Buying used or second hand stand up paddle boards online , can be one of the cheapest ways to get into the sport of SUP, and now the sport has been around for a while - it's getting even cheaper!

To help make buying a used SUP easier, we've put together a few great tips on what to look for when inspecting a used stand up board with either a private seller, or in your local store.

Things to Check

-Check that the board is the right size and style for you. Do some research before you go to inspect a SUP, by reading a few articles here on Seabreeze about Choosing the right SUP board . Or, search for the make and model of the board to find what the manufactuer said about it. Finally, when you see the SUP in person, ask the seller whether they think it will suit you. -Check that the board has all the accessories it needs. This includes all the fins and the screws for the fins (and the little plate that locks your main fin in place). Vent plugs (in the middle of the deck). Leg Ropes or leashes if they were advertised with one, and any board bags or other items listed. -Check for damage. More on that later.

Signs of a bargain

-One of the best people to buy boards from are sponsored riders. They update their gear every season (sometimes twice) and you KNOW they can help you out with sizing. If the boards not right for you - they'll tell you. Plus, their boards are always well taken care of. -Last years stock. Dealers and local stores sell off cheap stand up paddle boards as soon as the new model is out. Ask in store for any deals, and the staff will point out models that have been superseded. -Boards with rail tape. If the owner applied rail tape to the board when it was new, perhaps even before they left the shop - then your new board will be in good condition. The fact that they chose to apply the tape in the first place, eludes to a careful owner.

Places to buy Stand Up Boards

-Right here on Seabreeze.com.au! Australias Largest range of second hand stand up paddle boards, sold by community members who know and love the sport. -Your local dealer, either in-store or online. Most shops offer free shipping for new boards, but for second hand bargains you'll need to visit in person.

How to spot a damaged board

-All second hand boards will have paddle chips on the rails, but look for major ones which reveal the fiberglass beneath. If you can see the weave of the fiberglass, chances are - water has leaked inside (that's bad!) -Repairs. Matching paint on a fresh repair is easy, but over time, even the best paints succumb to the sun. Look for different colored patches that might be old repairs, but don't let a professional repair turn you off a board. -Cracks. A cracked board is never a good buy - unless you're a repair guy! Cheaply made boards, or those subjected to some hard wipeouts will have cracks on the rails, about 1/3rd of the way back from the nose (Just in front of where you stand). These cracks might be tiny, but when stressed, they open up and let water inside. -Water damage. Cracks, Dings, forgotten vent plugs all result in water being let inside a board. Not only does this add to the weight, but it also weakens the structure of a board when left in any environment where the temperature changes.

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