Will SUP demo events become a thing again?

There’s plenty of stand up paddle kit available these days – in fact some would argue too much. Kit for lat water beach days, long distance touring, surfing, river running, fitness and recreational gear – whatever you’re into, chances are there’s something available with your niche in mind.

But how to know what piece of SUP kit does what? Sifting through reams of marketing spiel, advertising jargon and sale speak is sometimes confusing and there’s nothing quite like laying hands on stand up paddle toys and testing them out. But it’s tricky of late, that much is obvious, with COVID restrictions having been in place. As we edge towards potential lifting of all said restrictions, however, are we likely to see more SUP demos taking place?

Plenty of SUP equipment to choose.

Demos aren’t always called as such. Take Brighton’s ever popular Paddle Round the Pier or similar. These shindigs serve other purposes as well as serve to allow paddle competitors to do battle. Brands and companies still turn up with goodies for the crowds to try. You’ll find plenty of kit to try and opportunities for getting afloat if get together like this start happening once again (and that’s down to organisers and whether they think it’s viable).

Lower key affairs are already happening. Shops, for instance, with easy access to water allow potential customers to head out with kit and have some fun, in the process learning what each piece of gear’s about. In 2020 McConks ran the extremely popular SUP By Post programme whereby we sent out demo kit that was optioned to be purchased if the rider saw fit. Unfortunately this had to stop because of logistics and supply issues. Other brands did similar but at time of writing we’re not aware this is still happening.

The 2020/21 effect.

In the absence of demo events and options to try before you buy it’s been left for each SUP company to communicate effectively what their kit’s all about. That can be trickier than you’d expect, although we think McConks does a pretty good job. On from that you’re left with a few options…

Media reviews of gear can be a good source of info, although be aware some of these are paid for content pieces so impartiality isn’t always guaranteed. But it magazine reviews will still offer a guide. Social media’s the other obvious one. Again though this has pitfalls. You never quite know who’s affiliated to which brand and whose job it is to pimp the gear. Also, experience does play a part with opinion. It’s all well and good matey doling out their four peneth but if their own paddling experience is lacking then how much faith should you put in these comments?

There’s still a real thirst for information. Currently, however, there’s also a desperate want/need to own stand up paddle boarding kit. As such riders are taking a punt on gear having done as much virtual research as they can. In most cases the equipment received is loved and the right stuff. As the pandemic situation improves (fingers crossed) we may see a few SUP demos popping up, allowing paddlers to get stuck in with some personal kit testing. But likewise, if this isn’t the case we’re sure everyone will find a way to glean info and make the correct SUP purchase.

Here at McConks we try and help as much as we can. If you have any questions about McConks stand up paddle boarding gear then browse our extensive blog articles or just holla.

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