Divest now!
When stand-up paddleboarding first came onto the scene did you care one way or the other? Like, of course you care now when you see a SUPer or SUPette stroking across the horizon toward your wave but, long ago, when Laird Hamilton was stroking across the movie screen in Riding Giants (or whichever film he first stroked) did you feel gut-level dread?
I didn’t. I recall thinking, “That looks ineffective” but not much more. Oh now, of course, I hate and laugh very much when reading that a leading SUP manufacturer (Jimmy Stykx SUPs) has been caught up in America’s gun debate, destroying sales and hopefully rocking the very SUP future. For outdoor retailer REI announced yesterday it would stop carrying the SUP along with many other The Inertia-like brands (backpack water bottles, bicycle helmets, chewable testosterone) because parent company Vista Brands also produces semi-automatic weapons, ammunition etc.
REI’s statement reads:
REI does not sell guns. We believe that it is the job of companies that manufacture and sell guns and ammunition to work towards common sense solutions that prevent the type of violence that happened in Florida last month. In the last few days, we’ve seen such action from companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart and we applaud their leadership…This morning we learned that Vista does not plan to make a public statement that outlines a clear plan of action. As a result, we have decided to place a hold on future orders of products that Vista sells through REI while we assess how Vista proceeds.Companies are showing they can contribute if they are willing to lead. We encourage Vista to do just that.
Does this news cause a deep chuckle for you or does this sort of knee-jerk corporate activism drive you crazy? Are you conflicted? Like, do you hate both SUPs and knee-jerk activism? If the enemy of your enemy is your friend does this make knee-jerk activism your friend?
Much to ponder.
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As a gun and SUP owner, I’ve actually injured myself multiple times by SUPS, mine and other peoples. Never had a problem with my gun or been shot by anyone else. That being said, buying a Jimmy Styxx SUP at REI is as core as buying a Wavestorm SUP at Costco. In either case, most locals will assume your a clueless kook with either. I think REI is doing potential SUPers a big favor. You’re far better off visiting a SUP Shop that specializes in SUPs or finding a SUP shaper. If you cannot afford this, you’re better off buying a used quality product off Craigslist, and starting from there. Nobody at Costco or REI knows anything about surf etiquette which you’d surely get from a Surf or SUP specialist.
Jason bauerman shoots ducks and geese off of his sup. He shot a goose and gave it to me for thanksgiving. 12 guages on sups are like America and Apple pie (Apple pie is actually school shootings).
Nice picture, bottle blond with 40DD aftermarket cans…
All that foam and it’s still threatening to topple.
I’m all for knee-jerk activism to Laird stroking it
There is a lot of power in a boycott. I think REI has made the right choice. I have a SUP for flat days but, I have never gone for a wave with it. And I never will.
Props to REI.
Knee-jerk RE-activism is most annoying when done purely for marketability.
REI literally states that it does not sell guns, while then proceeding to call out a manufacturer of guns that also makes non-gun products which REI does/did sell. Why does REI feel the need to publicly point out that they don’t sell guns in a way that completely puts another company on the spot? It’s like public opinion hot potato with these companies; where the potato is an issue and the speed in which it is passed is a measure of compassion towards said issue. The cold hard fact is that REI’s (and every other businesses) removal of gun-affiliated products is based more on decreased sales store-wide than sympathy towards victims of gun violence. If REI wasn’t experiencing a general decline in sales amidst public outrage over gun-manufacturers they wouldn’t be pulling non-gun related products that in most circumstances make them money. Regardless of your politics, you must understand that at the very heart of these PC social justice blitzkreigs businesses are going to try whatever they can to take money from you.
I thought Pottz was in control of the potato.
If in fact the potato you’re referring to is Martin Potter himself, you’re only semi correct.
Stand Up Potato
Only if your definition of control is very loose.
Chips?
…chips?
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One of REI’s main competitors is Cabelas, so the statement was likely made to at least differentiate between the brands.
That last sentence is pure truth.
I stroked myself immediately after reading that SUP sales will be destroyed.
What Charlton Heston meant to say was, “I’ll give you my SUP when you pry it from my cold, dead hands”.
My take away is SUP’s are far more dangerous than semi-automatics.
Especially those with large-capacity magazines such as the one shown on my google ad, REI are way ahead of the curve here.
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I’d like to see that in an office wave tub in Bavaria during Oktoberfest.
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This one’s better.
I’d trade my shortboard for a SUP if I could ride those 3 tramps.
The 3 at the back?
APT!!!
Clearly (from the picture) you need gun racks on SUPs.
I see guns and racks!
Nice one. When you get burned by a SUPer/ette, go straight for the knees.