SIC S/S 2022 SUP Preview
Retail Buyers Guide: SUP S/S 2022 Retail Buyer’s Guide
Brand: SIC
Interviewee: Swen Rilhac, Communication & Marketing Manager
Are sell figures still going through the roof? Did you manage to supply accordingly in 2021?
Forecasts for the end of the year and next year follow the same trend. We are doing our best to fit the demand. We are limited by the production capacity of our partners. Pre-orders are essential for planning productions and delivering on time.
After a couple years where virtual relationships were the new normal, how excited are you to attend the Paddle Sports Show in Lyon and meet the distributors/retailers again?
We have never lost connection with our customers. It’s true that it’s not the same as being face to face. We look forward to sharing and meeting the ecosystem again. It is vital.
Do you think production time will go back to normal for the SS22 season?
In 2022, the market will stay under pressure. All over the world the situation is not fully stable and continues to evolve. As in 2020 and 2021, flexibility and agility are keys.
In 2021, the MSRPs did not reflect (that much) the huge rise in shipment costs. Will they in SS22?
Yes, obviously, shipments cost will impact our prices in 2022.
ATLANTIS
Beyond the all-around supremacy, any noticeable movement to report in the other categories (touring, SUP surfing, race, river, foiling…)?
Wingfoil remains a strong emerging trend. The competition is tough and evolves quickly. Developing a new sport is really exciting. Born in Maui, we are feeling the impact of this new sport on the water. Riders are curious and want to (re)discover new thrills.
Regarding the SUP Race, elite boards are more and more specific. Riders need a perfect weapon to get their best results and beat the clock.
Inflatables: Which new technologies & models are you implementing in 2021?
Our inflatable technologies are still the same but shapes and outlines are closer to our rigid SUP boards. For instance, Inflatable SUP race shapes are narrower, and the outline is tighter.
DRIFTER
Hardboards: Which new technologies & models are you implementing in 2021?
We design the brand new XRS, the latest release of a specialist flat water board. In a world full of cross-over boards, the XRS race board is a master of one thing – flat water racing. Designed and tested in Maui by Mark Raaphorst.
Do you think core retailers should leave the allround boards to the big sport chains and D2C specialists and focus on more specific (and advanced) designs?
I think there is room for everybody. Through their knowledge and experience, core retailers have real added value even for entry-level and occasional. They offer an alternative from the big sports chains and D2C specialists. This variety is very important. Each rider can find the product and the sport that suits them regarding their needs.
Key Products
Atlantis
The ATLANTIS is the latest addition to the SIC’s race category boards, built for rough water and moderate to heavy downwind. This collection is ideal for contests with conditions like the SIC Gorge Paddle Challenge, Carolina Cup, Gorge, M2M, and M2O.
Raptor Wing
The SIC Raptor Wing has been designed and rigorously tested by the team on Maui and Europe. The wing’s leading edge utilizes our ultra- rigid, non-stretch, Dacron. Which improves airflow, flight stability, and prevents seam bulging on the leading edge. Expect snappy turns, explosive lift, and smooth sailing upwind.
Drifter
The Drifter series sets the pace with a new recreational category of stable and user- friendly boards that are fun for all skill levels. The more affordable Drifter Tough-Tec is constructed with a durable polyethylene outer skin, which is the most durable skin technology in the industry. Tough-Tec boards are manufactured in an eco-friendly way with virtually zero waste generated during the production process. The boards can be completely recycled. Made in France.
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