SUP industry marketing and spin makes it hard to pick your way through. Actually finding hard facts when researching stand up paddle boarding can be tricky. At time of writing there’re a bunch of newly launched SUP products from big brands. They’re shouting about their revolutionary new technology within the inflatable market.
Apparently, radical new hull shapes are at the forefront of iSUP design. They’re set to up your paddling game no end. This displacement feature is nothing new, and has actually been integrated by two other smaller SUP brands a few years back. That point has obviously slipped through the cracks and been forgotten, however.
Yet punters will step up, part with their hard earned cash. Paddlers think they’re getting something new, premium and exclusive. When that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Cutthroat SUP.
Inflatable stand up paddle boarding companies are definitely at the more cutthroat end of SUP. Due to air board popularity, which far outsell their hard shell counterparts. With many paddlers being new to the sport we appreciate finding the right product info and sifting through the ‘noise’ is hard. Yet sift you should. If you want to discover what’s really going on… You might also find the premium manufacturing technology that’s pricking your interest is available for a much lesser cost via a less sizable brand. Either way, you’ll suddenly have a choice in which way to spend your readies.
To be fair it’s not just the SUP industry which suffers from marketing spin. It’s every and any area of life that deals with selling. You as the consumer just need to be as informed as possible. That way you’ll be safe in the knowledge you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
Cutting through SUP’s white noise.
To get the best advice you need to cut through the SUP white noise and marketing spiel. Do your research and be savvy enough at spotting hype. There are plenty of reputable sources of independent info if you search.
Ultimately avoiding the BS is key. Most paddlers are aware this exists and will draw their own conclusions. It’d be nice, however, if the SUP industry at large made it easy for everyone. And not promote marketing spin and hype.