Try paddleboards and paddles before you buy
Try before you buy at one of the UK’s leading paddleboard and paddle demo centres. Located on the water at Woodmill in Southampton, The SUP Company Test Centre gives you the chance to demo and compare paddleboards and paddles properly before making a purchase.
Whether you are new to paddleboarding or looking to upgrade your setup, testing equipment on the water is the fastest and most reliable way to understand what genuinely works for your height, weight, ability and paddling goals.
The quick answer
The Woodmill SUP Test Centre is for customers who want to make a better buying decision. You can compare suitable boards and paddles on the water, feel the difference for yourself, and get practical advice before committing to your new setup.
Best for
Choosing the right board first time
Ideal if you are torn between sizes, unsure whether to choose inflatable or hard board, or want to compare all-round, touring, race or performance shapes.
Main benefit
Feel the difference on the water
Specs can only tell you so much. On the water, you quickly understand stability, glide, tracking, stiffness, speed and how a paddle feels in your hands.
Cost
£25 demo fee
Demo sessions are charged at £25, with the fee refundable against a qualifying paddleboard or paddle purchase.
Quick navigation
Why use our SUP Test Centre?
Choosing a paddleboard online can be difficult. Size charts, litres, widths and construction terms are useful, but they do not always tell you how a board will feel under your feet. A demo gives you a clearer answer.
Try multiple boards back-to-back
Feel the difference between sizes, widths, shapes and constructions on the water, not just on a product page.
Dial in your full setup
We do not just demo boards. You can also test a wide range of paddles to find the right length, blade shape, shaft feel and construction for your paddling style.
Buy with confidence
A demo session removes the guesswork and helps ensure you choose the right board and paddle first time.
Get expert advice while you compare
Our team will help you understand what you are feeling on the water and how that translates into the right board, paddle and accessory choices.
How it works
1. Apply for a demo
Complete our quick demo application form so we can understand your height, weight, experience level, paddling goals and the type of equipment you are interested in.
2. We match you with suitable equipment
Our team will recommend suitable boards and paddles based on your needs, experience level and the kind of paddling you want to do.
3. Attend your session at Woodmill
Visit The SUP Company x Woodmill, get set up properly, and test suitable boards and paddles on sheltered water with practical guidance from our team.
4. Choose the right setup
Make your decision based on real experience rather than guesswork. If you go ahead with a qualifying paddleboard or paddle purchase, your demo fee can be refunded against that purchase.
Demo fee
All demo sessions are charged at £25.
This fee is refundable against a qualifying paddleboard or paddle purchase, making it a simple way to ensure you get the right setup before you commit.
Demo sessions are subject to availability, conditions and suitable equipment being available for your needs.
What you can demo
We offer access to a wide demo selection covering different paddleboard styles, constructions and paddle options. Availability changes by season, stock and booking schedule.
All-round paddleboards
Great for first-time buyers, family use, relaxed paddling and mixed conditions.
Touring paddleboards
Ideal if you want more glide, better tracking, longer-distance comfort and improved efficiency.
Race and performance boards
For experienced paddlers looking to understand speed, width, stability and real-world efficiency before upgrading.
Inflatable and hard boards
Compare the convenience of inflatable SUPs with the direct feel, glide and performance of hard composite boards.
SUP paddles
Test different paddle lengths, blade shapes, shaft materials and stiffness levels so your paddle suits your board and your paddling style.
We carry leading brands including Red Paddle Co, Starboard, Fanatic, SIC and more.
Perfect conditions for testing
Woodmill offers sheltered, flat-water conditions, which are ideal for comparing paddleboards and paddles without the added influence of waves, chop or challenging coastal conditions.
This lets you focus on how the equipment performs: how stable it feels, how easily it glides, how well it tracks, how quickly it accelerates and how much effort it takes to paddle.
Looking for wingfoiling, foiling or electric kit?
The Woodmill SUP Test Centre is focused on paddleboards and paddles. For selected wing, foil and electric product demos, visit our Try It Now centre at The SUP Co x Lymington.
Explore Lymington Try It NowApply for your demo
To help us match you with suitable equipment, all demo sessions are booked via application. Once submitted, our team will review your enquiry and confirm the best setup and available session times.
Visit us at Woodmill
The SUP Company Test Centre is based at Woodmill in Southampton and serves customers from across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Winchester, Bournemouth and the wider South Coast.
If you are serious about buying a paddleboard or paddle, this is the best place to start.
Address
The SUP Company x Woodmill
Woodmill Lane
Southampton
SO18 2JR
Directions and opening hours
Opening hours can change, so please check our live opening hours before travelling. You can also visit our contact page for directions and parking information.
Paddleboard and paddle demo centre in Southampton
If you are searching for a paddleboard demo in Southampton, a SUP test centre in Hampshire, or somewhere to try a paddleboard before buying in the UK, The SUP Company Test Centre at Woodmill is designed to help you make a more confident decision.
Unlike standard retail, our test centre allows you to compare paddleboards and paddles on the water, helping you understand the real differences between setups before committing to a purchase.
Customers travel from across the South Coast, including Portsmouth, Bournemouth and Winchester, to test equipment properly and choose with confidence.
Helpful buying guides
Not sure what you want to demo yet? These guides will help you narrow the choice before you apply.
SUP Test Centre FAQs
Do I need to book a SUP demo?
Yes, we recommend applying in advance so we can understand what you are looking for and prepare suitable boards and paddles for your session. This is especially important at weekends and during busy periods.
How much does a demo cost?
Demo sessions are £25. This fee is refundable against a qualifying paddleboard or paddle purchase.
Can I try more than one paddleboard?
Yes. The point of the Test Centre is to help you compare suitable boards and paddles back-to-back so you can feel the differences properly.
Can beginners use the SUP Test Centre?
Yes. Beginners often benefit most from a demo because it helps avoid buying a board that is too small, too narrow or too technical too soon.
Can I demo paddles as well as boards?
Yes. Paddle choice makes a big difference to comfort, efficiency and enjoyment. You can compare different lengths, blade shapes, shaft materials and constructions where available.
What should I bring?
Bring suitable clothing for the water and conditions, a towel, footwear if needed, and anything you normally paddle in. We will advise if any specific equipment is required for your session.
Where should I go for wing or foil demos?
For selected wing, foil and electric demos, please visit our Try It Now centre at The SUP Co x Lymington.
Ready to try before you buy?
Complete the demo application form and let our Woodmill team help you find the right paddleboard and paddle setup before you commit.
