Paddleboarding firm SUP Company opens new retail outlet SUP Co X Calshot on Calshot spit in New Forest
A UK paddleboarding giant has unveiled its new store and test centre in the New Forest.
Calshot spit hosts the SUP Company’s second retail outlet, alongside its site on the River Itchen in Southampton.
Named the SUP Co X Calshot, it focuses on foiling, wingsurfing, and kitesurfing, while featuring some paddleboards. It is based in Schneider Hangar, a former seaplane base and one of three aircraft hangers on site.
The new store and test centre features 1,500sqft in retail space, showcasing top-of-the-line equipment from leading brands such as Duotone, Fanatic, Axis, Sabfoil, Starboard, ION, Eleveight and Forward WIP. Visitors will get the chance to try out the range.
Tony Jones, managing director and founder of the SUP Company, said: “I am absolutely thrilled that we get to share our passion for all things foil, wing and kite at such an outstanding location as Calshot Spit.
“A test centre environment is as core to the SUP Co now as it was seven years ago when we started, and this new second location with its unique ability to work in almost any wind direction helps ensure visitors get on the water more often.
“Calshot perfectly complements our sheltered location in Swaythling, enabling us to deliver test conditions across all of the categories that we offer, especially wind-driven sports such as wingsurfing and kitesurfing, as well as foiling.”
Hampshire County Council’s executive member for countryside and regulatory services, Cllr Russell Oppenheimer, said: “We are pleased to welcome the SUP Company to Calshot, helping to boost our existing water sport facilities.
“Calshot is a unique and special location to enjoy sport and leisure pursuits. Our ambition is to establish Calshot as a must-see destination for visitors to the south coast of England.”
While the store had a ‘soft opening’ on 28th May, it’s official opening event is due to take place on 17th and 18th June, with a demo event where customers can try its selection of wing surfers and foiling gear.
