We live close and really have noticed the increase in sups on cars and on the beach.There is quite a volume of the lesser known brands (some unknown) in this mix.This maybe an indication of a big increase in sup surfing newcomers or perhaps just a sign of the availability of cheap boards with old hands giving it a go.They say it is one of the fastest growing sports and I am seeing it.With quite a few of the local longboarders already anti sup this may fuel the fire,especially if some are unfamiliar with the etiquette,and lack the appropriate skills.Anyhow the line up will be interesting during the next swell event.The bigger brands must see their share of the first time buyer market dropping,perhaps it could lead to some better deals for everyone.
waxer said.. We live close and really have noticed the increase in sups on cars and on the beach.There is quite a volume of the lesser known brands (some unknown) in this mix.This maybe an indication of a big increase in sup surfing newcomers or perhaps just a sign of the availability of cheap boards with old hands giving it a go.They say it is one of the fastest growing sports and I am seeing it.With quite a few of the local longboarders already anti sup this may fuel the fire,especially if some are unfamiliar with the etiquette,and lack the appropriate skills.Anyhow the line up will be interesting during the next swell event.The bigger brands must see their share of the first time buyer market dropping,perhaps it could lead to some better deals for everyone.
Maybe. But having witnessed the same thing as you... I have seen the quality and design of these cheaper sups... and some truly suck big time. I certainly hope that what you suggest happens...but it might well be they just drop the quality to get the price down. Let's hope not!
I'm at Lennox Head (NSW)...your observations about the growth of SUPs and friction with mal riders is repeated here.
Competition is generally healthy for a product. I've noticed the very small cheapo brands around here, are quick to address problems with their board designs....(there is a brushed carbon quad one on the Gold Coast selling for $849)...others are carbon sheeting and putting Kevlar on the rails.
Try giving some constructive feedback to the global brands on known, repetitive design problems and see how you go...
Must admit to being tempted by price,and some of the boards look very reasonable.For the small surf and flatwater paddling we mostly do we would most likely not encounter any problems.Resale is another issue.Although I never lost much on the Guy Leech I started on years back.I guess the trick is to pick which boards perform and last.When you are first desperately trying to get a sup of your own ,especially on a tight family budget it has to come down to price,and hang the consequences ,this is what I think I am seeing lately.As a sort of postscript,it seemed windsurfing lost mass appeal by being expensive and got too technical for Sunday arvo guy.It would be nice to see stand up available to all,just not around my home breaks
