Stand Up paddle boarding is one of the most popular water sports nowadays. Since its rise to popularity, the demand for paddle boards became higher and more sought after.
If someone is interested and had decided to take SUP paddle boarding as a sport, where to buy SUP paddle boards is one of the frequently asked question.
Here are the best places to buy paddle boards.
At the end of the day, I will let you decide on which you think is really the best place for YOU!
1. Online
The internet offers a lot of site that specializes in online shopping. The popular and reliable ones are:
Amazon,
Wayfair,
Walmart,
Sam’s Club,
Costco, and
Ebay. Let’s see the good points and disadvantages in online shopping.
Pros:
• It’s convenient
• It will be delivered right on your doorstep
• They have a lot of brands and models to choose from
• You can compare prices
• You are not pressured to buy
• More control on your purchases
• They can have better and lower prices
• You can buy a second-hand one
Cons:
• You didn’t actually see what you’re purchasing
• Might encounter shipping problems or delays
• Parts or package might be incomplete
• In case of return and exchange, you need to wait
• You didn’t get to inspect or get a feel of what you’re buying
• Someone needs to receive it and check it.
If you decided to buy online, here are some reminders:
- Check your package at once. Shipments are sometimes handled carelessly. Your board might be damaged, cracked, scratched, or worst broken into pieces.
- Check everything before the delivery leaves so you can receive it or need to return it or to have it fixed.
- If parts are missing you have to ask for a replacement or for a complete delivery of everything.
If you plan to buy for a used SUP paddle board, here’s a tip:
- See the condition of the board. It might already have too much exposure from the sun that it is already delaminated. Check for cracks, damages, dings on rail. Ask if it’s repairable. Water has a way to enter the boards if there are cracks. As for the inflatable, check the overall condition before buying. Check for holes and damages too. Have it inflated and deflated to observe for any abnormalities. Just like buying a used car, you should take the used paddle board for a spin before buying it.
2. Sporting Stores
A sporting stores sells almost everything for all your sporting needs. They have surf boards and SUP paddle boards.
Pros:
• You get to see the board.
• The board can be inspected
• They might have promotional sales for discounted prices
• The sales people might only know the basics of paddle boarding
Cons:
• They have limited brands
• There might be fewer selection
• If the sales person is not very helpful
3. Manufacturer’s website
The most established brands and that had been for a long time manufacturing SUP paddle boards have their own websites. You can order directly from them.
Pros:
• Direct buying purchases has reduced prices
• They can assist you with their specific product
Cons:
• Your selection will be only limited to their brand
4. Discount / Warehouse Stores
There are a lot of discount and warehouse stores everywhere. They sell almost everything imaginable. That includes Sports gadgets, equipment, and accessories. There are SUP paddle boards too.
Pros:
• They sell it cheaper
• Good for the budget
• There are models available
• They provide excess merchandise, and make goods available to more people
Cons:
• They might not have what you need or like
• Quality might be less
• It might be older stocks
5. Local SUP store
Just like going to a sporting goods store, your SUP local store is also a physical store you can walk in anytime. The difference is, it’s a specialty store. They specialize and sell only SUP paddle boards and accessories. Everything you need to go paddle boarding they have it.
Pros:
• There’s a lot of floor displays you can choose from
• They can carry all or most of the SUP brands
• After choosing, you can unpack and check it at the store itself
• Sales people in the SUP local store, knows by heart what they sell
• They could recommend the different boards they have
• Help you match with a board that will suit your needs
There are many help and services that your local sup shop could offer:
• They can teach your way around the paddle boards
• Can teach you how to install the fins
• Teach you how to attach and use your leash
• Showing you how to properly handle and secure your hard board
• Show you how to inflate and deflate if it’s an inflatable paddle board
• Briefing and guiding you about your choices in boards, paddles, and safety gear
• Shops offer board and paddle demos so you can try before you buy
• They can offer, suggest or provide paddle boarding lessons
• Recommend paddle boarding sites, tours or destinations
• Sup shops have a network that fosters paddle boarding education, lessons, tours, group paddles, and get-togethers
• These local shops constantly give their support and help in SUP paddle boarding
• They can help you broaden your horizon in paddle boarding
Cons:
• The only con could be if you go to a local SUP store that has bad customer service.
In the end, you will be the ultimate judge to where you would buy your SUP paddle board. If you are keen and serious in pursuing this sport, it would be advisable to invest in it. The prices and the quality of each board varies and is distinct from one another. A lot of times, higher quality boards equates to spending more. Take a closer look for that perfect paddle board for you.
Research and compare the prices, features, and reviews. Ask from people in the know about SUP paddle boarding. These steps will greatly help you in your quest for what will serve your goals in paddle boarding.
Finally, choose the best place to buy a paddle board. Be the master of yourself and choose what’s best for YOU!