Were you cruising the aisles for tasty samples at Costco between the meat and the pajamas and saw a few SUPs? Maybe you’ve seen the affordable options  and are considering giving it a try to see if you like it before investing in a premium board. While the price tag may be tempting, there are some key differences between a Costco board and a Sea Gods paddle board that you should consider before making a purchase. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why a Sea Gods paddle board is a much different choice because of its personality, raw materials, craftsmanship, warranty, and accessory kit.

Let’s start with personality. A Sea Gods paddle board has more of it, hands down. These hand-crafted boards are pieces of art, each one unique and designed to showcase the beauty of nature. Your Sea Gods board will make a statement on the water and you’ll get compliments every time you’re out paddling.  If you get two (and you should! Its more fun and safe to paddle with a partner) you will have two different boards to match your style. Conversely, the Costco board is generic, lacking the vibrant colors and intricate designs that make a paddle board truly unique.

Its really what's inside that counts-  Sea Gods uses the best new technology in materials and construction- Ultra Light Fusion and Cross Weave technology- with no glue that can fail.  It's the lightest and stiffest board technology available.  The boards at Costco are made with a single layer drop stitch with a second layer of PVC glued down the middle as a "stringer" to add some stiffness to what would otherwise be a floppy build.  This makes the board reasonably stiff enough without adding too much weight, but is still a budget build and will perform accordingly- less efficient and less stable 

Next up, warranty. A Sea Gods paddle board comes with a lifetime warranty, which is quite rare in the paddle board world. You won't find that kind of longevity with a Costco board, which is covered by a limited warranty of only 1-2 years.  its possible your plan is to take advantage of Costco's return policy once the board fails, but Sea Gods offers 30 days to fall in love- which you will, with only 0.1% returns.   Keep in mind that a paddle board is a significant investment, and having a lifetime warranty provides peace of mind in knowing that you’ll be able to enjoy your board for years to come.

Now let's talk about the accessories. With a Sea Gods paddle board, you get an impressive, high-quality accessory kit included in your purchase. This kit includes a carbon fiber paddle, proper 9" fin, leash, wheelie backpack carrying bag, and a dual action or triple action pump according to the board you choose. The accessories included with a Costco board are a basic bag and aluminum paddle and three small fins that don't do much for stability or tracking. Having a complete and reliable accessory kit is crucial to your overall paddling experience.

Finally, let’s address customer service. When you purchase a Sea Gods paddle board, you’re not just buying a board – you’re also getting personalized service and support. Sea Gods takes the time to help you choose the best board for your body and paddling style, with experts available to answer your questions and offer advice along the way. Conversely, Costco doesn’t offer customer service or support for their paddle boards. If you have questions or concerns, you’re on your own.

If you have the right gear, your paddle adventures will me more enjoyable.  With a well built, stable and rigid board you will find out what a real Stand Up Paddle experience is right away, not hang out on your knees all summer.  While the Costco board may offer a lower price point, the lack of rigidity and tracking may make you feel unstable and turn you off the sport. With a Sea Gods board, you’ll have a unique, hand-crafted piece of art with a lifetime warranty, a high-quality accessory kit, and personalized support from the experts. Happy paddling!