HOW TO START A SUP RENTAL BUSINESS

The growth in popularity of stand-up paddleboarding shows no signs of slowing, with an increasing number of people venturing out on to the water every year to experience this wonderful sport. Whether they’re enjoying time with the family, heading off on an adventure, racing, exercising or simply want to enjoy the freedom of a paddle down the coast, there are no shortage of both “newbies” and seasoned paddlers.  The rise in popularity has also led to an increase in demand for paddle board rental, with people keen to experience the sport and see what all the fuss is about.

However, as with any new business, it’s important to do some research and get a plan in place to give you the best chance of success and help you avoid the inevitable pitfalls associated with starting any new business. In this piece, we take a look at the key elements you need to assess when planning your new business, from choosing a location, deciding which boards to stock and the best way to start promoting your new venture.

Location of Your Paddle Board Rental Business

If purchasing an existing business isn’t an option, then the first and most important decision to make is what type of rental business you want to run and where to locate it. Broadly speaking, there are 3 main types of rental business - a physical store, a mobile service or an online rental-and-delivery service.

Inevitably, there are pros and cons of each.

A physical store provides a base from which to operate and can often help to develop better customer relations as customers always know where to come for a quality and reliable service. It also provides a meeting place and location for other services, such as SUP lessons, and also retail opportunities. However, operating a store incurs additional costs such as rent, rates and utility bills, all of which have to be factored into the business plan. If you do decide on a physical premises, then the location is everything.  It’s important to take time to scout locations bearing in mind local transport links, accessibility for customers and parking

This focus and attention to detail ensure we continue to produce the highest quality inflatable boards with unrivalled durability, which are ideal for SUP rental businesses and SUP schools of all sizes.

Create a Safe Paddling Environment

Whether you opt for a fixed location for your business or choose to operate in a variety of locations with a mobile solution, it’s important to demonstrate an authority and level of knowledge of paddleboarding to convey the right impression to your customers. This will reassure them that you are a professional operator and create a safe environment for them to enjoy their paddling. There’s no better way to do this than gaining some instructor certifications. There are several organisations in the UK where you can gain recognised skills and qualifications to teach stand up paddleboarding.

Getting some formal qualifications will not only make you a safer operator as you’ll be able to advise on things likes paddling technique, equipment, tides and weather, but it will also give you some extra confidence and enhance your reputation.

WHICH RED PADDLE CO BOARDS ARE BEST FOR YOUR SUP RENTAL BUSINESS?

The Red Paddle Co range of inflatable paddle boards cater for all types of paddlers, from beginners to experts, and for all types of paddling activity.

The most versatile of the Red Paddle Co board ranges is the Ride range and the hands down winner and a must-have for all rental businesses is the Ride 10’6 because it suits 90% of customers, both adults and kids, and is likely to be the only board that most will ever need.

The next size is the Ride 10’8 which is the perfect platform for learning to SUP as well as for yoga and fitness use.

The Ride L (14’) and Ride XL (17’) are popular for group events such as hen and stag parties and corporate team building and are also suitable for families to use as long as the children are 8 years or older.

Beyond the versatile Ride range it will depend on your location, water conditions and your customer requirements, but there’s basically a Red Paddle Co board for all occasions! Choose between touring, surf, windsurf, race, yoga, and even white-water paddling.

Which Boards to Choose for your Paddle Board School or Rental Business

Whatever business location you decide, you will need a selection of sizes to cater for all types of paddlers, from novices and to experts.  Paddle boards come in a variety of sizes and weights and an important decision is whether you chose to go for the traditional hardboards or the inflatable SUPs.  The original hardboard type is a solid option for many although the inflatable paddle board is rapidly increasing in popularity as SUPer’s are discovering that the performance is just as solid in the water, but without any of the transport or storage issues.  Being lighter than hard boards not only make inflatable boards easier to transport and carry but also a lot easier to manoeuvre in the water, ideal for less experienced paddlers. What’s more, once packed into a backpack a board can fit in any size car and be checked in as luggage on flights, giving your customer lots of options of where to take the board during the rental period.

Once you have decided whether to provide inflatable or hard paddle boards you will need to choose the right selection for your business; there are many different types of board to choose from and whilst your local conditions and types of customer may dictate the type you choose, it makes sense, certainly while you’re getting off the ground, to opt for a range of all-round paddle boards, to appeal to as wide a range of potential customers as possible.

Remember, you’ll also need to provide paddles and it’s also a good idea to offer accessories, such as personal flotation devices and leashes. All of these items provided opportunities for additional revenue and should be factored into your rental prices.

Find Out Why Red Paddle Co boards are ideal for your Paddle Board Rental Business

PADDLE BOARD RENTAL INSURANCE

As with any business, it is vital that you have appropriate insurance for your activities to ensure that in the event of any type of claim you are covered. Whilst there are of course a huge variety of options available in the wider world of insurance it is worth looking for a policy that will provide a level of cover that is specific to your needs. In the UK, several of the organisations who teach and qualify instructors also offer insurance for SUP schools and rental businesses.

PROMOTING YOUR PADDLE BOARD RENTAL BUSINESS

Once you’ve got the structure of the business in place, it’s time to promote it. One of the initial things will be to build a website. The website will influence your customer’s impression of your brand so it is important to portray the correct image as well as working as an important sales tool. Take time to research the best online sales and booking software as this could make a difference between gaining and losing new customers. It’s also worth investing time in your site’s SEO to ensure it is being found by people searching for the services you provide. Building content on the site around your subject area and optimising for specific search terms that you want to be found for will help generate business.

Once you’ve got the website operational, start getting the word out, through traditional marketing and social media:

  • Create some local promotions and offers.
  • Gain some local PR via the local press, tell them your story and why people should give SUP a try.
  • Get involved in local events, in particular, any water-based ones.
  • Give away prizes such as free hire, free classes or lessons.
  • Speak to local hotels, campsites etc about promoting paddle board rental to guests. Be active on social media, in particular in the local area and in the paddling/watersports community.

    • START YOUR PADDLE BOARD RENTAL BUSINESS

    Start planning today and turn your passion into the reality you have always dreamed of. Once you have the location, the SUPs, the website and you have grown a client base through marketing and promotion; you will be ready to live the lifestyle choice you’ve earned.

    For more information about starting a Paddle Board Rental business talk to one of our UK team, who will be happy to provide you with support and guidance:

    Email Red Paddle Co UK on reduksupport@redpaddleco.com

    Or call 01803 712140