After years in the making, the new Gatorshell Technology is poised to be the next game changing innovation to be introduced by the Darkroom gurus at BOTE.

The sun is starting to shine, ice is melting and spring is starting to peek it’s head around the corner. With temperatures rising and waterways defrosting into lakes and rivers again, it’s time to start getting geared up and ready to get back on the water and out of the winter hibernation. Here, we’ve put together a list of SUP gear, accessories, and of course boards for everyone from a beginner to the advanced SUP'er for the 2017 Spring paddle boarding season, so there's sure to be something in this guide for everyone!

Who is this for: If you’re looking for a board that will be very durable for you to have for yourself, your kids, friends and family that can be beaten up, thrown around and still last for a long time, this is the board for you. The Baja 100 is a perfect board for flat water paddling and touring and can withstand up to 230lbs. The board is made out of a plastic-like construction called RamXs polyethylene and is very stable and very durable however, the board has 4.7 lbs per foot and weighs 47 lbs total, making the board very heavy.  As it's typically the case with low price point boards, the Baja 100 is relatively heavier when compared to boards in higher price point tiers. You’re going to want to look at the mid-to high price-point range boards for lighter and faster boards. Retailing for $399.99, the Baja 100 is among the most affordable boards you can find.

New for 2017, Boardworks Surf has launched a new board in their stand up paddle collection, the 10’6” Rukus. The Rukus is a great do-it all standup paddle board for the whole family that is versatile, built to take a beating, and last season after season.

The secret is out and the 2017 Red Paddle Co range has arrived! With a number of new features and innovative designs introduced such as: the new FFC system; re-designed Titan pump; LeverLock handles; FCS fins, redeveloped bag; MSL Fusion and RAM Mounts on every board. Their trusty hard-working team have once again, delivered industry-leading products which continue to make them the World’s leading inflatable SUP brand!

Go, Discover… The Jobe SUP 2017 collection has it all, and more. Clean, advanced and technical. Check out some of the new collection’s highlights that will definitely help you on your SUP-trips:

Doug Hopkins, Amundson Brand Manager details the qualities and constructions of the 11’6 TR and TRX paddle boards from Amundson SUP. He also describes who the boards are a good fit for and in what conditions they excel in. Watch the video below and learn all about these boards.

The mission with the ALL NEW and patented F.A.S.T. (Foot Actuated Steering Technology) was to revolutionize the same steering that SIC created in the beginning. The new system is focused on durability, reliability, serviceability and flexibility.

In celebration of the United Nations designated World Oceans Day, nonprofit environmental organization Sustainable Surf is proud to announce that leading Stand Up Paddleboard & Windsurf brand, Starboard, has joined their ECOBOARD Project program as their newest partner.

The BIC SUP Air Inflatable paddle board series are offered in multiple designs: All-round, Touring, Fitness, River and Wind. Learn about each design for the air inflatable series below...

If you’re looking for a board that’s equally at home surfing a wave as it is relaxing on the local lake, look no further than the BIC SUP ACE-TEC Performer Series. The design team have blended surf-inspired longboard outlines for solid wave performance with confidence-inspiring stability and a moderate rocker profile for versatility in flat-water conditions.

Ever wonder what makes up Starboard’s carbon sandwich? Here, Starboard plays off the popular TV show Iron Chef to demonstrate how their Carbon Sandwich construction is uniquely designed and created with more high quality materials compared to other boards on the market.