High performance SUP Inflator takes the pain out of pumping
Pneumatics expert PCL has teamed up with Red Paddle Co, the world's leading brand for inflatable Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP), to launch a solution that gets paddleboarders swiftly and safely out on the water.
Together they have formed the perfect partnership for the creation of the dual-branded SUP Inflation Station range, for use at paddle boarding locations across the UK and worldwide.
Both companies have a global reputation for the design and manufacture of innovative, high quality products at their own UK facilities. Each is known for its customer-centric approach and dedication to excellence of product performance.
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Excitement has been building online for the SUP Inflation Station [Red Paddle and PCL's Launch Social Media post]
Paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the UK and worldwide, and with inflatable SUP boards favoured as a lightweight, easy-storage option, the SUP Inflation Station is set to become a familiar sight at SUP launch locations across the globe. It helps solves one of the major safety issues of people using under inflated boards, by taking all of the effort out of inflation.
According to membership body British Canoeing, the UK alone has seen dramatic growth in paddling activities, with a Watersports Participation Survey in 2021 revealing that 7.6 million Brits had either kayaked, used a canoe or a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP).
Its popularity is thought to have increased following restrictions during the pandemic, with reports that being on or near water has a positive impact on mental health. It is also a sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities, so works well as a family activity.
Therefore, for lovers of the watersport wanting to travel light and take the strain out of pumping, especially groups using 2 or 3 paddle boards between them, the SUP Inflation Station will be a welcome piece of equipment.
The unit is capable of accurately inflating a standard, 3-metre-long paddleboard to 15psi in under 5 minutes, for optimum performance. All users need to do is connect the paddleboard to the inflator and it does the hard work for them. This will save paddleboarders considerable effort, leaving them fresh and full of energy to get safely out on the water.
Watch our video demonstrating how easy it is to use the SUP Inflation Station
Available as a free vend station, or with contactless card payment facilities for revenue generation, it is simple to use, with self-explanatory instructions and an easy-to-read digital backlit screen.
The unit matches the unbeatable quality of the paddleboards for which Red Paddle Co is renowned. Each board takes 72 hours to make, using a unique process, and comes with a 5-year warranty. John Hibbard, CEO and co-founder of the Devon-based company, said: “We create paddleboards that perform for everybody, regardless of age or ability. Our focus is on making paddleboarding a safe, relaxing and sociable way to enjoy the outdoors.
“The liberating thing about an inflatable standup paddleboard is how easy it is to take with you everywhere you go. You don’t need a van or a roof rack to take it on a road trip, and if travelling by plane you can just check in your Red Paddle Co backpack with the rest of your luggage.
“The idea that you turn up at a SUP location and there’s a unit on site that pumps up your paddleboard for you, to the correct pressure, meaning you’re ready to jump out on the water in minutes, with no effort at all, is fantastic. Who better to partner with to co-create this special, bespoke range than the world’s leading pneumatics expert – PCL!”
The first SUP Inflation Station installed at Alderford Lake
Returning the compliment, PCL’s MD, Lee Wright, said: “As a champion windsurfer, John is one of the pioneers of this genre, and innovation was key to developing a dual-branded piece of kit that we believe will become routine use for paddle boarders. We are incredibly impressed with the credentials of Red Paddle Co as a hugely respected and renowned manufacturer in the watersports space.
“For two UK companies to combine leading paddleboard manufacturing with leading pneumatics, to creating an inflation solution for the world’s fastest growing watersport, is an achievement in itself; as well as an exciting development for the paddle boarding industry. We hope the SUP Inflation Station will also encourage more people looking for a fun and stress-free, water-based hobby to give paddle boarding a try.”
