editor’s note
Consolidation
Over the last few months I’ve heard a number of comments
regarding SUP’s growth from industry insiders and where
we’re at now. Often labelled as ‘the fastest growing
watersport’ stand up paddling has seen rapid expanse since
its inception.
Those who are aware will appreciate that standing and paddling a
craft isn’t new by any means. Ancient peoples were doing this sort
of thing long before us. But in its current form SUP is indeed still
young. As with anything, however, things would (at some point)
slow down (as far as sales of kit goes). And here we are. There’s still
as much interest in stand up paddling, and SUP ain’t going
nowhere, but from an industry point of view SUP is in a state of
consolidation.
Established brands who laid solid foundations at the start will
continue to evolve and stride forwards. Those fly by nights looking
to make a fast buck may find things harder and therefore not
stand the test of time – especially within the ever popular
inflatable market.
So where does that put you the consumer? In theory higher
quality products should become widely available with less chance
of duff purchases being made. If there are less rubbish brands out
there then this makes sense. The downside is that 200 quid
inflatable option might disappear. Although the term ‘downside’ is
only perception. You may end paying slightly more for your float
toy but ultimately you’ll be getting something of higher spec with
more performance that’ll increase your enjoyment levels no end.
SUP surfing
Another area of interest is the niche within the niche of SUP
surfing. Rewind ten years or so and thoughts were that paddlers
would explode the line ups around the globe and wave sliding with
‘stick’ in hand would dominate – for better or worse. This simply
hasn’t been the case, for various reasons.
One such opinion is that surf SUPs were pushed too performance
(read small and technical) too quick. Whilst the best of the best
demand this type of sled most of us could (and do) achieve all we
desire in waves with something that doesn’t require the balance of
a gymnast. Recently we’ve seen a shift back towards ‘bigger’
(sometimes wider, possibly longer and more voluminous) surf SUP
boards that are more user friendly. In a lot of cases you can use
these platforms for flat water cruising as well, thereby increasing
the versatility of your quiver.
So does this mean we’ll see those once put off by waves suddenly
heading out into the surf? Probably not. SUP attracts many riders
the majority of whom don’t come from wave riding or even ocean
going backgrounds. Whilst aspirations may be there for a few the
majority will probably stick to flat water venues possibly dabbling
with ripples from time to time if chances arise. A few may make
take the plunge fully, and numbers at surf spots could rise
incrementally year on year. As far as mass influx of paddle
wielding wave riders goes the haters can breathe a sigh of relief as
it won’t be happening anytime soon.
Enjoy the latest issue and we’ll see you out for a float.
Tez Plavenieks, July 2018
[email protected]
Twitter: @tezwoz. Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind
s
t
a
n
d
u
p
p
a
d
d
l e
m
a
g
u
k
6