Choosing the right SUP board and brand.
There are LOTS of SUP brands in the UK now. Some are listed here. And we'll be adding to moving forwards. This directory is not an endorsement of any brand or board.
If you want advice from genuine riders and instructors check out the results of the BIG SUP survey we carried out in 2018. Over 1200 paddlers responded.
SUP board pricing.
Included is RRP for a benchmark 10'6 iSUP package. Some notes of caution on the comparison:
- The packaged accessories aren't all the same quality. Some brands cut costs with lower quality accessories.
- The paddles included in the package may differ in quality.
- Some brands sell at a discount to the RRP for much of the year, so the RRP may actually be different to the price you typically pay.
Paddler's favourite inflatable SUP boards
Direct sales brands.
Direct sales brands offer a more affordable route into SUP than traditional SUP manufacturers. Because they tend to be smaller companies, they have less overheads, and because they don't use retailers or distributors, the price is often more competitive than traditional brands.
McConks SUP
Based in the Cotswold Water park, McConks are a relatively new SUP brand. Although the company is only a few years old, they've been making waves in the SUP world, with instructors, schools and individuals all being tempted by the unique combination of price and quality. Their boards really stand the test of time, which is why many outdoor providers rely on them: they're approved suppliers to the National Trust and the Princes Trust among others.
McConks are an ethical and sustainable brand, priding themselves on their GoInspire and GoBeyond initiatives.
They focus on inflatable SUP only, and their range includes boards for everyone from beginners to experts: all round SUP, touring SUP, whitewater SUP, yoga SUP, inflatable freeride windsurf boards and surf SUPs.
The budget package range with a carbon shaft paddle starts at £395. McConks also sport a range of eco floating sunglasses and eco clothing - hoodies, tees etc.
10'6 Go Anywhere package RRP £595
Fatstick
FatStick is a British brand that was created in 2012 out of a vision to provide top quality stand up paddleboards and surfboards at affordable prices.
Today FatStick has a large range of boards and accessories to cater for all levels of surfers & paddlers in different disciplines within the sport.
10'6 pink pink panther £550
Loco SUP, surf and kite boards
Based just outside Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in the North East of England Loco are well placed for local customers as well as those travelling up to Scotland and down to London via the A1. Loco can provide demos either at their flat water location in Durham or for wave testing at South Shields Tynemouth or other East Coast locations within a 50 mile radius. Loco pride themselves on time-served water sports advice and believe strongly in getting people on ‘the right board’.
10' Amigo Air Premium package RRP £899
Neptune
The idea behind Neptune was simple, create a brand, make great quality boards and paddles, lose the massive mark-ups, get more people on the water. Based on the south coast of the UK, the sea has always been a part of Neptune's lives. Coming from a Skateboarding, Surfing, Windsurfing background from way back in the day, Neptune joined the SUP revolution in 2014.
Mach 2 10'6 iSUP package RRP £554 (inc delivery)
ROCK SUPS
RockSUPs has a rather different offering at the premium end of the market. Based in Bristol, they handcraft hollow wooden paddleboards using sustainable materials and methods to create beautiful, unique, performance boards of a quality that lasts.
RockSUPs offer a touring and a surf model as well as wooden paddles for those who want something eye-catchingly different that has been made specifically for them.
11’6 Touring - £3000
9’6 Surf - £2600
Paddle - £300
Swellhunter
Swellhunter are a Devon-based business and their aim is to make ISUPing accessible to everyone by providing high quality boards and paddles at a price that’s not going to make your eyes water. Their business model focuses on three core boards and two paddles which are the most popular with the mass water sports market. This results in a streamlined product portfolio which aids them in offering our products at a lower cost than equivalent quality competitors.
10'6 hybrid - £500
SmocSmoc
Smoc Smoc make THE BEST changing robe out there. The comfiest, the warmest, the most ethical and eco. They also do amazing socks, hats, and other garments. They say:
"It's Bamboo inside!
Don't worry we don't mean the bamboo wood! Bamboo fabric is velvet soft, super absorbent, very warming and sustainably grown without any need for pesticides or fertilizers. This makes it skin kind and ocean friendly! Wearing a smoc smoc means that you are not transporting any plastic microfibres from your skin into the waters, so helping reduce microwaste."
SmocSmoc robe £90
Bluefin
What they say:
"Our journey begins at the beginning of the decade, born from a well-spent youth on the water in the western Southern Uplands, and a love for all things aqua.
From our enchantment came an eagerness to create a range of premium construction inflatable boards that all the family could enjoy, just as much as we did – and still do, without breaking the bank, and without compromising on quality.
As an ocean-spirited family business, we have worked passionately on that promise. Many years have been invested, working tirelessly on research and development and constantly making improvements to the Bluefin collection.
We sell direct to you, cutting out the middle-man, passing on those savings and remaining true to our pledge."
10'8 Cruise - £699*
*Bluefin rarely sell their products at full price. Typical sale price for this board is between £350 and £500, so make sure you only buy at a discount.
Indi
If you would like to try out our boards we are always happy to arrange a demo.
10'6 £699
Traditional SUP/watersports brands
Traditional brands sell through a distribution and retail network which includes shops and clubs.
Further details of where to buy these brands is available on their respective websites. You can also check out the shops and clubs listed on The Maps
Red Paddle Co
Red Paddle are distributed by UK former windsurf brand and distributor Tushingham UK. Red Paddle focus on inflatable SUP and paddles.
They say:
"We believe that owning an inflatable board should not mean you have to compromise on performance, looks or quality. We believe that the experience you get when you use one of our boards is that of an authentic SUP experience and not a low quality substitute to the real thing. Inflatable SUP boards offer the ultimate in convenience but this should not be at the expense of performance.
We’ve always thought of the design of our boards as so much more than just how they look. It’s the whole experience. Owning an inflatable board is about storage, transportation, ease of inflation, as well as on-water performance. To design a board is only part of the process. Owning a Red Paddle Co inflatable board is about the whole package, the real deal and not some compromising experience that leaves you wanting more."
2017 Ride 10'6 MSL RRP £849
Jobe
They say
"Jobe Sports is an International watersports manufacturer based in The Netherlands. We want you to enjoy all important aspects of life. We want you to have fun. To make memories with your loved ones. To enjoy absolute freedom. To have your heart filled with unforgettable moments. To discover beautiful places. To relax. But also to feel excited and getting that adrenaline rush. How? By sharing our passion for watersports.
Our mission is to get you on the water. Every day we are working hard to make that happen. And every day we are working hard developing new products to make your life on the water both easier and more fun. Enhancing your performance is what we aim for."
Jobe Yarra 10'6 RRP £760
Starboard
Starboard, a brand with their roots in Windsurfing are distributed in the UK and Europe by Tushingham UK.
They say:
"Starboard SUP is the leading innovator of Stand Up Paddling, with the world's most comprehensive range of shapes and technology options! "
2017 10'5 Zen Drive £819
Fanatic
They say:
"Founded in 1981, our brand represents over three decades of history. Trailblazing through our innovation, design and CAD platform we’re proud of the reputation we’ve achieved as one of the world’s leading watersports brands. From our champion team riders and ambassadors, to our R&D and in-house design team, we’re able to ensure only the best from Fanatic. "
2017 10'4 Flyair Premium RRP £899
JP Australia
JP are one of the leading windsurf brands. The have a long history in watersports, and they've a very wide lineup of both rigid and inflatable SUP.
2017 10'6 SE RRP £979
Naish
The Naish R&D started in the 70s so they have put some serious thought and time into their Kite, SUP and Windsurf ranges. Developed on the shores of Hawaii with the world's top kitesurfers, windsurfers and big wave riders, the Naish kit is know for it's high quality and top performance. The Naish Stand Up Paddle Board range is growing fast with the best solid and inflatable SUPs neck and neck on popularity.
Naish have been working on their Kite, SUP and Windsurf designs since the 70's. From the shores of Hawaii, where precision performance matters more than ever against the elements, the Naish kit is known for it's high quality and superior performance - We love them! The Naish Stand Up Paddle Board Range is growing fast with the solid SUPS and the Inflatable boards neck and neck on popularity.
2017 Naish Alana LT 10'6 package £919