A Journey of Passion and Innovation: Introducing Supstep

We wanted to take a moment to share the background and journey behind Supstep, our latest innovation at Wittering SUP Paddleboarding School. This article delves into why we developed Supstep, how it was designed and refined, and the values that drive us as a passionate, bootstrapped husband and wife team dedicated to enhancing paddleboarding safety and accessibility.

The Spark Behind Supstep

As dedicated paddleboard instructors with over five years of experience teaching thousands of enthusiasts, we at Wittering SUP Paddleboarding School have witnessed firsthand the challenges many paddlers face—particularly when it comes to self-rescue in deep water. Self-rescue is a critical aspect of SUP safety, but it requires practice and confidence. Factors such as size, shape, and upper body strength can significantly impact a paddler's ability to get back on their board after a fall. Even those who have mastered the technique often hesitate to paddle solo, fearing fatigue, injury, or unexpected changes in water and weather conditions.

Determined to address this essential safety concern, we began experimenting with various self-rescue solutions. Our initial prototype was ingeniously crafted from a horse riding stirrup and parachord, tools we routinely used in our lessons. To our surprise, this makeshift Supstep proved to be incredibly supportive, not only for our instructors but also for paddlers of all skill levels. The positive feedback and tangible benefits we observed inspired us to develop Supstep officially—a reliable, user-friendly tool designed to enhance the paddleboarding experience and ensure greater safety for all.

From Concept to Creation

Transforming an idea into a tangible product requires dedication, expertise, and a deep understanding of user needs. Recognising the potential of Supstep, we sought the expertise of Simple Design Works, a local design company based in Hereford and Worcester. While many paddlers attempt to create homemade self-rescue solutions using webbing, we were concerned about the safety risks associated with these closed-loop designs, particularly the danger of tangling in moving water.

Collaborating with Simple Design Works, we focused on developing an open L-shaped design, a key feature that ensures quick release and prevents any risk of foot entanglement. L-shaped straps, by nature, lack inherent strength, so the design team utilised specialist software to simulate various water conditions. This advanced modeling allowed us to create a robust form that maintains its L-shape while providing the necessary support and durability (and looking pretty cool!).

The strap is ingeniously designed to attach seamlessly to the handle or various D-rings on any paddleboard, ensuring compatibility across different models. Through the creation of multiple prototypes and continuous testing with our customers, we refined Supstep to perfection, ensuring it meets the high standards required for safety and functionality in diverse paddling environments.

Testing and Feedback: Refining Supstep Through Real-World Use

The true measure of any product lies in its real-world application, and Supstep was no exception. We conducted extensive testing with both novice paddlers and experienced instructors, gathering invaluable feedback that shaped the final design and functionality of Supstep.

The response from our paddling community has been overwhelmingly positive. Novice paddlers appreciated the added confidence Supstep provided, while experienced instructors valued its reliability and ease of use during lessons. The CEO of the Academy of Surfing Instructors (ASI), our governing body, provided a heartfelt letter of support for Supstep:

"The Supstep product addresses a common concern among new paddlers—self-rescue after a fall. This skill is paramount for safety, and while our instructors emphasise it, not all paddlers opt for lessons. Introducing a product that supports paddler safety, especially in self-rescue scenarios, is commendable. Beyond enhancing self-rescue skills, the Supstep product boosts the confidence of beginner paddlers. It provides assurance that, in case of fatigue, injury, or challenging water/weather conditions, they have the equipment to support them."

Our Commitment to Safety and Accessibility

At Wittering SUP, our dedication to safety and accessibility extends beyond Supstep. We believe that paddleboarding should be an inclusive activity, accessible to everyone regardless of physical abilities. This ethos is exemplified by our investment in an adaptive paddleboard, designed to safely attach a wheelchair to a paddleboard. This initiative underscores our commitment to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of paddleboarding in a safe and supportive environment.

Our adaptive paddleboard project was born out of the same passion that drives Supstep—creating solutions that enhance safety and accessibility for all paddlers. By making paddleboarding more inclusive, we aim to break down barriers and foster a diverse and welcoming community.

Community Voices: What Our Paddlers Are Saying

The support and enthusiasm from our community have been instrumental in shaping Supstep. Here are some of the positive comments we've received on our recent social media posts:

• Wendy: “I’m super excited you finally got it going. I can also confirm it’s the only thing that got me back up on the board! My arms and legs weren’t strong enough on their own. 🙌”

• Gwion: “Great bit of kit that!! and I reckon not just for suppers...anyone who needs to self rescue...global need for one of these!”

• Chloe: “This is just absolutely amazing, what an incredible idea and product to create 🙏. Can't wait to invest and work on being more graceful when getting back on the board 🤣🙏”

• Sara: “What the actual!! That's amazing! I can't get back on in deep water with a life jacket on”

• Barb: “That’s amazing - I need one x let me know when they are available pls x”

These testimonials highlight the real-world impact Supstep has had on our paddling community, reinforcing the importance of our mission to enhance safety and confidence for all paddlers.

Overcoming Challenges: Ensuring Supstep’s Reliability and Safety

Every journey has its hurdles, and ours was no different. The most significant challenge we faced was financial. Despite our relentless efforts, we received no investor support or local and national government grants. The reality is that small businesses often struggle to secure financial backing, a sentiment echoed by many entrepreneurs. Undeterred, James & Alex Wittering, the husband and wife duo behind Wittering SUP, took it upon themselves to fund the design and patent costs out of pocket.

Balancing our commitment to Supstep with personal milestones—such as buying a house and undergoing an adoption process—added another layer of complexity. However, our unwavering dedication to paddleboarding safety and the belief in Supstep’s potential kept us moving forward. To bring Supstep to life, we turned to Kickstarter, seeking community support to fund the production of our first 1,000 units.

Meet the Team Behind Supstep

Our journey wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated team at Wittering SUP. James & Alex Wittering, the heart and soul behind our paddleboarding school, have poured their expertise and passion into every aspect of Supstep’s development. With a professional background in SUP instruction and a shared adventurous spirit, they embody the perfect blend of practical experience and innovative thinking required to create a product that truly benefits the paddleboarding community.

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

Launching Supstep on Kickstarter is more than just a funding campaign—it’s an invitation to be part of our evolving story. By supporting Supstep, you’re not only investing in a product designed to elevate your paddleboarding experience but also contributing to a community that values innovation, quality, and shared passion.

What’s Next?

Once our Kickstarter campaign successfully raises the necessary funds, we’ll transition to our dedicated Shopify store at supstep.com. This platform will serve as the hub for ongoing sales, customer support, and future product developments. Our goal is to build a robust and sustainable brand that continues to serve the SUP community for years to come.

Stay Connected and Get Involved

We believe that the best innovations come from collaboration and community support. Here’s how you can stay connected and support our journey:

• Follow Us on Social Media: Stay updated with the latest news, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive offers by following us on Facebook  and Instagram.
• Subscribe to Kickstarter Updates: Join our email list to receive updates about the Kickstarter launch, special promotions, and insider information about Supstep’s development.

Thank You for Your Support

Launching Supstep is a significant milestone for Wittering SUP, and we couldn’t have reached this point without the unwavering support of our community. We’re excited to embark on this new adventure and can’t wait to see how Supstep enhances your paddleboarding experiences.

Ready to take the next step? Visit our Kickstarter campaign to learn more, support our project, and secure your Supstep at an exclusive early bird rate. Together, let’s raise the wave and redefine paddleboarding!

Contact Us:

Have questions or need more information? Feel free to reach out to us at james@witteringsup.co.uk or connect with us on our social media channels.

Stay Tuned: Keep an eye on our blog for more updates, stories, and insights as we prepare for the Supstep launch!

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to new beginnings and smoother paddling!

Warm regards,

James & Alex XXX