(for Paddle Boarding in Suffolk)
New retailers move to Stonham Barns Park in readiness for the end of lockdown and the move to rural shopping locations
SUP Den, a business that specialises in the supply of Stand Up Paddle boards for beginners and experts, is opening a retail outlet at Stonham Barns Park in Suffolk.
The business, started in 2017 in Kalami Bay Corfu, by Kenny Chinn and co-owner Jenny McArdle, is a water activities business offering paddle boarding, paddleboard yoga and kayaking hire and lessons throughout the summer season. The outlet opens on 12 April with the opening of other non-essential shops at the retail village.
Jenny decided in 2020 to develop the business into SUP Den in the UK, a shop stocking all the equipment needed to stand up and paddle on rivers, lakes and in the sea. Jenny says, ‘The idea is for more people to be able to get out into the environment, connect with the water and closer to nature all year round not just on holiday.’ SUP is highly recommended for improved core fitness and emotional wellbeing. It can be simply for fun, or for yoga, fishing or just relaxing on the water.
Stand Up Paddle boarding has been around for centuries. It started in the Polynesian islands and has since made its way around the world. Interest in paddle boarding has soared in recent years and during the summer of 2020 (after lockdown had eased) board sales rose dramatically.
Kenny Chinn said of the opening: ‘With 4 years ocean SUP boarding experience and having introduced and trained thousands of people to SUP board in Greece at the heart of the beach, we thought the time was right to bring our on-the-water experience to Stonham Barns Park leisure and activities centre.’
‘We stock a diverse range of paddle boards including top brands, Two Bare Feet and Aqua Marina’.
SUP Den is also going to introduce its own brand of bamboo boards for distribution in the UK. The paddle boards stocked by SUP Den can be used for different types of water conditions and include specialist boards which are thicker, bigger, and more stable specifically for yoga, fishing and even taking your dog for a paddle.
The business has recently launched a club called ‘SUP Den Paddlers at Stonham Barns Park’ on Facebook which will organise meet ups for those interested in paddle boarding to go out together to rivers, lakes and to the coast.
‘Paddle boarding is winning so many new followers. It is easy to master the technique and once you do it gives you a new perspective on life. You are so close to nature that you feel mindful and ‘wellnesses’ seems to follow. It puts you into the moment and has enormous benefits especially for those who need a better balance between work and life.’
‘We are here to share our passion for SUP boarding and encourage more people to experience the amazing fun you can have on a SUP. It is one of the best ways to relax and exercise on the peaceful water whether on your own or with friends and family. It all adds up to an uplift in quality of life for individuals and families.’
Alan Forward, owner of Stonham Barns Park, said: ‘We are delighted to welcome SUP Den to the retail village which saw a significant increase in footfall last summer when lockdown was eased. As well as the many activities here, which encourage visitors we have found that our retail facility is attracting shoppers who are happy to try something new. We have businesses here with leisure and luxury in mind and we are finding that more and more people are treating themselves when lockdown eases to purchases for themselves and for their family. Being in an out-of-town location it is definitely a more relaxed way to shop.’
For further information on SUP Den please visit www.supden.co.uk or email [email protected]
