Delmarva Board Sport Adventures getting season going with swap meet

When husband-and-wife team George and Janis Markopoulos first began Delmarva Board Sport Adventures in 2010, they didn’t realize just how much success they’d find. Now, they’re anxious to get more people involved and help out those already enjoying the water, by holding their first-ever Spring Swap Meet at their location in Fenwick Island on Saturday, April 28, from 9 a.m. until noon.

“The swap meet is a standard in an industry like ours,” explained Janis Markopoulos.

The event will give board-sport enthusiasts, as well as newcomers, the chance to pick up slightly used, used and sometimes brand-new gear at affordable and generally low prices. Whether someone is new to the idea of hitting the waves, or a seasoned veteran is looking to drop off old equipment in exchange for new things, the Spring Swap Meet is expected to have something for everyone.

After their first year, the popularity of their water-related sports – including windsurfing, surfing, kiting, skating, kayaking and the surprising boom of stand-up paddle boarding – warranted Delmarva Board Sport Adventures the expansion to a more accommodating location, beside Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island. Now, as they are entering their third season, Janis Markopoulos is expecting to see even more of a surge.

“This has been pretty awesome,” she said. “We’re only getting into our third summer, and it has been amazing. We quintupled our business from year one to year two, and we’re right on track for another successful year.”

She added that the Spring Swap Meet is free and open to the public and will be a comfortable environment for first-timers trying to get out in the water, as well. (Other shops, dealers and reps are asked not to attend, unless their presence was requested. Team riders are not permitted, either.)

“It’s a way to get people involved,” Janis Markopoulos said, “and to help out those who have been having fun with the sports, already.”

The swap meet will include door prizes, free coffee, snacks and SUP demos for attendants to enjoy.

Part of the reason for Delmarva Board Sport Adventures’ success has been the popularity of stand-up paddle (SUP) boarding.

“Stand-up paddling is the fastest-growing sport on the water right now,” Markopoulos said. “We got into the industry at the right place, at the right time. We’re the only local company doing this that lets you try out the board before you buy it, too. We have our own launch sport right at our store, so you can get a feel for it before you decide if it’s right for you.”

Delmarva Board Sport Adventures have added new windsurfing and kayak rentals right from their location this year, as well.

The Spring Swap Meet provides boarders the opportunity to find deals on new gear, but also acts as an educational tool for those wanting to learn.

“It’s free to participate,” she added, “and you can talk to so many people who have been doing this for years. There will be items for sale, for barter and for trade. We will have demos set up for beginners. It’s going to be a great place to get a used board that’s still in great shape. It won’t be hard to find special prices on some really big bargains.”

For more information about the Spring Swap Meet at Delmarva Board Sport Adventures, “Like” them on Facebook, stop into their location beside Harpoon Hanna’s at 39084 Harpoon Road in Fenwick Island, or call them at (302) 537-6500, starting Friday, April 27, at 10 a.m. The Spring Swap Meet will run from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, April 28, at the store location.