There’s a reason Alabama is a hot destination: you can find just about any type of watersport imaginable year-round. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing but invigorating adventure on a stand-up paddleboard or you’re a thrill seeker looking to catch some waves on a jet ski, the water is calling your name. Start your adventure at one of these nine best watersport retailers in the state.
This three-location chain (Athens, Dadeville, and Westover) is a premier boat retailer in Alabama, but they also stock a full shop of water sports equipment and accessories. Wakeboards, water skis, inner tubes, life jackets, ski ropes, and just about everything else you need for a day on the water can be found here. Their fans love them because of their friendly, no-pressure sales team and their dedication to helping you get what you came for.
If you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking, you’ll want to test the waters at Eastern Shore Watersports. Known for their equipment rentals, you can experience the sports before you decide to buy. They sell some of the gently used inventory they’ve rented out, meaning you can score your new-to-you paddleboard or kayak at a lower-than-retail price.
As a national chain specializing in all things water, you can expect only the best brands and products when it comes to water sports. They’ve got everything you can imagine, from wakeboards and wakeskates to snorkeling gear to tubes, ropes, and even scuba gear. Their massive inventory ensures this is the only stop you’ll need to fulfill your watersports wishes.
Waterskiing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are the specialties here. You’ll find everything you need to get started, from life jackets and ropes to boards and bindings. Their customers love them because of their first-hand knowledge of the industry, ensuring you can get the best gear for your needs and budget.
Truth be told, this store is the go-to source for ALL things outdoors. This is the spot to stock up on helpful accessories for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, including dry bags, paddles, ground carts, life jackets, SUP deck bags, and swimsuits (of course).
As one of the leading surfing havens in the country, Ron Surf Shop carries everything from surfboards and skimboards, to all the apparel that will make you look like a pro. This shop has been trusted by surfers and skaters of all skill levels, giving you everything you need for a day at the beach—and then some.
Dedicated to all things wakeboarding, the pro shop at Singleton Marine will help you make the most of your day on the lake. They’ve got brand name wakeboards and accessories from trusted names like Ronix, Obrien , Hyperlite, and others. Since they’re at the marine, they’ll be the last place on your to-do list to enjoy your time on the water.
While most folks know Adventure Earth as the area’s leading bike store, they might not realize that this is also the place to score a high-quality surfboard or SUP. You’ll also find friendly service at Adventure Earth. What more could you ask for?
Academy Sports and Outdoors has more than just team sports gear and goods. You can also find top notch watersports equipment for wakeboarding, paddleboarding, tubing, snorkeling, diving, and other activities. There are over a dozen store locations in Alabama, plus you always shop their online inventory.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
