How To Use Your Paddle Board To Make Money
Paddle boarding is not only a popular recreational activity but also a potentially profitable one. Whether you own a paddle board or plan to invest in one, there are various ways to turn this investment into a source of income.
This article outlines some of the most effective strategies for using your paddle board to make money, including offering paddle boarding lessons, renting out your equipment, and participating in races or events. Whether you’re a seasoned paddle boarder or just starting out, there is a potential to earn money and turn your passion into a profitable venture. Times are tight, the cost of living is increasing, why not start your own Paddle Boarding Side Hustle!
Table of Contents
Teach Others How to Paddle Board for Money
Here are some steps you can follow to start teaching paddle boarding as a side hustle:
Get Certified to Teach SUP
To teach paddle boarding safely and effectively, it’s important to get certified as an instructor. There are several organisations that offer paddle board instructor certification programs, such as the International Association of Stand Up Paddle Surfing (IOSUP) and the Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI). These programs typically involve classroom and on-water training, as well as a written and practical exam.
Additional Certifications
Depending on where you live and what type of paddling you plan to teach, it may be helpful to get additional certifications such as First Aid, CPR, and Lifeguard Training. These certifications can give you a competitive edge and may also be required by some employers or local authorities.
Build your Skills and Experience
In addition to getting certified, it’s important to continue developing your skills as a paddler and instructor. This can include taking advanced paddling courses, attending instructor development clinics, and getting experience teaching others.
Set up your Business
Once you have your certification and some experience under your belt, you can start setting up your paddle board teaching business. This may involve creating a website, setting up social media accounts, and networking with local businesses and organisations to promote your services.
Develop a Lesson Plan
Before you start teaching, it’s important to have a clear and structured lesson plan in place. This should include a warm-up, basic paddle strokes and techniques, and a cool-down. You may also want to incorporate games and activities to keep things fun and engaging.
Rent Out Your Paddle Board to Make Extra Cash
Here are some steps you can follow to rent out your paddle board:
Make sure your paddle board is in good condition
Before you start renting out your paddle board, it’s important to make sure it is in good condition. This includes checking for any damage or wear and tear, and making any necessary repairs.
Determine your rental fees
Decide on a fair price for renting out your paddle board. Consider factors such as the age and condition of your board, the demand for paddle boarding in your area, and the going rate for rentals.
Create a rental agreement
To protect yourself and your equipment, it’s a good idea to create a written rental agreement. This should include details such as the rental period, the rental fees, any damage deposits, and any rules or restrictions on the use of the paddle board.
Advertise your rental
Once you have your rental fees and agreement in place, it’s time to start advertising your rental. This can include creating a listing on a platform like Airbnb or VRBO, or promoting your rental through social media and local listings.
Set up a system for handling rentals
Consider how you will handle the logistics of renting out your paddle board. This may involve setting up a system for scheduling rentals, collecting payment, and handling any damage deposits or other fees.
Provide a thorough orientation
Before each rental, it’s important to provide a thorough orientation to your renters. This should include instructions on how to use the paddle board safely and efficiently, as well as any rules or restrictions for its use.
Start Fishing From Your Paddle Board to Make Extra Money
Here are some steps you can follow to use your paddle board for fishing:
Make sure your paddle board is suitable for fishing
Not all paddle boards are suitable for fishing. If you want to use your paddle board for fishing, make sure it has features such as tie-down points, a stable platform, and a durable construction.
Get the right gear
In addition to your paddle board, you’ll need some specialised gear for fishing. This may include a fishing rod, reel, line, lures, and a tackle box. You may also want to consider getting a fish finder or other electronic equipment to help you locate fish.
Learn the basics of fishing
If you’re new to fishing, it’s important to learn the basics before you start using your paddle board. This may include learning how to cast, how to reel in a fish, and how to clean and prepare your catch.
Find a good spot
Paddle boards can give you access to areas that may be difficult to reach by boat, so take advantage of this and explore different fishing spots. Look for areas with clear water, structure (such as rocks or weeds), and baitfish.
Follow local regulations
Make sure you are aware of and follow all local fishing regulations, including size and catch limits, as well as any special rules for paddling and fishing.
Be prepared for safety
Fishing from a paddle board can be more challenging than fishing from a boat, so it’s important to be prepared for any safety issues that may arise. This may include wearing a personal flotation device, carrying a whistle or other signalling device, and knowing how to handle emergencies.
Take Photos From a Different Perspective for Money
Here are some steps you can follow to use your paddle board for photography:
Get a good camera
To take high-quality photos from your paddle board, you’ll need a good camera. This may be a DSLR or mirrorless camera, or a high-quality smartphone camera. Make sure your camera is waterproof or has a waterproof casing if you plan to take it on the water.
Learn the basics of photography
If you’re new to photography, it’s important to learn the basics before you start using your paddle board. This may include learning how to compose a shot, how to control the exposure, and how to edit and process your photos.
Find interesting subjects
Paddle boards can give you access to unique perspectives and angles that may be difficult to capture from land. Look for interesting subjects such as famous landmarks or scenic beaches and rivers, and try to capture them from the water.
Follow local regulations
Make sure you are aware of and follow all local regulations and laws related to photography, including any rules for paddling and using your camera on public land or in protected areas.
Be prepared for safety
Photography from a paddle board can be more challenging than from land, so it’s important to be prepared for any safety issues that may arise. This may include wearing a personal flotation device, carrying a whistle or other signalling device, and knowing how to handle emergencies.
Promote and sell your photos
Once you have some good photos, you can start promoting and selling them. This may involve creating a website or social media account to showcase your work, or using photo-selling websites such as Shutterstock or iStock. You can also consider partnering with local businesses or organisations to display and sell your photos.
Set up a Paddle Board Repair Service to Make Extra Money
Here are some steps you can follow to start a paddle board repair business:
Learn how to repair paddle boards
To repair paddle boards, you’ll need to have a good understanding of the different types of materials and construction techniques used in paddle boards. You may also need to learn how to use specialised tools and equipment such as fiberglass repair kits and vacuum bagging systems.
Gather the necessary equipment
In addition to basic hand tools, you’ll need some specialised equipment to repair paddle boards. This may include fiberglass repair kits, vacuum bagging systems, sanders, and other power tools.
Identify common faults
Familiarise yourself with the most common faults that can occur with paddle boards, such as dings and dents, delamination, and cracks. This will help you to diagnose problems quickly and accurately, and to estimate the time and materials needed for repairs.
Set up a workshop
Depending on the scale of your business, you may need to set up a workshop to repair paddle boards. This could be a dedicated space in your home or garage, or a rented commercial space. Make sure you have adequate ventilation, lighting, and storage for your tools and equipment.
Promote your business
To get your business off the ground, you’ll need to promote your services to potential customers. This may involve creating a website, setting up social media accounts, and networking with local paddling clubs and businesses.
Establish a pricing structure
Determine a fair price for your repair services based on the time and materials needed for each repair. You may also want to offer different pricing options for minor and major repairs.
There are several common faults that can occur with inflatable paddle boards. Some of the most common include:
Punctures and leaks: Inflatable paddle boards are prone to punctures and leaks, especially if they are used in rocky or abrasive conditions. To repair punctures and leaks, you’ll need to patch the damaged area with a repair kit or patch kit.
Delamination: This is a separation of the layers of an inflatable paddle board, which can cause the board to become soft or lose shape. To repair delamination, you’ll need to apply heat and pressure to the affected area to bond the layers together.
Valves and fittings: The valves and fittings on an inflatable paddle board can become damaged or worn over time, causing leaks or making it difficult to inflate or deflate the board. To repair valves and fittings, you may need to replace them with new ones.