Should I Rent or Buy a Stand Up Paddle Board?
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has experienced explosive growth in popularity over the last decade. It’s a fantastic way to get exercise, enjoy the water, and explore coastlines, lakes, and rivers. As you envision yourself gliding across the surface, a key question arises: Should you rent a board for your watery adventures, or is it time to make the investment and buy one?
This isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends heavily on your individual circumstances, frequency of use, budget, and paddling goals. Let's break down the pros and cons of each option to help you make the right decision.
The reason why you should rent your stand up paddle board
For many newbies and occasional paddlers, renting is the logical starting point.
Lower initial costs : Renting doesn't require a significant upfront investment. You only pay for the time you use the board. This is ideal if you're just trying out SUP or only plan to paddle a few times a year on vacation.
Try before you buy : Renting allows you to try out different types of boards (all-around, touring, inflatable vs. rigid) before you commit to a purchase. This way, you can figure out what size and style works best for you.
No storage hassle : Rigid paddleboards are large, so renting eliminates the need to find storage space in your garage, shed, or apartment.
No maintenance or repairs : The rental company takes care of maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. You simply pick up a ready-to-use board and return it when you're finished.
Easy transport : Rental stations are often located right on the water, so you don't need a roof rack or a large vehicle to transport the board.
However, renting can become expensive over time if you paddle frequently. Rental fees can quickly add up and eventually exceed the cost of the board.
The reasons for buying a stand up paddle board
Owning your own SUP offers freedom and comfort, especially if paddling becomes an integral part of your life.
Unlimited access : Paddle whenever you want, without having to worry about rental hours or availability. Sunrise session? Paddle at sunset? A spontaneous free afternoon? Anything's possible with your own board.
Cost-effective (over time) : If you plan to paddle regularly (e.g. once a week or more often during the warmer months), the cost per use of a purchased board will be much lower over time than if you rent repeatedly.
Familiarity and adaptability : You'll become familiar with your own board and know exactly how it rides. You can also customize it with accessories like deck pads, tie-downs, or rod holders.
Deepen your hobby : Owning a board allows you to explore specific niches in the SUP world. If you dream of practicing SUP yoga on calm waters or spending quiet afternoons SUP fishing, owning your own board gives you the freedom to pursue these activities whenever you want and choose a board specifically designed for it.
Convenience : No need to drive to a rental shop, fill out paperwork, or adhere to their schedule. Just grab your board and go.
The disadvantages of purchasing include the initial cost, the need for storage space, the responsibility for transportation, and ongoing maintenance.
Factors to consider when deciding to rent or buy a SUP board
To find out what is right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
- How often will you paddle? If you only paddle a few times a year, renting a board makes sense. If you plan to go on weekly or even monthly trips, purchasing one is likely more cost-effective in the long run.
- What's your budget? The purchase price for a new board can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars, plus accessories like a paddle, leash, and life jacket. Compare this to the hourly or daily rental costs in your area.
- Do you have storage space? A rigid hardboard takes up a lot of space. Inflatable SUPs (iSUPs) are a popular alternative because they can be packed into a large backpack, making storage and transport much easier and potentially eliminating a major purchasing barrier.
- How will you transport it? Do you have a vehicle suitable for transporting a board (either a rigid board on a roof rack or an iSUP in the trunk)? Consider how easy it will be to get to your preferred launch sites.
What type of paddling do you want to do? Occasional cruising? Long-distance touring? Surfing? Or perhaps more specialized activities like leisurely SUP fishing or restorative SUP yoga sessions? If you frequently pursue these specific interests, it's often better to own your own board tailored to the activity (e.g., a wide, stable board for yoga or fishing) than to hope that a rental shop has the right equipment.
Go on the water safely and with fun
For beginners testing the waters or those who paddle only occasionally, renting is a great low-commitment option. It allows you to explore the sport and the different board types without making a large investment or worrying about storage.
If you've fallen in love with the sport of SUP, plan to paddle regularly, have the storage and transport options, and perhaps want to engage in specialized activities like SUP yoga or SUP fishing , purchasing your own board offers unparalleled freedom, convenience, and long-term value.
When you buy a SUP board, you can choose the quality, style, and size that's right for you! There's nothing better than having your own equipment because there are no unpleasant surprises like the wrong board size, heavy paddles, or outdated equipment. Plus, you don't have to adjust: your paddle is already the right height, and your board is ideal for your weight, skill level, and paddling style.
You know the quality is good because you chose the board and take care of it. I have several boards to choose from that work for me: a smaller hardboard for SUP surfing, a longer, faster inflatable touring board for exploring new lakes and rivers, and of course, my favorite, the Waterwalker 126 in Tangerine , perfect for lighter riders like me! I can rely on my boards to give me the best SUP experience with equipment I can rely on.
Deciding whether to rent or buy a paddleboard can be difficult, but we hope this article has helped you make that decision. Are you planning to buy your first board or upgrade to a dedicated board? If you have any questions about our SUP range, feel free to contact us!