Windsurfing shop with kit hire

Beginners, holiday visitors, local windsurfers, families, and sailing or watersports clubs.

Profit on kit and accessories sold, hire fees by the hour or day, and commission or part-exchange on used boards. Repairs and spare parts can add steady extra income.

• Good knowledge of windsurfing kit
• Friendly, honest advice for beginners
• Stock buying and cash flow planning
• Basic kit repair

• Public liability insurance and cover for hire kit, plus a simple hire agreement or waiver (check wording with your insurer)
• Strong seasonality, so plan cash flow for the winter months
• Stock is expensive and can sit unsold; start small and consider used kit
• Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for any premises
• Consumer rights rules apply to sales, so check refund and returns policies
• If you offer lessons, check what instructor qualifications and insurance are needed

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, how much new or used stock you buy and your hire fleet. These are estimates, so start small and get quotes for rent and kit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, stock and the season. Trade is strongly seasonal, so plan cash flow for the winter months.

Check public liability insurance and cover for hire kit, plus a simple hire agreement or waiver with your insurer. Also check business rates, planning use class, lease terms, consumer rights rules for returns, and instructor qualifications if you offer lessons.