Paddling Education

Whitewater Expert on the Aerial Paddle
When we took on the challenge of developing a brand new high-end whitewater kayak paddle in 2023, one of the experts we called on for input was Jonny Ortiz.
Aerial Whitewater Paddle Wins 2024 Best Paddle Award
Aqua Bound’s Aerial Carbon whitewater kayak paddle is announced as winner of Best Paddle in Paddling Magazine’s 2024 Industry Awards
[When] Should You Upgrade from a Sting Ray to a Tango?
Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray and Tango kayak paddles are both designed for low-angle kayakers who love long days on the water with a relaxed style. Should you upgrade from Sting Ray to Tango? When?
Sting Ray Carbon Wins 2023 Best Paddle
We’re excited to announce that Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray Carbon kayak paddle has won Paddling Magazine’s award for 2023 Best Paddle!
My 4-Piece Kayak Paddle is My New Favorite Travel Buddy
Aqua Bound Ambassador Charles Bauer loves to kayak in new places both in the US and abroad. He’s found his Tango 4-piece paddle to be his favorite traveling companion…
Aqua Bound’s Updated Ray Series Reviewed
Paddle TV’s Ken Whiting has been using Aqua Bound kayak paddles for 25 years. Here he shares his thoughts on the updates we’ve made to our best-selling Sting Ray and Manta Ray paddles.
Aqua Bound’s Eagle Ray vs. Sting Ray Kayak Paddles
Our Ray family of kayak paddles are super popular, and for good reason. Here we compare the Eagle Ray series with the Sting Ray series…
Aqua Bound's Posi-Lok™ Ferrule System
A ferrule system is the mechanism that connects the two halves of a kayak paddle together in the center. Aqua Bound’s Posi-Lok ferrule system makes it super easy to connect, disconnect and change feathering angles.
The Versa-Lok™ Ferrule System = Easy Versatility
Aqua Bounds' Versa-LokTM adjustable ferrule system offers you the ultimate in kayak paddle versatility and usability. Whether you’re a recreational flatwater paddler, a seasoned touring kayaking, an avid packrafter—you’ll love this durable and easy-to-use ferrule.
Aqua Bound's Ray Kayak Paddle Series FAQ
Durable, lightweight and affordable—the Ray Series kayak paddles by Aqua Bound represent some of the best values in the industry. We compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions on this series to help you decide what options are best for you.
Choosing a Ray Series Kayak Paddle from Aqua Bound

Choosing the right paddle doesn't have to be difficult. As paddle experts, we're here to help! Take a look at some product features to consider when choosing what Ray Series paddle fits your needs.

Aqua Bound’s Quality Assurance Process
Here at Aqua Bound our top priority is to be sure every kayak, stand-up or canoe paddle we sell is of the highest quality. That includes three main factors: cosmetic appeal, light weight and durability.
Kayak Paddles: High-Angle vs. Low-Angle
If you’re new to kayaking, you might think “a paddle is a paddle.” But before long you’ll learn there’s a big difference in the types of paddles available. One of the major differences is in choosing between a high-angle and a low-angle blade shape.
The Benefit of High-Visibility Kayak Blades
As a kayaker, you’re one of the smallest boats on the water, especially in big water. One of the best ways to be seen by other boaters is to use a kayak paddle with high-visibility blades along with bright-colored clothing and gear.
Ray Series FAQ
Durable, lightweight and affordable—the Ray Series kayak paddles by Aqua-Bound represent some of the best values in the industry. We compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions on our Ray Series paddles to help you decide what options are best for you.
Aqua Bound’s Manta Ray vs. Whiskey Kayak Paddles
Our Manta Ray and Whiskey kayak paddles are both high-angle paddles designed for power and speed. Let’s compare the two models to see how they’re different…
Bent vs. Straight Shaft Kayak Paddles

A common question we get as we’re helping people find the right paddle for them is: What’s the difference between straight shaft and bent shaft kayak paddles? Why should you choose one over the other? We’re going to help solve this dilemma for you…
Aqua Bound’s Sting Ray vs. Tango Kayak Paddles
Our Sting Ray and Tango kayak paddles are both designed for low-angle paddling, making it easy for you to spend long days on the water without fatigue or soreness.

Here we explore how they’re similar and, especially, how they’re different, so you can make your best paddle purchase decision…
Comparing the Sting Ray vs. Manta Ray Kayak Paddles
Aqua-Bound’s Ray series of kayak paddles has been our best-selling line for many years now. There are several options within this series, so here we compare the Sting Ray to the Manta Ray so you know which is right for you.
Aqua Bound’s Posi-Lok™ vs. Snap-Button Ferrule Systems
At Aqua-Bound we use three different ferrule systems for our Sting Ray and Manta Ray kayak paddles: the snap-button ferrule for our fiberglass shafts, and the Posi-Lok and Versa-Lok ferrules for our carbon shafts. Here, we’ll focus on comparing the Posi-Lok with the snap-button ferrule.
Aqua Bound’s Ray Series: Hybrid vs. Carbon Paddles
Many customers have asked us the difference between the Hybrid and Carbon models in our Ray series of kayak paddles. Here’s the low-down…