SANDBANKS SUP 2025 PREVIEW
Retail Buyers Guide: SUP 2025 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: Sandbanks
Interviewee: Marketing Team
In our previous SUP Buyer’s Guide, most indicators showed the 2022-23 overstocks were clearing out. Did 2024 end on the same note with a better demand vs. offer balance?
In 2024 we were still selling off extra stock. Luckily, we managed to sell off virtually all of our stock before the end of 2024 and we are excited to introduce our brand new range for 2025. Next year’s boards will feature improved technology to make the boards even stronger and lighter. What’s more we will be able to offer boards and kayaks at our lowest retail price yet.
Cheaper entry-level iSUPs represent the bulk of the sales but the segment is flooded with brands and products, whereas more advanced SUPs offer better margins. How do you intend to position your brand on the market spectrum in 2026?
We will be positioned in both areas of the market for 2025 and 2026. We have a lower priced board with a 5 year warranty which will appeal more to customers looking at the budget end of the market. In our view, the more we can convince people to steer clear of a typical budget board and get a packages which is stronger and safer the better. We also have a higher performance version of the same board with a 7-year warranty. This will offer more margin for shops, and we also think it will be easier for a specialist watersports shop to sell our higher end board to a customer who is more serious about their SUP journey. The goal is to offer the end customer outstanding value in both cases.
Which are your key inflatable models for 2026 in the Allround/Cruising segments?
We will continue with our Ultimate 10’6’’ range for 2026. This has always been an incredibly popular model for us, and we predict that it will continue to be popular throughout this year and next year.
Which Specialty iSUP are you pushing in 2026: Race & Flatwater, River, Fishing, SUP-Kayak…?
We have just introduced a new board called the California. This is a longer and more streamlined board so it will have similar performance to a touring board however, it’s still 32’’ wide so it will offer beginners who are looking to get into touring a lot more confidence. As well as this the extra length will give the board more buoyancy and therefore a higher carrying capacity.
There has been a relative status quo the past 3 years regarding new technologies & materials? Do you have some exciting news to share for the year coming or did the SUP products reach a maturity in designs/constructions?
We have improved the materials and constriction techniques that we are putting premium boards (the Ultimate Pro X range). They incorporate welding technology, stiffer skins and a lightweight cross-stitch core. This is not the first time these technologies have been seen in the industry but it has enabled us to offer a 7 year no seam leak guarantee which we believe is a first for the industry.
How are you supporting retailers through this difficult period?
We are fortunate to be in a position where we do not have a surplus of stock, this means that our retailers will not have to be concerned about us competing with them. For those who need it we will also offer longer payment terms and even unique payment plans to help retailers who are struggling with cash flow.
Key Products:
The Ultimate Pro X:
Pro x blue
Explorer single/double:
Explorer
Optimal single/double:
Optimal
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