NSP SUP 2026 Preview

Retail Buyers Guide: SUP 2026 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: NSP
Interviewee: Sander Blauw - Sales & Marketing

What is your assessment of the 2025 business: new impetus, cleared old stocks, sounder growth, better quality products ?
Healthier 2025 results with a strong demand in race boards following new World Championship wins at both ICF and ISA in 2025 and into 2026. Recreational SUP hardboard market remains steady with an increase in sales of new touring shapes filling the gap between recreational SUP and Race. NSP’s inflatable inventory was a lot smaller than other brands so most excess inventory has cleared while focus has shifted to price point packages that are selling well in addition to more premium innovative double chambered inflatable race boards – race results have shown in the right hands the nsp race inflatables can be as fast or faster than hardboards, with over all shape and design is a shift away from mainstream inflatable models. Innovation and results definitely has a positive impact

Do you favor segmented distribution channels? (entry-level allrounders via online D2C and sports chain stores, advanced models for core retailers?)
Yes in most markets we see the volume of entry level boards selling through sports chain stores, however as the core stores are known for their expertise, they will often stock both the high end boards as well as proven entry price point beginner models- this helps stores to build relationships with paddlers seeking advice from beginner and up and helps the journey of dedicated first time buyers from entry level on their journey towards a touring or race board further down the track. At NSP we are big believers in the importance of longtail relationship building and are proud of the distributors , retailers and paddle communities that embrace this in growing our sport.

Which are your key inflatable models for 2026 in the Allround/Cruising segments?
Our key inflatable models for 2026 in the Allround and Cruising categories are the Cruiser LT and Touring LT, both proven best sellers in the range. The Cruiser LT is a highly versatile allround inflatable SUP that combines stability, ease of use and reliable performance. It delivers a smooth and predictable ride while remaining lightweight, compact and easy to transport, making it ideal for a wide range of paddlers and conditions. The Touring LT is designed for paddlers looking for more efficiency and glide, with a streamlined shape that performs over longer distances while maintaining stability and ease of handling. Lightweight and compact when packed, it is an ideal choice for those wanting performance without sacrificing portability.

Which Specialty iSUPs are growing/decreasing in 2026 ? (Race & Flatwater, River, Fishing, SUP-Kayak, SUP surfing…)
NSP’s entry point Cruise and Touring LT models are the main drivers of NSP’s inflatable category, however the strongest growth for other models has been in the Performance Race models following Christian Andersen’s wins at the APP event in India where he successfully challenged and bet other international riders that were on composite hard boards… a first at an international event

Is innovation stalling or did the SUP reach maturity regarding designs and constructions?
There is always room for more innovation… there are probably only 2, maybe 3 brands today (NSP and you can guess the other one) that continue to actively invest in development and team riders, although we are rival brands its healthy that we are both pushed to continuously develop faster, lighter and better boards

(hardboard brands only) Which hardboard styles do you push on the forefront of your range? And what about sales volumes compared to inflatables?
NSP’s hardboard sales have always been dominant over inflatables. The Elements epoxy boards (just like in our surf range) are our bread and butter spanning cruise, allround, surf sup and allwater touring, focusing on that perfect balance of performance, durability and value. The Elements Omni is one of our key models that fills the gap between recreation, touring and race as a perfect all condition board that paddles fast, has a low profile and rides waves well for its 12 ‘6 or 14’ size. This has been a new addition to the arrange that is turning heads and brings more fun and adventure back to paddling. In recent years our thermoformed HIT boards have captured a sizable chunk of the global rental and resorts markets thanks to their extreme durability. Originally HIT was only available in our Cruise shapes, but we have extended this into the touring range with our HIT Journey boards giving users a much improved glide.

How can you help retailers make a difference when most SUPs are at a click’s range online?
This is where community comes into play as buying a board for yourself is like a commodity, or like buying a new pair of sneakers – more for summer for a paddle when on holiday and less about emotions or connecting or being part of a community and paddling together, socially and competitively. This is where the core shops come into play and why the bricks and mortar stores are so vitally important in building community, sharing knowledge, showing the different brands and models, giving advice, hosting regular paddle clinics and paddle sessions… it’s not about races and going hard core but more about about inclusion and building a community

Key Products:

OMNI Elements:
Is a new user-friendly SUP that works in a wide range of conditions, can be used as a recreational raceboard or touring board and is super fun as a SUP surfboard as well! The flat-deck design encourages stability and control and its race-inspired nose ensures efficient gliding and reward for each paddle stroke. The tail is very surf- oriented and allows responsive, playful maneuverability. Elements is the perfect construction to achieve the balance between durability, performance and affordability, and it’s now available in SLX construction, for those seeking higher performance.

Omni 14_0x27 – Elements – 3in1

JOURNEY HIT:
Is a super-durable touring board designed for efficient coastal cruisers, adventure paddlers and commercial operators looking for reliable, long-lasting use. Available in 12 ‘6 and 14’ lengths with plenty of width, these are great platforms to build confidence, or load up for adventure touring.

nsp-journey-hit-3in1

ALLROUNDER & TOURING LT:
Are indispensable for those seeking the convenience of travel and storage of inflatable SUP boards that can be quickly deployed for cruising, family fun or touring. Both models are designed with extra volume to ensure ease-of-use, stability and to reward paddlers with speed, glide, responsiveness and efficiency. Built with the latest lightweight, inflatable tech, these include carry points, accessory mounts, pump and fin included. When the fun’s over, the boards can be packed down into a compact pack that can be wheeled away for transport, storage.

nsp-cruiser-inflatable-3in1

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