No Name Ebay SUP?

[mjd]

If you want SUP to grow and get stronger support your local shop.  You'll get more back in value added ten times over then you ever could saving a couple hundred bucks on ebay or some huge warehouse outlet. 

[PaddleCrazy]

If you want SUP to grow and get stronger support your local shop.  You'll get more back in value added ten times over then you ever could saving a couple hundred bucks on ebay or some huge warehouse outlet.  

Agreed, and why I purchased my "pop out" from a local surf shop.....and why I asked about "Kiyo".....

He's peddling a similar set up as the one mentioned (board and paddle for $550) out of a warehouse where he's also storing (selling??) "cheap" children's furniture and the like.  

[Fishman]

Thanks for all the info. The board in Question was 550 with a paddle. Brand new.

We have no local shops in my neck of the wood so I'll be a fly also...

Anyway, I bought 2 Ebay boards (Hulakai boards, I don't think i'd call them "no name"?) 11'x 32" and a 10 x 30" for $550 on Ebay, plus shipping. I really like them. Of the 5 boards my family now have, i can say i'll the 11' Hulakai well be around the longest, it's a great long board style shape and real fun to walk, nose ride, tandem rides, and all around board. Very user friendly, i let my friends, ( first timer's) use it most of the time. The 10 footer is not as versatile so i'll be selling it soon for a better short board. Im' sure i won't loose much on the sale. It was good beginner board for my 140 lbs son. the only con is the boards did not have vent plugs.

I was concerned about the construction quality, that was until my son drove off without strapping down the boards. The 10' took a header into the asphalt at about 20MPH from the top of a SUV. The real damage was not bad considering, the road rash was the main issue mainly cosmetic. I probably could have got away without using any fiberglass for the impact repair. That to say, it seems well built to me.

Now that i'm hooked on SUPing, i am shopping some Big name brand boards. So for me buying a cheap board on Ebay was good for my pocket and good for the top quality board brands also. seems like a Win win to me?.

[mjd]

@Fishman

So ebay let you try out the boards before you bought them?  Ebay asked you what sort of paddling you do and gave you information on what other paddlers who do the same sort SUPing have liked?  Ebay gave you recommendations based on their personal experience with the boards you were looking at?   Ebay gave you opportunities to surf and paddle with them and have you hook up with other SUPers in your area?  Ebay will warranty your boards if something goes wrong with them?  Ebay will serve as a hub for various paddling events in your area?  You can get replacement parts and accessories at Ebay without any delay seven days a week?  Ebay will give you first dibs on any discounted items simply by logging on to their site?  Ebay offers lessons and free first time outings to get you or your family members started?  Ebay will rent you boards seven days a week?  

I'm not trying to be combative but I think there's a lot you're overlooking.  

[PaddleCrazy]

Ahhh, never mind....deleted.   

[gtcali]

PaddleCrazy....I hear ya.

My opinion, do some research, get what you can afford and have fun.  If you are really serious about the sport you'll find a want to upgrade.

[Fishman]

 I was just trying to answer the question the best I could with my personal experience.

  The answer to most of your questions is no. But like I said in my first sentence "there are No local SUP stores in my area".  I wish I did have a those options, there are few thing i'd love to demo.

I did just buy a Starboard Ace from a SUP Shop where those good service options are available. The problem is I live 3000 miles from that Good SUP shop, so the reality is the purchase experience was almost the same. My low cost purchase on Ebay got me hooked on the sport, which lead me in a few short months to up grade and support a Good SUP shop. now my friends are buying SUPs. Is that a bad thing for the sport?

Like you say, get what you can afford have fun upgrade when you can.

[raf]

If you can get a fine SUP for $550 plus paddle on the internet, and feel confident doing that, its the best deal around for a beginner.  My biggest gripe about internet as a consumer is taking a chance on shipping.  If you have no local shop, you really don't have much choice though.

[corran]

@Fishman

So ebay let you try out the boards before you bought them?  Ebay asked you what sort of paddling you do and gave you information on what other paddlers who do the same sort SUPing have liked?  Ebay gave you recommendations based on their personal experience with the boards you were looking at?   Ebay gave you opportunities to surf and paddle with them and have you hook up with other SUPers in your area?  Ebay will warranty your boards if something goes wrong with them?  Ebay will serve as a hub for various paddling events in your area?  You can get replacement parts and accessories at Ebay without any delay seven days a week?  Ebay will give you first dibs on any discounted items simply by logging on to their site?  Ebay offers lessons and free first time outings to get you or your family members started?  Ebay will rent you boards seven days a week?  

I'm not trying to be combative but I think there's a lot you're overlooking.  

The local dealer is the lifeblood of this sport. Without them, there is no future to this sport. The effort, insight, service that they bring is invaluable to each person in this sport. Whenever you can, support your local dealer.

Corran

[mjd]

@ Fishman

I wasn't addressing your particular situation.  I wanted to point out some of the differences between buying online and buying from a real SUP shop.  The service and ongoing interaction and such.  Sometimes ppl are in a rush to get the cheapest board as quickly as possible and they miss the bigger picture as far what they can benefit from by establishing a relationship with a core dealer.

I recognize that living 3,000 miles from a shop is going to be prohibitive.

[Easy Rider]

Can I put this on a T-shirt?

So ebay let you try out the boards before you bought them?  Ebay asked you what sort of paddling you do and gave you information on what other paddlers who do the same sort SUPing have liked?  Ebay gave you recommendations based on their personal experience with the boards you were looking at?   Ebay gave you opportunities to surf and paddle with them and have you hook up with other SUPers in your area?  Ebay will warranty your boards if something goes wrong with them?  Ebay will serve as a hub for various paddling events in your area?  You can get replacement parts and accessories at Ebay without any delay seven days a week?  Ebay will give you first dibs on any discounted items simply by logging on to their site?  Ebay offers lessons and free first time outings to get you or your family members started?  Ebay will rent you boards seven days a week?  

Would go well with our other Staff T