Guide To Buying A Used Stand Up Paddle Board

When it comes to buying a used paddle board there may be extra things to consider compared to buying a new board. However, we understand that buying a SUP can be a big decision so we’re here to allay any concerns you might have.

To help you out and give you some pointers we’ve put together this guide. So when you finally decide to drop your cash you can be more informed and hopefully bag yourself a great deal on a used SUP.

Why Buy A Second Hand Board?

Buying a used board can be an affordable way of getting a high quality board. This means it could open up paddle boards that might not otherwise be within your budget.

A lot of the time you might find that many of the used boards available tend to have been more expensive boards to begin with. This is often because more experienced and frequent paddlers may prefer to upgrade their boards more often, either to improve performance or to meet their skill level.

A second hand paddle board can be ideal for beginners looking for a good starting board or for skilled paddlers looking for a more advanced board.

Buying A Used Paddle Board: What To Consider

Price

When you’re buying a used paddle board, perhaps the most important thing for you will be the price. If you find a board you like, it can be a good idea to do a bit of research to find out what that particular board would cost brand new, as they may not depreciate in value as much as you’d like.

This can help you avoid being ripped off and can give you some haggling power if you seem like you know the market rate. You may find with used boards that it can be easier to bargain with a seller over price compared to buying a new board.

After you’ve done a bit of window shopping to find your ideal board, it can be useful to come up with a budget so you don’t go overboard with your spending. Window shopping will also give you an idea of how much the board you want is likely to cost second hand.

Size and Volume

The size and volume of SUP you’ll need will depend on your own height and weight, as well as what you plan to use the board for. For example, the lower the volume of the board, the lower the weight it will be able to carry and vice versa.

The narrower and longer the board, generally the faster it may go but it could also be less stable than a shorter, wider one.

When you’re choosing your first board, you may want to opt for a wider one with a higher volume, as this can provide you with stability while you get used to paddling. It may be worth considering choosing a board with a volume that is at least the same as your weight in pounds in order to give you adequate stability while learning.

Condition

Unlike with brand new boards, condition should be an important thing to look at when choosing used boards. The fins underneath the board may be more likely to show wear and tear than the board itself, but you’ll often find that you can replace the fins if you need to.

Before you buy a used SUP, ask to see pictures of the fins and the underside of the board so you can check for any signs of wear or damage. Make sure you also get pictures of the board from different angles.

Video: Buying A Used Paddleboard

It can be a good idea to ask the seller if the board has had any repairs and if it has, ask to see photos of the repaired area. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Type

There are a few different types of paddle boards, each designed for different activities or purposes. For example, surfing, yoga, racing, fishing, touring or all-round paddling. So before you jump right in, it might be worth thinking about the type of paddling you’ll want to do.

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Where To Buy Used SUP Boards

Outfitters

Your local paddle board outfitters can be a good place to start when it comes to looking for used SUPs, as they can often also provide information about the board, as well as give you expert guidance if you need it.

Sometimes demo boards and ex-rental boards can be offered for sale, which could also mean you can get to test it out before you commit to it. If they don’t offer used SUPs for sale they may be able to point you to local sellers.

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Online Marketplace

Online marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon, can be ideal places to buy used SUPs, as the sellers will often have customer ratings on their pages for buyer reassurance.

It can be worth checking if the seller will offer any kind of guarantee with the board, or if there is a refund policy.

Classifieds

In addition to well known classified sites, such as Craigslist, some dedicated watersports websites may have classified sections. This can be a good place to find a more specialized or advanced board and you may also be more likely to find a seller who is experienced in paddle boarding with that particular board.

Rounding Up

Hopefully you now know what to look out for when you choose a used SUP. Remember to keep in mind the price and your budget, as well as the condition of the board.

Thinking about the type of board you want should also help you with your decision. But make sure you check out multiple listings to get an idea of the market before you settle on one specific board.

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