Watersports affordability is a point of focus for many already involved or looking to get started. Surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddle boarding, foiling, sailing and so on are all perceived as high price ticket items. And it’s not just perceptions surrounding the actual hardware equipment, it’s all the other peripherals you need too. Such as wetsuits and wetsuit accessories. Whilst we can’t guarantee the cost of watersports will be rock bottom we do know of ways to keep the affordability more palatable. Here’s how.
Why are watersports so expensive?
Buying brand new gear is the pinnacle in terms of price. Especially if you go for current, this year models. Surfboards, as an example, will set you back a penny or two if you go for the latest shape with all the bells and whistles. Anyone looking at new windsurfing equipment may whistle in disbelief at the spangly high performance items. The same goes for paddle premium paddle boards – particularly those hard shell types.
The fact is, new watersports gear costs a fair bit to design, test, manufacture and market. Usually, watersports brands are looking to upgrade their output year on year. That means trying to utilise the latest technologies or manufacturing techniques. Watersports products are also fairly small batch, at least when compare to things like everyday essentials like domestic appliances. This also adds cost. And then there’s the supply chain which requires goods to be flown in, boated across or overland transported into each territory. Import duty, VAT and all the other charges are then added which knocks on to retail price. In fact, by the time gear hits the shelves and costs have been covered the RRP is a world away from what the initial cost to make the thing is. A plus point to all this is (mostly) new watersports kit is cutting edge and delivers high performance. Although not ever rider wants or needs this.
How do I make watersports more affordable?
As we said at the start there’s no getting away from the fact that to be involved with any kind of watersport does require financial outlay. But you can certainly make things less harsh on your wallet and avoid the need for taking out second mortgages.
Second hand and ex-demo watersports gear is readily available at different price breaks. New and spangly will always cost the most. But you’ll still get plenty of fun and enjoyment out of tried and tested kit that may have been used, is a few seasons old or is being swapped out for an upgrade by the seller. There are plenty of places to find bargains. Social media market places and the likes of eBay can all hold gem equipment that’s not going to break the bank. Look out for sales and discounted items as well at your fave watersports emporium.
Buying advice.
We appreciate everyone likes a ‘new’ toy. But even something used can be ‘new’ if it’s been looked after. Our advice is always to check and try to ascertain the level of wear and tear. If you’re buying second hand or ex demo through a shop it’s easy enough to get the right info. Watersports retailers aren’t in the habit of ripping people off. If you’re buying off eBay then using PayPal, which gives buyers a degree of insurance, is another way to ensure what you’re getting is as described.
Here at NCW we specialise in used and repaired wetsuits. This can be a much cheaper way of keeping protected in the water when doing your watersports thing. We stake our reputation on ALL the products we sell. So you’ll be safe in the knowledge your water wear – if going down the used wetsuit route – will be as tip top as can be. And this should take some of the financial headaches away from pursuing your chosen activity.
Choose a watersport that’s not expensive.
All watersports are pricey to some degree. But if you’re open minded and happy to ride alternative craft you can make the experience much cheaper.
Fringe surfing disciplines, for instance, are less costly. The price of a bellyboard, bodyboard or hand plane isn’t high as a surfboard. In fact, you don’t even need a craft per see. Doing things the natural way and bodysurfing will only require a wetsuit and fins. We appreciate this mightn’t be for everyone but it’s certainly an option.
DIY home shaping.
Home shaping/making creating can be a way to keep watersports costs down. You still have to pay for materials, and there’s definitely a time element. Your home shaped creations might also take a few goes to actually reach a point where they’re usable. But making a surfboard from scratch, for instance, is one way to keep affordability on point. It’s also fun!
There are other examples of home shaped watersports toys too. Hydrofoils (if that’s your bag) and associated boards have been homemade products for a while now. Even the electrically powered variety can be born in your garage.
Whatever your watersports taste there’re ways to keep the costs down if you’re not in a position to buy new. For used and repaired secondhand wetsuit options why not give us a shout andbe well on the way to saving some coin?