SUP, (Stand Up Paddle-Board) Growth - Should your business get on board?

SUP GROWTH

According to Svein Rasmussen,(Starboard) in an interview with German Surf Magazine August 2011 - he stated the following as estimates of Total Stand Up Paddle Boards expected to be sold this year:

Germany - in 2011 SUP Paddle-board sales are expected to Double

France - Currently the largest market in Europe for SUP - expected to be 3 times as large as German market at 9,000 boards per year.

USA - The largest market at 50,000 boards to year, impressively Women make up half this number!

Why Does USA have the largest Market?

SUP appeared in famous talk shows, and many stars started using SUP to train, also high profile events were organized, there are currently 57 SUP fairs held in the USA.

Currently, it is expected the US market will not reach its peak for another 5 years.

Due to its suitability for use on Rivers as well as Oceans - Svein expects SUP growth in Europe to exceed that of the USA over the next 5 years. In Noway SUP growth has already exceeded the much larger German Market simply because it has been promoted for use on rivers by Kayak companies. This is Why Starboard has invested in developing the widest range of Boards on the market, with specific construction technologies and shapes for different uses.

SUP - something for everyone

Although SUP has a cool surf image, 90% of SUP riders only use Paddle-boards for flat water cruising or fitness training. Kayakers are also enjoying their sport in a whole new way. SUP allows you to stand and see down through the water better, and it is much lighter and easier to store and move than a Kayak. Kayaks for now, are better suited for long distance paddling into the wind, however "downwind" SUP cruising is fast becoming immensely popular.

• SUP for Family Fun
• SUP for  Fitness Training
• SUP for ECO tours
• SUP for Adventure racing and triathlons
• SUP for Surfing
• SUP for YOGO
• SUP for White Water adventures
• SUP for Rescue
• SUP for Windsurfing
• SUP for Fishing
  

Stand Up Paddle Boards For Resorts and Schools

• The reason SUP is now out-selling Kite Boarding and Windsurfing combined and is in fact growing faster than any other water sport is that it is simply more suitable for more people than any other water sport.
  
• It is more fun than a kayak, because you have to balance and you can ride tiny waves more easily. Also because you can see more when standing up. Boards stack flat and are easy to transport.
  
• It is difficult enough to remain fun and challenging, yet SUP can be taught and learned in a few minutes, even good paddle technique can be taught in less than 20 minutes.
  
• SUP is fun on any body of water, including lakes and rivers. So you dont have to have beach front access to have a water-sports scene. Also SUP's are lighter than Kayaks and stack in a smaller area, so they can be moved to and from a body of water easily.
  
• No moving parts, means almost zero maintenance and no specialized staff needed if you want to use SUP's to provide water-sports entertainment. Invest in good brand boards and paddles, you will have better re-sale and your customers will appreciate the quality also.
  
• Surfing is Sexy - SUP is surfing for everybody. I have yet to see anyone who could not stand up on a paddle board on flat water. It really is the water sport for everyone.
  
• Simple activities, like relay races, fitness classes, exploring or even tiny wave surfing are very easy to host and you only need a few boards to get started. To make your business the focus of energy and fun. This is also when working with the top brand, Starboard pays off.

• Starboard SUP's are made in range of construction types to suite budget and application - these are the models we recommend for schools, rental businesses and resorts in Thailand.
  

Amara Watersports Co. started supplying Paddle-boards in 2007, we have been teaching with, renting out, surfing on, white water riding, down river exploring on, racing on, fitness training on and windsurfing on Stand Up Paddle-boards ever since. All this experience goes into the SUP boards we recommend for your business.

For more specialized needs please email us to organize a visit and an SUP demonstration in Thailand.

SUP Events in Thailand

Amara Watersports have been teaching watersports for over 3 decades, we have been hosting SUP events in Thailand since 2007. We currently run Paddle Board Fitness Training Sessions at 5.00pm on Wednesday evenings and host monthly races. To book contact us

If you would like to host your own SUP event in Thailand or if you would like us to host an event at your location, we are here to help.

If you would like to be kept up to date on SUP events in Thailand - please register below to our Free SUP Newsletter