There has been a quite a few negative posts recently about ethics in the sup industry. The Naish cracks and waverod sagas.

I have had some issues with sup gear and I have to admit the dealer support has been outstanding. I would like to start a list of dealers and brands who support the customer well. Blane is active in the forums addressing issues and it is one of the reasons I own PSH boards.

I can really recommend these dealers as ethical people to deal with, they offer honest advice and back up their products with great warranty support.

www.supsurfaustralia.com/SUP_Stand_Up_Paddle_Boards/Home.html
www.hugedomains.com/domain_profile.cfm?d=auswind&e=com edit retail link use standuppaddle.com.au/web/
www.westozkiteboarding.com.au/
www.balmoralboards.com.au/templates/bal/page/page_standard.php?secID=332&CurWebsiteID=1&CurSitePrefix=BAL&homepage_repeats=1

I know it looks like a promo but good service deserves some acknowledgement. Thanks guys.

hilly said...

There has been a quite a few negative posts recently about ethics in the sup industry. The Naish cracks and waverod sagas.

I have had some issues with sup gear and I have to admit the dealer support has been outstanding. I would like to start a list of dealers and brands who support the customer well. Blane is active in the forums addressing issues and it is one of the reasons I own PSH boards.

I can really recommend these dealers as ethical people to deal with, they offer honest advice and back up their products with great warranty support.

http://www.supsurfaustralia.com/SUP_Stand_Up_Paddle_Boards/Home.html
auswind.com/web/
www.westozkiteboarding.com.au/
www.balmoralboards.com.au/templates/bal/page/page_standard.php?secID=332&CurWebsiteID=1&CurSitePrefix=BAL&homepage_repeats=1

I know it looks like a promo but good service deserves some acknowledgement. Thanks guys.

As the 'victim' (for want of a better word) of less than stellar customer service from a major brand's Australian distributor/wholesaler - I agree 100% - I've used my new PSH 903 about 12 or so times (which is twice as much as my previous board which cracked after about 6 rides in knee high surf - enough on that topic) in some pretty substantial surf and had some inglorious wipe outs on some chunky waves and no issue AT ALL with the board - so can't say I've tested the Australian distributor/wholesaler's after sales service - HOWEVER on the front end - they were superb - Andrew Allen was without fault in his generosity and willingness to assist. Can't praise him and his business ethic enough - oh yeah, the PSH boards are OK too - OK enough that I now own 2

Also want put in a plug for Sam and the guys at Wind Surf n Snow - despite their non-involvement (on the retail front and in a difficult situation) in the issue I had with my board - they were always (until the end) engaging, helpful and accommodating.

So agree - worth the bouquet and brickbats where deserved.

My 2 Cents,

I have found Strapper Surf in Torquay, Ocean Grove and Geelong to be excellent to deal with! www.strappersurf.com. They also support Sup in all aspects!

Imperials Surfboards Ocean Grove quality is superb and as a shaper of custom boards Dave Boyd is excellent!

Sam at Wind Surf and Snow was great to deal with and extremely helpful and accommodating.

Blane Chambers, Andrew Allen and the whole PSH crew's customer service and industry support is No.1

Rod Hocker Surf Shapes, excellent product and quality workmanship cant go wrong!

The SUP Bus supb.com.au, extremely professional Paddle School!

I can only say beware some of the companies that are popping up to leach off the SUP band wagon! If it looks to good to be true, usually it is!



Phill

Agree with promoting the good dealers Hilly,

think the saying goes 'if your happy with our product tell everyone',

'if your unhappy with the product tell us',

its the good buisness that stands by their product to resolve any issues and those after a money grab will turn their back on the customer IMO,
Cheers,
Camo.

Love to know the thought process on the red thumbs. Cheer up fellas just trying to be positive

teatrea said...

I have had good service from Roar industries on the Goldcoast.

I'll second that one. My first encounter with Jacko and Angie was getting a new grip put on my 11'4, I didn't buy the board from them but they spent ages getting the old grip off and putting a new CofL grip on. After that level of service I wont go anywhere else...and have since bought a new board from them.

On and they are very sympathetic to the "hide the new board from the wife" scenario (I know Mac will back me on that one).

poor relative said...

Seabreeze.com.au is my fav.

This.

I've yet to meet a bad person on either side of the sales counter in SUP. The interesting thing too is almost everyone I've met has also referred me to Seabreeze. Its been great, so thanks Laurie I guess.

On ya Lozza! it keeps me sane at work. Still trying to work out why the swell always looks bigger a week ahead though.

Rich ( sessions) at strapper has been very good.

petemc said...

Interesting comments guys. One shop I walked into the guy behind the counter was too busy talking to his mate. After 20 minutes of looking at various SUPs I left the shop. His loss....I was looking to purshase two SUPs, paddles, accessories etc.

Went to the OG demo day and was really impressed with the advice given.

Still looking to buy the two SUPs etc. Looking at this forum everyday and learning a lot.

hey pete... where abouts are you located?

The guys at Strapper Torquay have been great. Rich (Session) wouldn't let me out of the shop on anything he didn't think would work for me, or I'd be happy with. Thanks heaps.

I know this post is concentrating on dealers but I think we are lucky to have some great sources of information on the forum who impart fantastic general knowledge on all matters SUP. Can't go past DJ - a wealth of information. For those questions he can't answer, he takes the time to research and get the right answers for everyone. One of the most humblest guys I have ever met.

Can anyone ell me what Naish have done with the deck cracking, is it under warranty....

Decided custom the way to go. Can't thank Alex enough from Stonker in Torquay.

Neglible difference in price of imported SUP's, uses the latest technology, listened to and made sugestions based upon my needs, longboard experience and local surfbreaks. Best of all I'm supporting the local industry, can drop in any time to chat with the guys that make the boards, and finally, getting boards that are individual....invaluable....just like my custom longboards.

Thanks to all seabreezes for their help.

hilly said...

Love to know the thought process on the red thumbs. Cheer up fellas just trying to be positive

Ignore em'-they'll go away-good idea to give credit and criticism where due-some just can't take it.

Pete Insides at posso's on your own I have heard about it in the 60's lol

I normally surf it with 150 of my closest friends lol, although being a big unit it is like parting the black sea lol.

I like surfing it on my Munoz Ultra Glide.

Phill