Try before you buy at the UK’s leading paddleboard and paddle demo centre.
Located on the water at Woodmill in Southampton, The SUP Company Test Centre gives you the opportunity to demo and compare paddleboards and paddles properly before making a purchase.
Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or looking to upgrade your setup, testing equipment on the water is the fastest and most reliable way to find what works for you.
Why use our SUP Test Centre?
Try multiple boards back-to-back
Feel the difference between sizes, shapes and constructions on the water — not on paper.
Dial in your full setup
We don’t just demo boards — you can also test a wide range of paddles to find the right length, blade shape and stiffness for your paddling style.
Buy with confidence
A demo session removes the guesswork and ensures you choose the right board and paddle the first time.
How it works
-
Apply for a demo
Complete our quick application form so we can understand your experience, size and what you’re looking for. -
We match you with the right equipment
Our team will recommend suitable boards and paddles based on your needs. -
Attend your session at Woodmill
Get on the water and test multiple setups in a controlled environment. -
Choose the right setup
Make your decision based on real experience, not guesswork.
Demo fee
All demo sessions are charged at £25.
This fee is fully refundable against the purchase of a paddleboard or paddle, making it a simple way to ensure you get the right setup.
What you can demo
We offer access to one of the largest demo selections in the UK, including:
- All-round paddleboards
- Touring paddleboards
- Race boards
- Inflatable and hard boards
- A wide range of paddles (different lengths, blade shapes and constructions)
We carry leading brands including Red Paddle Co, Starboard, Fanatic, SIC and more.
Perfect conditions for testing
Woodmill offers sheltered, flat-water conditions — ideal for comparing paddleboards and paddles without the influence of waves or challenging conditions.
This allows you to focus purely on how the equipment performs.
Looking for wingfoiling and foiling kit?
Then visit our Try It Now centre at The SUP Co x Lymington.
Apply for your demo
To ensure we match you with the right equipment, all demo sessions are booked via application.
Complete the demo application form here
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 in Southampton and serves customers from across Hampshire, Portsmouth, Winchester and the wider South Coast.
If you’re serious about buying a paddleboard or paddle, this is the best place to start.
Paddleboard & Paddle Demo Centre in Southampton
If you are searching for a paddleboard demo in Southampton, a SUP test centre in Hampshire, or want to try a paddleboard before buying in the UK, The SUP Company Test Centre at Woodmill is one of the most complete demo environments available.
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 make confident buying decisions.
