Why Are Paddle Boards so Expensive?
Paddle Boarding looks like fun to everyone but the high cost of buying a paddle board stops many from getting into the sport. Why are paddle boards so expensive? We will look at a few reasons why paddle boards cost so much.Paddle boards can range in price from $300 to $3,500. Typically to get a decent paddle board you are going to have to pay at least $600. And your better boards will cost $1000-$1500.
Paddle boards do go on sale and you can often save $200-$300 if you keep your eyes open for SUP sales. Online Black Friday sales are common. And of course you can save “boo koo” bucks buying a used paddle board. Still, the question at hand is why are paddle boards so expensive.
#1 Reason Inflatable SUPs are Expensive
Construction Methods, Materials & Technology
Good inflatable paddle boards are expensive because they are built using better materials, better construction methods and advance technology. Cheap inflatables are inexpensive because they cut corners.
Without getting too technical let me give you an example:
Dropstitch
Dropstitching is what is inside an inflatable paddle board (besides air). Dropstitch are threads that connect the top and bottom of a inflatable.
Every inflatable has dropstitch inside. Without dropstitch an inflatable paddle board would have the shape of a balloon when inflated. The quality and construction of the dropstitch has a direct affect on performance and durability.
Dropstitch quality and how it is fused to the board can vary with brands. There is single-layer dropstitch, double layer, reinforced dropstitch, woven and linear dropstitch. Good inflatables don’t skimp on dropstitch quality and will use some type of reinforced, woven or linear dropstitch technologies.
Construction, materials and technology that make good inflatables expensive
- Reinforced dropstitch
- Woven dropstitch
- Linear dropstitch
- Heat welded pvc layers
- Machine laminate adhesive
- Extra polymer layers
- Heat pressed seams
- Extra rail tape layers
- Rocker stiffening systems
- Pvc stringers
- Progressive rocker design
- Higher quality inflation valves
- Machine pressed deckpads
Why you don’t want to buy a cheap inflatable SUP
- Cheap inflatables are not durable
- Cheap inflatables will not last long
- Cheap inflatables do not perform well
- Cheap inflatables have cheap accessories like pumps and paddles
- Cheap inflatables have little resale value
Why Hard Paddle Boards are Expensive
Six Top Reasons
1. Expensive Production Cost
The quality of construction and materials can vary greatly and effect cost. You often get what you pay for. Some manufacturers will cut corners to save money and you will get a less expensive but inferior quality board. If prices seem too good to be true that should raise a red flag.
How are paddle boards made?
There are two basic construction methods
Method 1- Traditional Foam/Epoxy/Fiberglass Construction
This is the traditional surfboard construction method. A foam blank is shaped and then layers of fiberglass cloth are draped over the board and sealed with epoxy resin. This is called “glassing” and requires some skill to do a quality job.
Where paddle boards differ from surfboards is that they are made from EPS foam which is lighter and stronger. But to use EPS you have to use an expensive epoxy resin. That’s one reason paddle boards are expensive.
EPS foam blanks are shaped by different methods. CNC equipment uses computer programs to cut out a consistent shape that can be tweaked or changed with a few strokes of a keyboard. These are state-of-the-art machines that cost tens of thousands of dollars and add to the cost of a board.
Some blanks are hand-shaped which is half science and half art. While an expensive machine is not needed this is a labor intensive job that takes time and care from a skilled shaper.
Method 2- Pop Out Construction
Three layers are created. An inner layer of fiberglass. A middle layer of pvc and an exterior layer of fiberglass. These layers are created using a very expensive mold the manufacturer must buy adding to the board cost.
The exterior of a paddle board will be as strong as…
- the quality of the glassing job
- the number and weight of the cloth layers used
- the type of cloth used
- the quality of the resin used
- the craftsmanship in the sanding job
Real quality always adds cost
2. Size – paddle boards are bigger than surfboards
Paddleboards are larger than the average surfboard. Paddle boards are typically 10-12′ long, 32″ wide and 4-5″ thick. Bigger size means more materials used and often more labor in the process. This translates to a higher price.
3. Expensive Materials – and more of them
What are paddle boards made of?
EPS foam core and expensive epoxy resin
Paddle boards use an EPS foam blank which is lighter and stronger that the tradition surfboard PU foam blank. However using EPS foam requires an expensive epoxy resin when glassing the board. Another reason paddle boards are expensive.
Fiberglass cloth density and more of layers of cloth
Fiberglass or carbon fiber cloth is an expensive but important part of a board. A good paddle board will be made with 6oz fiberglass or carbon fiber cloth. Some factories use cheaper 4oz fabric to save money.
Carbon fiber cloth is particularly strong, stiff and lightweight. It is also very expensive. Carbon fiber boards are considered high-end.
Then there is the number of layers used. EPS foam not only requires an expensive epoxy resin but often needs more layers. EPS foam comes in different density levels. The less density the foam core has the lighter it is but not as durable, so more layers of glass are needed around the core. Cheaper manufactures will apply the fewest layers possible, in fact some manufacturers will not use enough layers. And this results in a board that will be easily damaged.
Wood veneer
Wood veneers are sometimes added as the final layer when glassing a paddle board. Bamboo or pine veneers are light, strong and add durability to a paddleboard.
The wood veneers look great but applying a clear coat over the veneer will cost more (100-$200) than painting over it because of the extra labor involved. High end paddleboards often take care to show off beautiful wood veneers.
And just because a board looks like it has a wood veneer does not mean it has a real wood veener. Some factories use cheap graphic paper that looks the same but has no benefit.
using EPS foam requires an expensive epoxy resin when glassing the board. Another reason paddle boards are expensive.
Paddle Board Warranty
Your board should have a one year warranty that covers delamination and any other manufacturing defect. A reputable manufacturer will always stand behind their product.
4. Distribution Cost
Most Paddle Boards are sold from the traditional three level retail-wholesale-factory distribution model. The average consumer will buy a board from a local surf shop or outdoor retailer that adds a 40% markup.
The retailer buys the board from a paddle board brand or wholesaler. The brand/wholesaler adds 20-40% to their cost to make a profit.
The wholesaler is buying the board from the factory who have their own profit mark-up built into the price. Other factors in this distribution model are the shipping costs between the three steps. Many, but not all paddle boards factories are in Thailand and China.
Direct to consumer distribution
Some retailers are buying directly from the factory to cut out the middle man. Also some brands are becoming retailers. Although this model is the minority it is a way to save money because one part of the traditional model is eliminated. Some of these are online retailers. You can often save money buying a paddle board online because they are factory direct. You are essentially buying from a warehouse.
I have bought boards from my local surf shop and have bought boards off the internet. Both have worked well for me. But most of my purchases now are off the internet. Online prices are much lower and the selection is greater. Online I can find exactly the board I need at the lowest price.
The paddleboards and surfboards I have bought online where all well packed with plenty of protection. I have never had one arrive damaged.
5. The PADDLE increases cost
Paddles are another increase in cost when buying a paddle board. Many paddle boards come in a package deal with a paddle included. Aluminum and fiberglass paddles are relatively cheap. But carbon fiber paddles are expensive. Either way a paddle will increase the cost.
6. Popularity
Let’s face it, if paddleboarding wasn’t so popular paddleboards would be a bit cheaper. Everyone from the manufacturer all the way to the retailer are riding the paddleboard wave of popularity. They can raise the price and still sell boards, so they do. Everybody want a paddle board now.
Will that change? Maybe, but I wouldn’t count on it. A lot of people understand that paddleboarding is as close to being a part of the “surfing lifestyle” as they will every get. And for some people that’s worth the price of admission.
Inflatable paddle boards often have a lower entry price point than hard boards
How often will you paddle?
When you buy a paddle board you’re not paying for one ride. A paddle board is an investment that can be used for years. If paddle boarding is something you plan on doing often it’s worth the extra money to get something good.
However there is another school of thought. If you are just getting into paddle boarding you may want to buy a cheaper model to see how much you like it. Then if you love paddle boarding and want to become a SUP master you can buy a more expensive unit.
Also, if you are sure you’re only going to use a paddle board a few times a year you might as well go with a cheaper model too. Inflatable paddle boards have a lower price point and you can find a good boards well below $1000.
