Paddle Boarding

Wow bet that was fun, where were you paddling? It looked a bit much here in Poole Bay / Bournemouth for a SUP I thought... I went out down by Bournemouth pier with the bodyboard instead today! Was good.

It's worth trying the remote in a waterproof phone case.

Yes, very sad.

It's also worth bearing in mind that carrying a phone with you isn't just important for your safety. It also means you can phone for help if you come across a situation. Sure, I admit that I don't bother on short SUP trips (45 minutes around a lake or bay), but if I'm going out for a few hours I always take my phone. I've got a small waterproof bag that clips around my waist - it'll take a phone, a banana, car keys and some money.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002IQY2DA/ref=pe_1572...

I also have separate dry bags for my phone and car keys, plus an arm-mounted car key holder that I use when surfing and windsurfing. I can't take the above bag windsurfing because I'm wearing a harness, and annoyingly harnesses don't have pockets, and of course when surfing it'd get in the way. The phone dry bag's pretty neat in that you can use the touchscreen through the bag.

Does anyone do yoga on their paddleboard? Whilst I've given paddleboarding a go, I don't think it's something I will do regularly. My wife on the other hand loves it and I'm keen to buy her a board for Christmas as a surprise. She's never done yoga on a paddleboard but she does regularly do yoga so I do see that as a possibility in the future. We're moving to the South coast of Cornwall in the next year so will have plenty of opportunity and places right on our doorstep. I'm a strong swimmer so I'm thinking I can do open water swimming while she goes out for a paddle.

Should I buy a board suitable for yoga? I've seen the Red Active 10' 8 and weighing up the options between the more conventional 10' 6 board. Would the yoga one be worse as a paddleboard? Any other options I should consider? Whilst it's a lot of money I foresee it getting a lot of use so assume no budget limitations. Also open to rigid boards but everyone I've spoken to seems to prefer inflatables. Storage not going to be an issue either way.

Any recommendations gratefully received. Thank you!

Hi Rob,
Many thanks for your detailed response which makes a lot of sense. It's also given me the idea of booking her onto a Paddleboard Yoga session in London, I see they operate in Brentford which isn't very far from where we are at the moment. I definitely think you've answered the question in that a yoga paddleboard will be slightly compromised as a paddleboard compared with one just for paddleboarding. I think primarily it will be for paddling around and exploring, yoga would be very much secondary to this if she ever wanted to do it.

Reviews seem to show the Red 10' 6 as a good all rounder, and my wife likes purple which is a colour they're now offering. Anything else I should be considering?

This is a tricky one. I think you need to consider the main use of the Paddle Board. As RobM77 has said, a shorter, wider Yoga biased board will be compromised when it comes to paddling but will be great for balance so would work better than a long, narrow race/touring board. I've done quite a bit of Yoga in the past (I should get back into it really because I love it) but I wouldn't fancy trying it on my long race/touring board; ok, so a Plank, Cobra, Downward Dog, some of the Warrior Poses might be easy enough but I couldn't imagine trying a Tree, Toe Stand or Balancing Stick pose for example.

If it was me, I'd spend the money on a good quality board for paddling and then buy a cheap board for Yoga (you did say storage wasn't an issue). All you really need from a Yoga board is for it to float and be stable so I think quality is perhaps less of an issue. And think how happy your wife will be when she receives two Paddle Boards for Christmas

As for the inflatable/rigid choice. Inflatable board technology has really improved over recent years so if you invest in a good board, I don't think you'll be disappointed, plus they are much easier to store and transport should you fancy a trip out further afield.

Just came across this thread...

I’m about to embark on 92km non-stop of the Great Glen between Ft William and Inverness. Was originally intending to take part in the organised endurance race but it’s been binned off due to COVID. My pal and I had already started the charity fundraising however, so feel compelled to put on a decent showing regardless.

0300 Sunday is our departure time so hoping we get a tail wind!

I am riding a Starboard touring 14’ in Pine finish (it’s well lush) for the race, but have a Red inflatable for less serious paddles with the dog on the nose.

Love it, as a sport.

Doesn’t look like much of a wind assist so I could see it being a solid 18 hrs

Do it in Monday!

Good effort though.

Just take your phone and post updates as you’re doing it so we can give encouragement!