Users call for more units at Britain’s beaches and lakes
PCL’s SUP Inflation Station is transforming the UK paddleboarding experience, with lovers of the watersport blown away by its ability to save them time and energy.
Launched in 2023, in partnership with Red Paddle Co, the innovative unit is capable of inflating a standard 3-metre-long paddleboard to 15 PSI in under 5 minutes. This takes the pain out of pumping, leaving users full of energy to get swiftly and safely out on the water.
The first PCL x Red Paddle SUP Inflation Station installed at Alderford Lake
As a result, the inflation station is proving so popular it’s creating waves with facilities across the UK with a body of water suitable for paddleboarding.
Units have so far been installed at multiple SUP locations, including Alderford Lake in Shropshire, Bala Lake in Wales, Horseshoe Lake in Berkshire, Manvers Lake in South Yorkshire, St Andrews Water Park in Kent, Blackpool Sands and Anstey's Cove Café in Devon - with more units soon to be installed in Wales and the Lake District.
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Glanllyn Caravan & Camping Park |
Horseshoe Lake |
Manvers Waterfront Boat Club |
The fast-growing demand recently led to PCL signing up North Wales-based SUP-Air Cymru Ltd to take the paddleboard pumping station even further afield.
And it’s not just paddleboarders who stand to reap rewards. The SUP Inflation Station can incorporate a card payment option to generate revenue for facilities. Alternatively, use of the unit can be offered as a complementary service as a loyalty perk or membership benefit.
The inflator recently made a splash with the help of the PCL Demo Van at the annual Head of the Dart SUP Challenge in Devon, which attracts more than 250 paddleboarders to complete a 14km course along the River Dart. PCL’s expert team was ready and waiting near the starting point with the SUP Inflation Station installed at the back of the van, helping competitors inflate their boards for free.
PCL's SUP Inflation Station inflating a Dragon paddleboard at the Head of the Dart SUP Challenge
The event was such a success it resulted in a flurry of enquiries from watersports businesses, as well as rave reviews from users on social media. Paddleboarders called PCL’s SUP Inflation Station a “genius idea”, praising it as a “brilliant service”, with comments including:
“The lazy way to pump up those paddle boards ... And I loved using it”
“Saves my arms pumping it up”
“That's going to be a game changer for some people, well done!!”
“Such a good idea! I love suping but with my disabilities I find it hard to inflate! This is amazing”
“Saw this at Blackpool sands the other day and thought how it will revolutionise our paddle trips!!”
“I’m down for these being at every lake”
“We need to sort this near our beach! Be a win!!”
“I will never stand there and pump up 2 by hand for the mrs and little one at the lake again!”
PCL’s Technical Sales Manager, Owen McCaughey, said “We are delighted to see paddleboarders enjoying the benefits of our SUP Inflation Station. Users are clearly loving the unit and want them at their SUP locations, and many are willing to pay.
“This is creating excellent revenue opportunities for facilities who invest in a unit. One location reported 60 uses in a week at £4 each, generating £240. Obviously, the income potential depends on location, but we would estimate that at an average location with a standard season length, 12-to-18-month payback isn't unrealistic. However, facilities could also offer free inflation to keep customers coming back, or invite donations as Manvers Waterfront Boat Club has done.
“Most importantly, it enables businesses to help solve one of the major safety issues of people using under inflated boards by taking all of the effort out of inflation.”
Owen added: “We are planning more events with the PCL Demo Van to showcase the unit at SUP locations, so watch this space to see us pumping up paddleboards at a local beach, lake or loch near you!”
