If you’re thinking about a new paddleboard for 2026 (or you’re ready to upgrade what you’ve got), this is the quickest way to get it right first time: get on the water and feel the differences back-to-back.
On Saturday 21st March, we’re running a big SUP Demo Day at The SUP Co x Woodmill with a stacked fleet of boards and a serious selection of paddles. Expect the latest from Red Paddle Co, Starboard, Infinity, SIC Maui and Jobe, with the SUP Co team on hand to help you dial in the right size, shape and setup.
Event details (quick look)
- Date: Saturday 21st March
- Location: The SUP Co x Woodmill, Woodmill Lane, Southampton, SO18 2JR
- On the water: Sheltered River Itchen access straight from our pontoon
- Food & coffee: Refreshments available on-site at Woodmill Coffee Kitchen (WCK)
Stay up to date with this event and everything on offer by visiting our Facebook Event Page here
What you can demo
We’ll be focusing on boards that actually make sense for UK paddling (rivers, lakes, Solent chop, beach days, fitness paddles and touring).
- Red Paddle Co – premium inflatables with that “solid underfoot” feel
- Starboard – inflatables + composites, touring, race and surf shapes
- Infinity – performance hard boards for glide, speed and surf feel
- SIC Maui – fast, usable boards for fitness, touring and downwind-inspired shapes
- Jobe – brilliant value packages and easy all-rounders
If you already know the “type” of paddling you want to do, it helps to skim these before you arrive:
Don’t ignore the paddle (it changes everything)
A lot of paddlers obsess over boards and then use a “fine, it came in the package” paddle for years. But the paddle is your engine — and getting the right blade size and shaft feel can make your paddling instantly smoother and less tiring.
We’ve got a big selection available to try, including race/touring blades and lighter carbon upgrades:
Shop / browse SUP paddles here
If you’re a Red Paddle Co paddler (or you’re considering one), this guide is a proper shortcut:
Red Paddle Co SUP Paddles: The Complete Buying Guide
What to bring
- Something you don’t mind getting wet (wetsuit if you’ve got one)
- Warm layer for standing around between tests
- Towel + a change of clothes (just in case)
- Any kit you already own that you’d like us to compare against (paddle, fin, leash etc.)
Make a morning of it at Woodmill
One of the best bits about Woodmill is how easy it is: park up, grab a coffee, get on the water, then refuel. WCK is right there for coffees, cakes and proper food while you’re in “what felt best?” decision mode.
Want us to shortlist boards before you arrive?
Message us your height, weight, where you’ll paddle most (river / sea / lakes), and what you want from the board (stability, speed, touring, fitness, family fun). We’ll pre-pick a shortlist so your on-water time is spent testing the right stuff.
Call: 02380 172189
Email: help@thesupco.com
Woodmill info: The SUP Co x Woodmill