Renting a paddle board is a great idea if you’re a newbie or a casual rider and don’t yet have your own board, or if you simply want to try a different board than the one you have. With so many shops and a plethora of different types of boards, the task may seem daunting for some, so here are a few useful tips to consider for your next SUP rental.

• The Equipment: Not all SUP boards are created equal, so make sure you’re getting a premium board that’ll give you the glide and maneuverability to ensure your paddle boarding experience is enjoyable. Cheap paddle boards are usually assembly-line copies, and there’s nothing like struggling on one against the current to ruin your experience. You also want a board that fits your experience level and terrain (e.g. lake or harbor versus open ocean), so make sure they have a range of boards and knowledgeable staff to help you pick the right SUP.
• Cost: As tempting as it may be to go with the cheapest for a stand up paddle board rental around, keep in mind that you will generally get what you pay for, and as mentioned above, a cheap stand up paddle board can spoil your fun. Shop around for places that provide professionally shaped premium boards, then consider pricing rates from this selection. Most shops will charge hourly, while fewer places offer daily rates without a time limit, so think about what makes most sense for you and your time frame.
• Transportation: SUPs are large and won’t fit into a standard passenger vehicle, however you don’t have to paddleboard only at the location where they rent stand up paddle boards. If you don’t have a large enough vehicle or racks and straps to secure the board to your roof or want the convenience and ease to have sup boards delivered to you, you’ll want to find a provider that offers delivery and pick up services. You no longer have to search for “paddle board rentals near me” anymore and go paddle boarding anywhere you desire. Don’t forget to factor this in when considering your overall cost.
• Tips for Beginners: If you’re a beginner, you’ll want to get some pointers before you take the board out. The ultimate beginnersguide to paddle boarding by Jo Branson provides a great step-by-step guide for beginners, as well as some useful information about stand up paddle boarding in general. You might also want to consider looking for a shop that offers lessons with your SUP rental.

With the warm weather and peak paddleboard season well on its way, make sure you plan ahead to get the right stand up paddle board for your fun in the sun! Check out SUPto You daily rental rates on premium boards to arrange a FREE board delivery in the Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Dana Point areas!