Why use wood?
When deciding on the right choice of paddle, you may ask yourself "why use wood?" Fortunately, the geniuses we employ at our think tank here at Big Tree Paddle Co. have some answers...
Flexibility- Wood SUP paddles have more shaft flexibility than carbon fiber shafts. A flexible shaft is better for your shoulders and other joints therefore extending the amount of time you spend on the water.
Flotation- No matter how big the surf or how rough the water gets, a wood paddle will always surface if dropped which is good if you get worked on a big wave. Because of the light color of wood, it is also easier to spot in the water. Because there is so much emphasis on making carbon fiber paddles as light as possible, they can be fragile and the shafts can crack and fill with water making it difficult to surface if dropped. Also, most carbon fiber paddles are dark in color making them difficult to locate in the water.
Durability- As stated above, because of the emphasis on making the carbon fiber paddles as light as possible, they can be quite fragile and break. Wood paddles are typically more robust and can withstand more wear and tear. Also, if a wood paddle is ever damaged, it can be refinished with minimal effort to look brand new again.
Comfort- The grips on our custom paddles directly relate to the size of the individual paddle; the longer the paddle, the bigger the grip. This offers a higher level of comfort then the one-size-fits-all T-grips that come on most carbon fiber paddles. More comfort = less hand fatigue= longer paddle sessions. In addition, wood paddles have a certain "warmth" to them and keep your hands from getting as cold for those of you that paddle in cold conditions...
Oval Shafts- Our shafts are constructed with an oval shape with the points of the ellipses running perpendicular to the blade. This allows for a better ergonomic fit for your hand resulting in a more comfortable and stronger grip.
Finally, wood paddles feel alive, not dead. It is something that cannot be described but only experienced by using one. You can "feel" the water; they have soul.
Plus they look bitchin....
Flexibility- Wood SUP paddles have more shaft flexibility than carbon fiber shafts. A flexible shaft is better for your shoulders and other joints therefore extending the amount of time you spend on the water.
Flotation- No matter how big the surf or how rough the water gets, a wood paddle will always surface if dropped which is good if you get worked on a big wave. Because of the light color of wood, it is also easier to spot in the water. Because there is so much emphasis on making carbon fiber paddles as light as possible, they can be fragile and the shafts can crack and fill with water making it difficult to surface if dropped. Also, most carbon fiber paddles are dark in color making them difficult to locate in the water.
Durability- As stated above, because of the emphasis on making the carbon fiber paddles as light as possible, they can be quite fragile and break. Wood paddles are typically more robust and can withstand more wear and tear. Also, if a wood paddle is ever damaged, it can be refinished with minimal effort to look brand new again.
Comfort- The grips on our custom paddles directly relate to the size of the individual paddle; the longer the paddle, the bigger the grip. This offers a higher level of comfort then the one-size-fits-all T-grips that come on most carbon fiber paddles. More comfort = less hand fatigue= longer paddle sessions. In addition, wood paddles have a certain "warmth" to them and keep your hands from getting as cold for those of you that paddle in cold conditions...
Oval Shafts- Our shafts are constructed with an oval shape with the points of the ellipses running perpendicular to the blade. This allows for a better ergonomic fit for your hand resulting in a more comfortable and stronger grip.
Finally, wood paddles feel alive, not dead. It is something that cannot be described but only experienced by using one. You can "feel" the water; they have soul.
Plus they look bitchin....