What redpaddleco does

Red Equipment, operating commercially as Red Paddle Co, is a UK-based consumer brand founded in 2008 that designs, manufactures, and sells inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), paddles, waterproof changing robes, waterproof bags, safety equipment, performance clothing, and outdoor accessories under the red.equipment storefront. Its core technology centers on MSL (Multi-layer fusion lamination) drop-stitch construction using aerospace-grade materials, complemented by patented RSS (Rigid Super Stable) battens, Titanium Coil valve technology, and Rocker Strips that together aim to deliver rigidity and durability comparable to hard boards while retaining the portability of inflatables. Product depth spans seven SUP categories — Beginner/All Round, Compact/Travel, Touring/Exploring, Expedition/Adventure, Performance/Specialist, Prone/Rescue, and Multi-Person — with a complementary accessories range addressing the full pre-, during-, and post-paddling use case.

The company operates a predominantly direct-to-consumer model: it owns the red.equipment e-commerce storefront with global shipping and duties calculated at checkout, supported by an international network of independent retail partners, 'Try before you buy' demo centers, and authorized Red Paddle Co Schools for instruction in the UK. Commercial activity is reinforced by a Red Rewards loyalty program, a content engine built around the Red Journal blog and educational SUP safety content, and an active social presence across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The company is B-Corp certified, has been recognized as SUP Connect's 'Brand of the Year', and advertises a 5-year warranty on paddleboards alongside 11,000+ verified 5-star customer reviews.

Revenue mechanics are anchored by one-time consumer purchases of premium physical goods spanning multiple price tiers, from entry-level accessories (e.g., waterproof crossbody bag at £54.95) through mid-range backpacks and clothing to high-ticket boards and paddle packages. End-user segmentation is use-case-based across beginners, touring enthusiasts, expedition paddlers, performance specialists, compact/travel buyers, multi-person groups, and children, with each segment addressed through dedicated product lines. An adjacent subsidiary, Red Rescue, extends the portfolio into water rescue equipment, and a charitable arm, the Red Foundation, supports the brand's sustainability and community positioning.

Name

redpaddleco

Legal name

Red Equipment

Website

https://redpaddleco.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Sports Equipment (Inflatable Paddleboards)

NAICS

Sporting Goods Retailers (45911)

akta.pro primary industry

Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles) (CRAMAIAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Paddling & Packrafting Gear Retail (CRAMAAAL), Marine Apparel & Footwear Retail (Wetsuits, Rash Guards, Deck Shoes) (CRAMAIAJ)

Keywords

• Inflatable paddle boards
• Water sports equipment
• Waterproof changing robes
• Stand up paddleboarding
• Outdoor water gear

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Paddleboard Sales: Direct sales of inflatable stand-up paddleboards across multiple ranges including beginner, touring, expedition, performance, and multi-person boards. Complete packages with accessories.
2. Apparel & Changing Robes: Sales of waterproof changing robes, parkas, and performance clothing for men, women, and children designed for outdoor water activities.
3. Waterproof Bags & Equipment: Sales of waterproof backpacks, crossbody bags, dry bags, kit bags, coolers, and outdoor equipment accessories.
4. Paddles & Accessories: Sales of adjustable paddles (fiberglass, carbon, hybrid) and accessories including pumps, safety equipment, buoyancy aids, leashes, and board bags.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Red Equipment (Red Paddle Co) designs, manufactures, and sells inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), adjustable paddles, waterproof changing robes and parkas, waterproof bags and backpacks, water safety equipment (buoyancy aids, PFDs, leashes), performance clothing, and outdoor accessories. Products are sold direct-to-consumer through their own online shop and through independent retail and demo partners worldwide. The company leverages proprietary MSL drop-stitch and patented RSS battens technology to deliver durable, portable, performance-grade inflatables backed by a 5-year warranty.

Product overview

Red Paddle Co (operating as Red Equipment) is a UK-based water sports equipment brand founded in 2008, offering a comprehensive portfolio of inflatable paddleboards, paddles, safety equipment, waterproof bags, changing robes, outdoor clothing, and accessories. The product range includes paddleboards across multiple series (Beginner/All Round, Compact/Travel, Touring/Exploring, Expedition/Adventure, Performance/Specialist, Prone/Rescue, Multi-Person), complemented by paddles (Cruiser Tough, Hybrid, Prime, Ultimate, Compact), safety gear (buoyancy aids, PFDs, leashes), waterproof bags (backpacks, crossbody, tote, dry bags, coolers), changing robes and parkas (Pro Change Robes, Poncho Robes, EVO Pro Slimline Parka), performance and lifestyle clothing, and general outdoor equipment (drinkware, towels, blankets). The company positions itself as a premium paddleboard brand with award recognition (SUP Connect Brand of the Year) and B-Corp certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Red Rescue: Water rescue equipment and safety products division

Products and services

• Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs) Inflatable SUPs built with MSL drop-stitch and patented RSS battens, sold across seven use-case series (Beginner/All Round, Compact/Travel, Touring/Exploring, Expedition/Adventure, Performance/Specialist, Prone/Rescue, Multi-Person). Designed for recreational, touring, expedition, performance, prone, rescue, and group paddling.
• SUP Paddles Adjustable SUP paddles offered in five material/range variants — Cruiser Tough (fibreglass), Hybrid (carbon fibre), Prime (carbon), Ultimate (carbon), and Compact (carbon hybrid). For paddlers across entry-level through premium performance segments.
• Changing Robes & Waterproof Parkas Waterproof outdoor changing robes (Pro Change Robes, Poncho Towelling Change Robes, Lightweight Change Jackets) and the EVO Pro Slimline Waterproof Parka jacket, available in men's, women's, and kids' versions. Designed for pre- and post-activity transitions for water sports and outdoor users.
• Waterproof Bags & Backpacks Waterproof storage solutions including 30L and 12L Adventure backpacks, 7L Lightweight Crossbody bags, tote bags, roll-top dry bags, coolers, kit bags, board bags, paddle bags, dry pouches, SUP deck bags, and tow-float backpacks. For paddlers, swimmers, surfers, and outdoor travelers.
• Water Safety Equipment Water safety gear including buoyancy aids, waistbelt PFDs, safety leashes, dog buoyancy aids, and waterproof pouches for protecting valuables. For paddlers, rescue operators, and pet owners on the water.
• Performance & Lifestyle Clothing Performance T-shirts, long-sleeve performance tops, active jackets, UV clothing, headwear, and organic cotton lifestyle garments for adults and kids. Designed for active outdoor and water-sport use.
• Outdoor Equipment & Accessories Outdoor accessories including insulated drinkware, towels, outdoor blankets, sit mats, air adapters, paddle board camera mounts, board carry straps, flat bungee cords, and windsurf rig packs. For paddlers, campers, and general outdoor enthusiasts.
• Adventure Waterproof Backpack 30L A 30L waterproof backpack (Olive Green pictured) designed for paddlesports and outdoor adventures with full waterproof protection.
• Lightweight Waterproof Crossbody Bag 7L A 7L compact waterproof crossbody bag (Obsidian Black) designed for water sports and outdoor activities.
• Women's EVO Pro Slimline Waterproof Parka Jacket Women's technical performance waterproof parka with streamlined design (Alpine Blue pictured) for advanced pre- and post-activity comfort.

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Red FoundationcoreOthersThe Red Foundation is the company's own charitable foundation focused on creating positive impact by the water. Part of their broader 'Positive Impact' sustainability and social responsibility initiative alongside B Corp certification.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• iROCKER Sup: iROCKER sells inflatable SUPs, paddles, and accessories direct-to-consumer globally with similar technology emphasis and accessory packages. Directly competes with Red in the same inflatable SUP category and price tier.
• Tower Paddle Boards: Tower is a US-based DTC brand selling inflatable SUPs, paddles, and bundles. Directly competes with Red in the same inflatable SUP entry/mid-tier and shares the e-commerce-led, accessory-package go-to-market.
• Bluefin SUP: Bluefin SUP is a UK-based direct-to-consumer inflatable paddleboard brand offering similar boards, paddles, and accessories. Most directly comparable peer given shared UK base, DTC model, and iSUP focus.
• ISLE Surf & SUP: ISLE sells inflatable and rigid paddleboards, paddles, and accessories DTC with a focus on lifestyle branding. Overlaps directly with Red's inflatable SUP lineup and accessory ecosystem.
• Thurso Surf: Thurso Surf offers inflatable SUPs, surfboards, and accessories targeting similar recreational paddlers. Directly competes in inflatable SUP with comparable entry/mid-tier pricing and DTC distribution.
• GILI Sports: GILI Sports sells inflatable paddleboards, kayaks, and water-sports accessories through DTC channels. Directly competes with Red on inflatable SUPs and adjacent paddlesports gear at overlapping price points.
• Dryrobe: Dryrobe is a UK-based brand that effectively created the outdoor waterproof changing robe category. Directly competes with Red's Pro Change Robe and EVO Pro parka line and is the most comparable peer in the changing-robe segment.

Broad incumbents

• Naish International: Naish is an established global water-sports brand with a deep SUP lineup (inflatable and rigid), paddles, foiling, and windsurfing. A broader incumbent whose SUP and paddle categories directly overlap with Red's core offering.
• Starboard: Starboard is a global water-sports brand with a strong presence in inflatable and rigid SUPs, paddles, foiling, and windsurfing. Broader water-sports incumbent that competes with Red across multiple SUP categories.
• Body Glove: Body Glove is an established water-sports lifestyle brand offering wetsuits, rashguards, and water-sports accessories. Broad incumbent whose marine apparel and accessories overlap with Red's changing robes and waterproof bags.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/redpaddleco
• YouTubeyoutube.com/RedPaddleCo
• Facebookfacebook.com/Redpaddle
• Instagraminstagram.com/RedEquipment

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about redpaddleco