Written by Luke Green /
Paddleboarding could be the perfect activity for you if you’re considering taking up a new hobby as the summer rolls around. The warmer and longer days make summer a great time to learn to paddleboard, but if you’re considering taking on the challenges of the water then you will of course need to have a suitable board to practice on!
As you prepare to get out and explore, you’ll have to decide whether to rent a paddleboard or buy a paddleboard. Both options have their own merits, however deciding which to go for can be a tricky decision when the whole SUP experience is still relatively new. In this blog, we will help you make your decision by outlining the pros and cons of purchasing and renting.
Trying paddleboarding comes with lots of considerations. You will need to be aware of safety rules and tips, find somewhere to go, and get your hands on a suitable paddleboard. With lots to bear in mind, it can therefore make sense to take some of the planning away and rent a paddleboard at your chosen destination. These are the main advantages of renting a paddleboard as opposed to buying one:
One of the main barriers to trying adventurous activities is often the cost of the equipment and accessories. These costs can definitely apply to getting everything you need to paddleboard, but equipment rental makes hitting the water a much more accessible experience. By renting a paddleboard first, you can check that you actually enjoy it and find out what size and type of board you need before making any financial commitment.
Another key advantage of choosing to rent a paddleboard is that it will be pretty much ready and waiting for you at your chosen SUP spot. This can be particularly advantageous if you don’t have the means of transporting and storing a board or want to try paddleboarding on holiday or away from home. Rather than worrying about lugging a paddleboard to the water entry point or cramming it into a cupboard at home, you can turn up on the day and hit the water stress-free.
By renting a paddleboard, you also avoid the potential burden of paddleboard maintenance. Once your rental period has retired, you can return it to the experts who will tend to it and pack it away. If you were to own the same board, however, you’d have to factor in rinsing it down after your SUP session and keeping it in prime condition throughout the off-season which can be time-consuming.
While it’s hard to argue with the idea that SUP rental guarantees convenience, there are still some disadvantages to this process and circumstances in which it might make sense to go all out and purchase your own board instead. Continually choosing to rent a paddleboard is the least cost-effective way of hitting the water and you may also find that it’s hard to improve your technique when different rentals provide different styles of board. Try and weigh up how frequently you plan to go paddleboarding - if it’s likely to become a regular thing, you might be better off reconsidering any preference to rent.
You could also decide to fully embrace your new hobby from the get-go and outright buy a paddleboard. Deciding to make such a purchase can have a number of benefits, including:
As we have touched upon, the cost of regularly renting a paddleboard will quickly add up. Not only will it cost more to rent on multiple different days or occasions, but if you want to spend the whole day in the water you’ll be charged more than you would for a short trip. Choosing to buy a paddleboard instead does come with a more significant upfront cost, but you will quickly get your money's worth if you use your new toy regularly!
When you rent a paddleboard, you are somewhat limited by the opening hours and time options of the board provider. However, when your SUP is your own you can go paddleboarding whenever you want. Whether you want to hit the water early in the morning before work or go out late and see the sunset, buying a paddleboard opens up the possibility of exploration on your own terms.
One of the main draws of paddleboarding is that there are all kinds of ways you can tailor and specialise your experience. Once you’ve got to grips with the basics of SUP, you might begin to plan a lengthy excursion or decide that it’s speed you’re really after. Renting at first can be a great way to discover exactly where your passion lies, then you can buy a specialist board like a racing paddleboard, touring paddleboard or even a white water paddleboard to truly tailor your time on the water.
If you’re a frequent paddler, buying a paddleboard might seem like a no-brainer. However, you should still make sure you carefully consider the possible downsides of making this decision. The upfront cost is probably the most important thing to bear in mind and you should also make sure that the paddleboard you are choosing to buy is one that you know you will be happy with. This is why we offer a range of try before you buy retailers who can make sure you are completely happy with your purchase of a Red paddleboard before you head off on your real adventures!
Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a paddleboard depends on your preferences and intended use. Renting can grant greater flexibility in some cases, but purchasing is undoubtedly the best way to fully embrace your new hobby. Should you require any further advice about renting or buying a paddleboard or wish to learn more about our high-quality range of inflatable paddleboards, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.
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