Downunder Leads the Way in

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddling (SUP) as we know it today is considered to have started in Hawaii and the Polynesian islands and has become a phenomenon throughout the world.  It may soon surpass kayaking as the number one paddle sport activity of choice.

The sport began as a way for surfing instructors to have a higher vantage point in supervising groups of would-be surfers, and to check out wave patterns.  At Downunder, stand-up paddling means views of the beautiful homes, islands, and wildlife, and Connecticut’s  incomparable Gold Coast shoreline. It can be a great workout or just a fun way to hang out.

Stand-up paddling is great for all ages and all kinds of groups… even dogs love coming along for a ride! 

Our SUP rentals start at 1 hour -- perfect for getting accustomed to a board. If you get tired, just sit or kneel!  SUPs still paddle well.  Give it a go alone or in a group, take a class, or combine stand-up paddling with one of our personal fitness training programs. 

Downunder’s impressive collection of SUPs -- available for rental or purchase – has the ideal fit for the beginning boarder, as well as the enthusiast and competitive paddler.  We carry some of the most sought after SUP brands and demos of most boards, meaning you can try them all.  If you’re looking to buy a board it’s a good idea to try some first.  Downunder is the only place in CT on-water with such a variety of boards to try and buy, including:

• Surftech                                                  
• Boardworks 
  
• C4              
  
• Yoloboard
• NSP
• Suplove
• BOTE
• Riviera
• Paddles by C4, Boardworks, Kialoa, 2012 lines to include Riviera and Epic

Our Westport Surf Shop carries all the equipment and accessories you could ever need to outfit your paddle board and your new SUPing lifestyle – paddles, life jackets, repair kits, and don’t forget cool swimwear, sandals, sunglasses, and hats.

Our goal is to get you out on the water – if there’s anything we can do to make you more comfortable or at ease, please let us know. 

Stand-up paddling is all about being adventurous and having fun!  And it's a great for an all-over workout … and tan.  So rent or buy a SUP, join one of our classes,  be in a race, or just go out and have a blast doing your own thing.  At Downunder, we have everything you need in stand-up paddling to give it a go!

CLASSES

RACES

 LAND PADDLING WITH BIG STICKS

Kahuna Creations Land Paddling

SUPs led the way for this trend – land paddling on your longboard.  The Kahuna Big Stick gives you speed, control, breaking capabilities, and a full workout while on a longboard skateboard.  It’s the strongest land paddle, and built with Hawaiian fabric and a fiberglass wrap for weatherproof endurance. Guaranteed not to break.  Retails for $149.

The Kahuna boards range from $159 to $179 and are sweet rides!

New in 2012

Mahogany, Ambrosia and Poplar long boards starting at $350.  Check them out and try them out at the Westport store.  Locally designed, made in California.

ABOUT...

Stand-up paddling extends across borders, genders, cultures, and generations.  It evokes excitement in all who give it a go.  Downunder brings you a wide range of products to inspire adventure in all types of paddlers and allow everyone to explore all the avenues of stand-up paddling -- flatwater, whitewater, expedition, surfing, and racing. 

Try before you Buy

Do you buy a car without driving it?  Nah - so join us for our Saturday and Sunday morning for our demo hour (in season).  We carry demo's of all the boards we retail, and from 9-10am you can try them out.  We recommend up to three - more than that and trust us, you'll be confused!  The $25 fee will be applied to board purchases.  You also get a free group lesson when you buy, and 10% off accessories.

Adults only. If you want to bring the 'fam' - you'll need an appointment, so we can give you our undivided attention.

Still not sure?  Rent your favoriate for an hour and you will be!

BUYING A BOARD

What makes Downunder stand out as the 'the place to go to get your SUP':

• Broad selection
• Demos - see how they feel, compare them
• We're on the water
• Convenience and personal service
• 'Value Added' - a free group lesson is included with every purchase as well as 10% off accessories and very personal service.
• Programs - lessons, tours, race training, parties, social nights
• Club
  
• On-property storage - go out when you want!
• Drop Shipments with some of our companies - great for holiday homes and gift giving

CONSULTING

Downunder consults with marina's, yacht clubs, YMCA's, and camps that are interested in starting their own programs.  We can recommend equipment, get discounted pricing, provide training and put systems in place for a successful operation.  Contact Kim (203) 247-4579 for information. 

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Boards We Carry

Surftech

• Blacktip - most affordable option out there, this is a great knockaround/entry level board.  Package comes with a paddle
• Universal 12' - all rounder
• Arrow Laird 12'1" and 11' tuflite and wood - surf, flat, ocean
• Flowmaster 12'6" touring/race
• Bark 12'6" Competitor - race
• Bark 12'6" Candace Appleby - race
• Bark Expedition 14' - touring
• Bark Dominator 14' - race

New in 2012 Bark Pro Elite racing boards - lighter and faster and winning races all over the world! 

Boardworks

• SHUBU 10'7" & 9'2" inflatable
• EPX 11' all rounder, esp. flat water

C4

• Switchblade

Yoloboard

• Original 12' epoxy - all rounder
• Coastal Runner 10'6, 12' - all rounder

NSP

• 11'6 all rounder
• 11' bamboo
• 10'2"

Suplove

• 11'2 Adventurer
• 10'6 Escape

BOTE

• 12' Original - fish-surf-paddle
• Comes with stand, Yeti cooler (doubles as a seat) extra.  Adds more stability
• This board paddles beautifully on it's own, and is incredibly cool and stable as a fishing board.  At low tide get out of the shallows easy, safe and fast!

Coming in 2012

Riviera & 404

Monster Hollow Carbon racing board, amongst others.  These boards can be drop shipped.  Come with a paddle package.

Rental Fleet

Surftech Universal 10'6" and 11'.  Beautiful stable boards everyone can be successful on.  NSP 11'6 x 33" tried and true.  Yoloboard softops are available for those wishing to take them offsite/overnight.  And all our demo boards are available for rent, at a slightly higher rate.