ConnexSUP: The Perfect Place To Start On Your Next SUP Adventure

ENCINITAS, California - “Instead of trying to make your life perfect, give yourself the freedom to make it an adventure, and go ever upward.” – Drew Houston

Whether we’re pouring over spreadsheets at work, grinding through a textbook chapter or simply trying to figure out what’s for dinner tonight, we’re constantly aware of our yearning to explore. That adventure could be an expedition into a new neighborhood or a trip to the other side of the planet but, at some point, we all feel the need to leave our expectations for tomorrow for the romance of the unexpected. For some that need speaks in a soft voice in the back of our minds while, for others, it’s an aggravating, tangible pain that can only be remedied when they see their “everyday” disappearing rapidly in the rearview mirror.

One thing every seasoned adventurer will tell you is to be prepared. Be prepared for what you think will happen and, more importantly, be prepared for anything else to happen. The best laid plans are, in the end, just plans and flexibility will be your greatest piece of equipment no matter what kind of adventure you’re planning. Having this kind of flexibility on a standup paddle adventure was the inspiration behind SUP Think Tank’s ConnexSUP system.

ConnexSUP was designed specifically for the unique characteristics of SUP, not adapted from an existing part or product in the surf, kayak or windsurf industries. All of the parts in the system are flush with the deck so there’s no interference with the fancy footwork sometimes needed to counter wind, chop, wake, gators or just about anything needing a quick adjustment.

Constructed of recycled, reinforced polycarbonate, the ConnexSUP system is a set of plugs that are installed into the deck with 3 interchangeable inserts:

• Standard Tie-Down
• Threaded insert
• Camera Mount

These inserts are easily installed or removed with just a few twists of the stainless steel set screws with a standard 3/32” hex-shaped fin key.

The main plug is designed with internal splines that enable you to set each insert at up to 8 different positions, one every 45 degrees. This is a critical feature for any kind of journey, from the weekday morning search for the perfect Instagram post to the 7-day trek well off the grid, allowing for ideal flexibility in packing gear, positioning GPS or training devices, or your camera for that perfect shot. The ConnexSUP plug is also deeper than most standard deck plugs, and is built with a flange to ensure a solid bond beneath the layers of fiberglass or carbon applied during installation. Combined, these features make the area around your deck plug less susceptible to failure as well as ensure a secure mount for your gear.

The tie-down is ideal as a direct anchor point for gear stowage.

The tie-down is ideal as a direct anchor point for gear stowage, as an attachment point for bungees, a tie-off point to dock, anchor or even other boards in group settings like yoga classes. The stainless steel dowel pin resists corrosion and rust and has been pull strength tested to 491 pounds when properly installed.

The threaded insert is designed with a universal ¼ x 20 thread patterned, corrosion-resistant brass insert that allows for endless fixtures to be mounted to your board, including but not limited to RamMount products and the NK Speed Coach. The threaded insert has been pull strength tested to 997 pounds when properly installed.

The Camera Mount is equipped with a GoPro mount-sized opening with a stainless steel set screw.

The Camera Mount is equipped with a GoPro mount-sized opening with a stainless steel set screw. With a system like this, the opportunities for development of new concepts are endless, too. The SUP Think Tank crew is in constant creative mode designing and engineering new ways to put the ConnexSUP concept to work for paddlers of all skill levels and interests.

No matter the ‘unknown’ you’ve set out to discover, having the right gear can make or break the trip. Having the ConnexSUP system from SUP Think Tank installed on your board gives you all the flexibility you need to get the gear you want or need on your board and make sure it stays there.

For more information on ConnexSUP, visit www.SUPThinkTank.com, or ask your favorite board manufacturer or your local ding repair shop.