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7 November 2025

Why Our Gear Isn’t Cheap — and Why Cheap Gear Isn’t Good

by Ciera Brodkin

From Our Founder, Steve Elder: 

I get it — when you’re shopping for a paddle board, those deals on Amazon or Costco can look tempting. But here’s the truth: our gear isn’t cheap, and cheap gear isn’t good. 

There’s a lot that goes into making a great board — far more than most people realize. Those low-cost, non-brand boards? They usually come as-is. Rarely inspected by quality control teams. Rarely optimized for balance or performance. For an untrained eye, they might look similar — but for anyone who’s spent real time on the water, the difference is night and day. 

We start with the best materials, from the thickness and flexibility of our PVC to the precision of every welded or glued seam. The shape, width, and design of each board are engineered for stability, glide, and fun — not just to look good on a product page. 

And speaking of looks — yes, I’ll admit I’m partial — but I truly believe our boards have the best colors and designs out there. That’s not because our manufacturer handed us a catalog to pick from. It’s because we have dedicated product designers who live to create beautiful, functional gear. And I personally obsess over every detail — from the board to every piece of included gear — to make sure the entire experience is consistently excellent. 

The durability is there. The versatility is there. The attention to detail is there. And when you step on one of our boards, you’ll feel it — that instant confidence, that smooth glide, that feeling when you go from zero to hero in just a few strokes. 

If you prefer the frustration of a slow, tippy paddle board that makes you spend more time in the water than on top of it — be my guest. But that’s not what we’re about. 

Every year, our products get better. We improve, innovate, and push what’s possible. This year, I’m especially proud of our welded seam technology — now in all our Ultra and Float models. It prevents air leaks and stands up to real-life use — something you won’t find on those bargain boards (or even from some of the big-name competitors). 

We build gear that lasts, performs, and inspires confidence — because when you’re out on the water, you deserve nothing less. 

— Steve Elder, Founder 

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