The SUP Company Test Centre – Southampton (Woodmill)
Choosing the right paddleboard from specs and photos alone is difficult. Shape, width, thickness, fin setup and paddle choice all have a huge impact on how a board actually feels on the water.
That’s why we built the SUP Company Test Centre at Woodmill, Southampton — so you can try before you buy, get genuine advice, and leave confident you’ve chosen the right setup.
📅 Enquire About a Test Centre Session
What you get in a Test Centre session
- Try up to 3 boards and 3 paddles in a single session — feel real differences, quickly.
- £25 per person, fully refundable against a paddleboard purchase.
- Access to one of the largest SUP demo fleets in the UK, covering inflatable, touring, race and surf-style boards.
How it works
- Get in touch to arrange a one-hour session (weekends are popular, so early enquiries are recommended).
- Arrive with photo ID (driving licence or passport) and tell us what you’re aiming for — cruising, touring, fitness, racing, surf or progression.
- We shortlist boards and paddles based on your height, weight, experience and local conditions.
- You get on the water and actually feel the difference.
- A short debrief afterwards so you leave with a clear recommendation (and an upgrade path if relevant).
Session times
One-hour sessions run daily between 10:00 – 16:00 (last start 15:00).
Tip: Weekend slots fill quickly — getting in touch ahead of time gives you the best chance of securing your preferred slot.
Who the Test Centre is ideal for
- Beginners – find a board that feels stable, safe and enjoyable, without outgrowing it immediately.
- Upgraders – compare all-round vs touring shapes or step into higher-performance boards with confidence.
- Enthusiasts – fine-tune width, rocker, rail feel, fin setup and paddle efficiency.
- Anyone buying premium kit – if you’re spending serious money, testing first is the smart move.
What to bring & requirements
- Photo ID is required (driving licence or passport).
- Dress for the conditions — you may get wet.
- Check tide times before your session for the best on-water experience.
Location & contact
The SUP Company
Woodmill Lane
Southampton
SO18 2JR
Email: help@thesupco.com
Phone: 02380 172189
SUP Test Centre FAQs
How much does a demo session cost?
£25 per person, fully refundable against a paddleboard purchase.
How many boards can I try?
You can try up to 3 boards and 3 paddles in a single session.
Do I need to know what I want to test?
No. Tell us your height, weight, experience level and how you want to paddle — we’ll shortlist the right options for you.
What ID do I need?
Please bring valid photo ID — a driving licence or passport.
What if I don’t buy on the day?
That’s absolutely fine. The value is in choosing the right board. When you’re ready, we’ll make sure you’re set up properly.
Ready to Try Before You Buy?
If you’re serious about choosing the right paddleboard, a Test Centre session is the fastest and most confident way to do it.
