Frequently Asked Questions
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What's the best size paddle board for me?
The most important consideration when determining whether a board is suitable for you is the internal volume. We calculate the internal volume of each board to guarantee individual suitability.
Another thing to consider is your experience level, generally, beginners are best opting for a larger sized board due to its stability.
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Do your boards come with a paddle and a pump?
Yes, all of the boards we sell include a paddle, pump, ankle leash, backpack and maintenance kit.
There are some optional extras that are not included in the original price, such as a kayak seat, lightweight dual-action paddle or a more heavy-duty pumps. Refer to the product listing for a full breakdown of the box's contents.
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Are paddle boards easy to use?
Yes, paddle boarding is an activity many people can quickly get the hang of. For absolute beginners, we recommend starting off by kneeling on the board to get a feel for the way the board interacts with the water.
Then, when you feel ready, try standing up and position your feet in a similar spot, as your centre of balance when you were kneeling.
The weather and water conditions also play a massive part in how 'easy' paddle boarding can be. Particularly on the sea, the chop can make it much more challenging to even experienced riders.
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Is there an age range for using paddleboards?
There's certainly no upper age limit for using paddleboards; the only requirement is that you're a proficient enough swimmer in case you fall off!
Younger children will be best, initially, as passengers on your board while wearing a good-quality life jacket. However, with both supervision and suitably sized equipment, there's nothing stopping them from having a go for themselves!
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What are the benefits of an inflatable compared to a hard board?
The most prominent benefit of an ISUP is their convenience in transporting to-and-from your favourite locations. Inflatables can easily fit inside any vehicle, or into the provided backpack if on foot or bicycle. Whilst, hard-body boards often require a vehicle with a roof rack or a large van for road transport.
Performance differences between high-quality inflatables and hard-body boards are minimal, and often just boils down to personal preference.
In terms of storage, inflatables take up far less room than their hard-body counterparts.
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Where can I use my paddle board?
A great aspect about paddleboarding is you can do it anywhere you can find a large enough body of water. Our boards are great for the sea, lakes, rivers & canals!
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How many fins does my board need?
The amount of fins is dependent on what type of paddle boarding you intend to do. The ISUPs we provide have between 1 & 3 detachable fins.
0 fin - This setup is best used for paddling in shallow water where it could catch the bottom.
1 fin - Great for beginners as it grants a decent amount of stability whilst allowing for easy turning. We recommend using at least one fin because it helps to keep you in a straight line!
3 fins - This setup offers more stability, but it makes turning a bit trickier; ideal for paddleboarding on choppy seawater! Also, three fins allow for a higher top speed.
P.S: Make sure to double-check that your fins are secure before hitting the water!
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Can I store my isup inflated?
The board can be stored inflated for short periods of time, but make sure to release some of the air pressure before doing so!
For longer term storage, it is best to deflate the board, then loosely roll it up to allow some fresh airflow.
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How do I maintain my board?
After paddling in saltwater, it is important to hose down the board with fresh water because the salt is corrosive to the seams over time. This is not necessary after use in freshwater (unless there's any muddy residue on board).
Then, dry off the board with a towel and make sure it's completely dry before packing it away. If you leave the board wet, bacteria can grow in the nooks and crannies and, again, damage the seams.
We include a detailed guide on maintenence with each board purchased.
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Can the board carry me and my friend, child or pet?
Yes, as long as the combined total weight does not exceed the listed maximum weight for the board. In any case, when it comes to carrying extra people or pets, the bigger the board the better!
If carrying a pet on an ISUP, ensure that your pet's nails are trimmed and not super-sharp, because this could scratch the board.
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Do you give a discount if I buy more than one board?
We don’t offer a discount for multi-purchases because our prices are more than competitive. However, we will give you a free drybag, t-shirt or cap!
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Do isups puncture?
We have never had any feedback regarding punctures, but there's a couple of things to avoid that will lower the chance of punctures even further:
First, do not ride the board all the way to the shoreline, as this is where small rocks and stones build-up from the tide.
Secondly, ensure there is enough depth in the water where you're paddling so the board doesn't catch any rocks that may be on the stream or sea bed.
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Are you part of a franchise?
No, we are an independent family run business based in Poole.
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Do you deliver boards outside of the UK?
Yes, we have delivered boards as far as New Zealand! We would need to calculate a cost for shipping depending on your location.
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What's the warranty?
Our boards and accessories are all brand new and carry a warranty. All accessories carry a standard 12-month warranty, while most of our boards benefit from an extended 24-month warranty. Find more warranty information here.
Delivery
For mainland UK customers, all boards are delivered by courier within 2-3 working days, absolutely free of charge.
At the moment, customers not on the UK mainland will have to pay a small additional cost for shipping.
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Delivery prices for international customers will be determined depending on location. Import charges may be added to the price depending on which country you are in. Get in touch if you have any concerns.
Returns
Customers may return an unused item(s) within 30 days of initial purchase.
The customer is responsible for covering the cost of postage.
If you wish to return an item, please email enquiries@surfshackonline.com
or call 07436 125 493
to get in touch with a Surf Shack team member.