Advice regarding low cost paddle board for summer camp use?

[ADKstrider]

I work at a paddle sport summer camp that emphasizes canoeing and kayaking.  The campers are intensely interested in my SUP and the director has asked me to investigate boards for possible purchase.  Any recommendations for boards at a good intersection of low price and reasonably durable quality?  An all-rounder surf board shape and size would work best for us on our flat water lake in Vermont. 

[AJR]

Look at Costco - I'd recommend getting a soft top (safer IMO)

[robon]

Look at Costco - I'd recommend getting a soft top (safer IMO)

Not so sure about Costco. Heard several stories about paddles breaking with their complete SUP package.

You can get a Surftech universal or a BIC for around the same price or less as the Costco epoxy offering. Ordering multiple entry level boards from an actual SUP dealer will get you a discount and set up right the first time and the price is going to be  similar to what Costco is offering for an entry level epoxy.

Imagine Surf has the complete lineup in plastic for quite cheap as well.

[AirJunky]

A couple of board shops around here rent the Imagine SUPs..... their plastic & probably a lot more durable than any foam/epoxy board.

http://www.imaginesurf.com/

[Bulky]

Sure, Costco will have the lowest price, but I'd be hesitant at the Wavestorm boards I've seen there are pretty thick and immobile.  I'd also question durability as you're probably going to have a lot of campers out there doing what campers do.  There are other softops out there listing around $700-800 and I'm sure any dealer worth doing business with would work with someone wanting to buy them in camp quantities.  I was out at Camp Fox on Catalina Island, CA in the spring and saw they had some big red softops, but I can't remember the brand.  You might contact them to see what they're using.

Tnx,

RG

[raf]

If you are buying quantity, I'd recommend trying to open a wholesale account directly with the manufacturer.  This is not uncommon with camps and non-profits.

[SKIQUATTRO]

the camp near me uses Bic Peter Pan model...they are now selling 5 boards and paddles for $600, just used this season....

[Tecpartner]

I belive Costco brought in a new SUP package.  I think the paddles breaking were associated with the old SUP package.

You might give Joe Blair a call.  He's got some durable soft tops, and hard tops that would be good for your campers.