Description of the innovation:

Aqua Bound & Bending Branches’ revolutionary Patent-Pending Lam-Lok™  technology is unlike any other blade protection available in the industry and represents a major leap forward in innovation. Using a specialized sewing machine, we stitch over 5 meters of aramid thread into composite blades. Whereas other paddle technologies utilize a resin-based edge protection, this unique sewing process mechanically bonds the laminated layers of the blade together, which in turn extends the life of the blades by resisting impact, abrasion and delamination. Our in-house testing – and the feedback and results from paddlers using the technology in the community – have revealed Lam-Lok™ to be a minimum of 5x more effective at fighting delamination and resisting abrasion than other paddles currently on the market.

Ultimately, the inclusion of Lam-Lok™ means the surface area of the blades – and therefore the paddle itself – is maintained for much longer. When a paddle lasts longer, replacements are less frequent and less fiberglass, carbon fiber and other materials find their way to a landfill. Additionally, when paddles wear down, the fiberglass and carbon microfibers flake off and do not go home with you – they are left in the water. Minimizing the microfilaments that wear off blades also lessens the impact on marine environments. 

Lam-Lok™ is currently available on Aqua Bound’s Aerial, Tetra, Whiskey, Tango and Malta paddles and on Bending Branches’ Angler Pro and Horizon paddles. Our goal is to incorporate the technology into every composite paddle we manufacture.