so therefore will not expand and contract, which can shorten the life of fiberglass. Though, since fiberglass is more flexible, it is less brittle and may be slightly less breakable under extreme circumstances.
Try it for YourselfThe difference between carbon fiber paddles and fiberglass is significant enough that you will feel the difference immediately. This is not one of those diminishing returns investments. If I somehow wind up without my carbon fiber paddle, I get antsy and want mine back asap.
Next time you’re at the shop, ask to see the options side by side. Hold it, bend it, take it out for a paddle. If there one investment we recommend after buying and settling in to your amazing new paddle board, it’s a carbon fiber paddle.
Come by the shop any time to check out the options. We have NIXY, Surftech (pictured above), Oru, Red, and Atoll carbon paddles.