Shop Profile #3: Sun ‘n Sup, Naramata
How long has your company been in business, and how did you get your start?
We started at the end of July 2010, with rental boards on a trailer. No advertising, just word of mouth, the response was great!
When and how did you first find out about Stand Up Paddleboarding?
My husband and partner, Pete and I usually make a trip once a year to go surfing. Somewhere I don’t even remember the exact place we saw it. I have been in the Surf soft goods side of the business for many years, and it could have been at one of the trade shows, perhaps San Diego? But it was about 2 years ago aprox.
When did you start carrying SUP related products in your store?
Our store is just opening this May, we will sell, rent and offer lessons.
What are your top selling board brands and models?
We sell Surftech, Oxbow and Red Paddle
What are your top selling paddle brands and models?
We will be selling Surftech, Kialoa and Red Paddle
If there was one accessory you’d suggest that all stand up paddle boarders should purchase, it would be…
A bag to put your board in when traveling on the highway.
Do you offer additional value added services?
We have lessons starting Thursdays starting May 5th at 6pm, and we will also be encouraging locals with boards already and newbies to join us for SUP & SIP, casual morning and evening paddles days and time to be confirmed. Meet other paddlers, go for a workout or just enjoy the scenery. After we will head to Café Nevermatters for a coffee or a glass of wine.
How do most of your customers use their stand up paddle boards?
Flat water, Okanagan Lake or Skaha.
What time of day brings the best conditions?
The best time or calmest, seems to be from 7-10am and then again late evening 7-8pm, summer of course. But we have two protected areas on either side of Naramata Village that is generally pretty calm any time of day.
Where do you see stand up paddle boarding going in the next few years?
It reminds me of when snowboarding first came on the seen. I worked in the Ski industry for over 18 yrs and in the early 80’s and I remember how fast it took off. Of course there was a lot of static between skiers and boarders, just like standard surfing and SUP. We don’t have that problem here as we are on flat water. I think with the vast amount of waterways we have available and the ease of learning the sport, we will see a lot more of SUPers out there.
What’s your favorite part about being involved with stand up paddleboarding?
I love the mornings at about 730ish when the loons are on the lake and it is already 20 something Celsius, it is the most wonderful feeling.
Any tips for the newcomers?
Buy a good paddle, light weight, carbon, it make a world of difference.
Anything else you’d like to mention before we wrap up?
We are expecting the first shipment of Surftech boards around April 20th, we will be open the first week in May. Grand opening reception will be May long wknd on the Saturday.
