Good day, First post from me.

I am a newish Brisbanite and keen SUP and Kitesurfing learner. I have my own SUP and Kite equipment etc, so not a total noob.

The plan today was to go kiteboarding at Sandgate. I get there and the wind is calm and the water flat. Not a problem, I'll just rent a SUP board and go paddling for a bit in the hope that the wind will pick up (from the same place where I had previously had a kite lesson from by the way) . I walk across the road and enquire about the rental etc. The shop assistant tells me that the cost is $ 40,00 for 2 hours which includes basic training. I then get directed to the owner for payment who charges me $ 40,00 even though I inform him that he need not allocate one of his assistants for guidance.

I paddle for about an hour and unfortunately at one stage hit the bottom as the tide recedes, thereby breaking the blade of the paddle. On inquiring about another paddle I am told as a matter of fact by the shop assistant that it would cost a further $ 40,00 for another paddle. I refuse to pay and the owner is called who not only trows the paddle from the first floor of his shop but also a tantrum saying that I am banned from ever using his facilities again.

Am I wrong in refusing to pay? Should the paddles not be of a sufficient standard to withstand learners?

Cheers

B

knew how to paddle.

Baps, also if you don't already know, Primitive Surf at Nudgee have some hire/demo SUP boards, I believe they are cheaper to hire than the one you had ($40-$50 for a whole day). They also give a discount on board purchase if you have hired with them.

I have found their customer service to be outstanding, I would have bought a board from them in a heartbeat if they had then one I was after in stock.

Also if you want to stay local there is Briskites at Brighton, Their web site has SUP hire for $25/2hrs or $40/day. I haven't dealt with them to comment on their service.

Sandgate is too beautiful a SUPing location to let a bad experience with a shop owner turn you away from the area.