Shop Profile #5: Boardworks Surf Canada

OK, so Boardworks Surf Canada is not technically a “shop” per se, but as a wholesale distributor of SUP related products for the Canadian market, we felt it’d be good to hear about SUP from behind the scenes.

The company distributes a variety of boards paddles and gear including C4 Waterman, Paddle Surf Hawaii, Rusty SUP, Kahuna Creations Land Paddles to retailers throughout Canada. They also distribute a number of classic surf shapes such as Dewey Weber, Kane Garden, Stewart and Hynson.

So with that, here’s what’s happening in the world of Boardworks in Canada…

How long has your company been in business, and how did you get your start?

We launched BWSC in January of 2010.  We launched the business because we got excited about the great sport of SUP in LA but had a hard time finding a good quality board in Canada.

When and how did you first find out about Stand Up Paddleboarding?

My good friend Chris Chelios was into it and got me interested. In 2009 I had back surgery and I could not sit in a canoe or kayak but still wanted to be on the water.  I found that SUP helped strengthen my core which helped my rehab.  I then continued to use it as a great cross training tool.

What are your top selling board brands and models?

We launched our business on the C4 brand but the Boardworks brand has launched a new line and the Raven board is just incredible for flat water.  The Rusty brand is meant for sup surfing so its really good the surf out on Vancouver Island.

What are your top selling paddle brands and models?

The C4 and Boardworks carbon/fibreglass paddle is light weight but very strong and is a reasonable price.

Kahuna Creations Land Paddle

What are your most popular SUP related accessories?

The Kahuna Creations Land Paddle, it’s the only way you can go for a paddle when there’s no water around.

If there was one accessory you’d suggest that all stand up paddle boarders should purchase, it would be…

Kahuna Creations Retro-Fish Beach Board with the Kahuna Bamboo Big Stick.

How do most of your customers use their stand up paddle boards?

We have a lot of customers that buy the Boardworks Shubu which is inflatable and fits in a duffle bag that is great for traveling.  We have customers that use our boards in the ocean on the waves but the majority are on flatwater touring, racing our just taking it easy.

What time of day brings the best conditions?

I love going out in the mornings when the water is like glass, the air is crisp and its quiet.

Where do you see stand up paddle boarding going in the next few years?

I think the race circuit will take off across the country of Canada, just as it did in the USA.

What’s your favorite part about being involved with stand up paddleboarding?

The SUP community is like a big family. Everyone in the business just loves being on the water and having a good time.

Any tips for the newcomers?

Make sure the board is wider than 30 inches and the rail is sharp which gives the board lots of stability.

Anything else you’d like to mention while we’re at it?

We are the official SUP provider of the Colorado Avalanche, NHL and the NHLPA.

Thanks for taking the time to read and for more information, be sure to check out their website at boardworkssurfcanada.com