prototypes arrive , it ’ s like Christmas morning , but instead of unwrapping presents , we ’ re unwrapping potential . Testing is rigorous , and we dive in first because who wouldn ’ t want to test-drive their creation ? If the design holds up with our partners and us , it ’ s just a few tweaks here and there , like adjusting a bow tie before the big dance . But if it ’ s back to the drawing board , we embrace it with the zeal of a mad scientist on the brink of discovery .
This relentless pursuit of perfection means that when you finally stand atop a McConks SUP board , you ’ re not just paddling ; you ’ re riding a wave of passion , precision , and a little bit of that initial coffee-stained sketch . So , when you think about what ’ s important to McConks in the design process , it ’ s the laughter in the brainstorming room , the eureka moments in the testing phase , and the satisfaction of a product that doesn ’ t just float ; it practically dances on the water .
What motivated you to combine manufacture with sustainability ? Simply , we had a deep-seated belief that the best way to enjoy nature is to protect it . With a background in environmental campaigning and consultancy , we wanted to steer our SUP business towards a greener horizon . We didn ’ t just want to make waves ; we wanted to make a difference . So , we crafted boards that are not only industryleading in performance but also built on principles of sustainability .
There ’ s so much BS out there , and as environmental scientists , we can see how
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easy it is to be hoodwinked by shady marketing . In simple terms , it matters less about what the board is made of ; it matters how long it lasts . Even if there was a wonder plastic made of zero carbon seaweed that could create a paddleboard that lasted 12 months before reaching the end of life , that would almost certainly be less environmentally efficient than the materials we currently use – which will last the five year warranty . As environmental scientists , this is important to us . We are constantly trying to find ways to make iSUP more sustainable , and there are some really exciting opportunities . But , ultimately , longevity is the best guide to sustainability right now .
Our boards are more sustainable because they ’ re built with a conscience that is as sturdy as their construction . We ’ ve taken a stand against the throwaway culture , polluting our oceans and cluttering our coasts . We ’ ve infused every board with the spirit of conservation , ensuring that each paddle stroke is a step towards a cleaner planet . By focusing on what people truly need rather than convincing them they need more , we keep our corporate carbon footprint as light as the foam on a sea wave .
We ’ ve also set up the GoInspire Foundation , which isn ’ t just about giving back ; it ’ s about propelling forward . This foundation isn ’ t just floating ideas ; it ’ s launching initiatives that bring the joy and benefits of paddleboarding to those who might not otherwise have the chance to dip their toes into the water . It ’ s about making sure that the ripples of those efforts reach far and wide , touching the lives of disadvantaged young adults and differently-abled individuals and giving them a board to ride the waves of opportunity .
What are the hidden extra details in a McConks board ? Whilst the board ’ s shape , weight and stiffness are all important , the little extras make all the difference . From the triple layer adhered handles , each rated for 75kg and positioned in just the right place , to the marine grade stainless steel d-rings , super strong so you can haul your board up from wherever it ends up . Or the high-density EVA deck pad that is guaranteed never to lift or get air bubbles for the five-year board warranty , or the quick clip removable super strong double bungee storage system , every board is designed to be within an inch of its life , with every single fixture and fitting being carefully thought out . And then there ’ s the bag . We ’ ve lost times when partners and customers have told us that our bag is the best on the market .
It ’ s not just about getting from point A to point B ; it ’ s about the stories you ’ ll tell , the dragons you ’ ll slay ( figuratively , of course ), and the sunsets that will take your breath away , leaving you speechless and possibly a little sunburnt . So , next time you unroll your McConks board , remember , it ’ s more than just a board ; it ’ s a companion for the high seas and the calm canals , a vessel for your dreams and your weekend jaunts .
How do you maintain consistency and quality in your boards ? Specifying the best materials , processes , and procedures isn ’ t enough in Chinese manufacturing . China is capable of the absolute highest quality manufacturing and some of the worst . And with the wrong factory , it ’ s possible that important steps are skipped or materials are substituted , meaning that your perfectly designed and specified board is quite different from the one delivered to the customer . Many brands fell foul of that during lockdown , with some major recalls and some brands going out of business due to manufacturing substitutions and a rush to make boards as quickly as possible .
We have been working with the same factory in 2016 . They were one of the best manufacturers when we started using them , and now we ’ re pretty sure they are the best . Over the last six or seven years , we ’ ve helped them improve their processes and procedures from very good to exceptional . They employ an external QA , and we employ another external QA , so all our boards go through multiple checks before being packaged up . Often , it ’ s the simple things that other factories get wrong . Some massproduced boards are inflated to check for leaks before being rolled up and packed . Ours aren ’ t just inflated ; they ’ re inflated to 18PSI and left for 72 hours before being pressure checked , before being rolled in brown paper and then packaged .