Paddle Boarding

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Safety.

I haven't said much about personal safety when out on your SUP because I don't think I'm in a position to tell people what to do. It's your choice. However, I briefly caught the news this morning about the increase in callouts to the RNLI so I think it's important to remind everyone to take care.

Whatever you do, before you go out (especially on the sea), please check the sea conditions and weather forecasts; and not just the immediate forecast but check the weather for the whole day. If the forecast says there'll be an offshore wind, stay at home. You'll be amazed at how quickly offshore winds will take you out to sea and how difficult it is to paddle back to shore against the wind. And before you go out, assess the situation yourself. Don't simply rely on the forecasts, they're not always accurate.

There are plenty of weather forecasts and marine charts available. I use these:

For navigation (sea depth, obstacles etc):

https://webapp.navionics.com/#boating@3&key=ub...

And for wind forecasts:

https://www.windy.com/?56.756,8.394,5

Whether you wear PFD's or other protective clothing/equipment is up to you. There are no laws telling you what you can and can't wear. But you should ALWAYS attach yourself (and anyone else who might be with you) to your SUP with a leash. Being caught out by bad weather is one thing but getting separated from your board is an entirely different matter. Your SUP is a floatation device so don't lose it. I know there's an argument about not using a leash on rivers and I understand that but there are quick-release leashes (and waist leashes) and I think I'd prefer to use one of those than to risk being detached from my board.

Have fun but stay safe.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

mcdjl said:

They've been pushing safety for the last month or two, there's an RNLI leaflet at the bottom of this page https://www.britishcanoeing.org.uk/news/2021/sup-s...
And a leash guide.

All good. It confirms pretty much everything I've said, especially regarding the use of a leash. Thanks for sharing

The biggest problem with SUP's as I see it, they can be bought cheaply (from supermarkets as part of your weekly shop in some cases) which in turn leads to people with no knowledge or experience heading out on the water thinking it's just a bit of fun. It is fun but it can be dangerous for the novice so be careful. I'd hate to see this sport heavily regulated but if people are getting themselves into difficulties (and worse still, losing their lives) on the water, it's extremely likely that regulations controlling the sport might come into force.

Having said that, I personally think that supermarkets should be stopped from selling them. If you buy from a 'watersport' shop, you are more likely to get at least some basic advice about using your SUP safely.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Disastrous said:

Anyone had a go of an 13’ 2” Red Paddle Voyager?

For context I do a lot of open-ocean/downwind paddling and have Starboard Pinetek 14’ hard board as my main board.

I want an inflatable for travel/taking my kid/dog out so needs to fill a wide range of tasks.

I’m put off by the twin fin setup, but think the V Hull sways me over the 12’ 6” Red Paddle sport which would have been my default choice, as I suspect that is going to break through bigger swell better.

Anyone ridden both and have any thoughts on what catching a bump is like on these/what their sea manners are like? Appreciate it’s not going to worry my hard board but I’d like to get as close as I can.

I haven't ridden either of the boards you mentioned but given your intended use, that stability will be the priority. The question is, how stable is a SUP with a V-shaped hull? Your hardboard will always be your default choice for those perfect SUP days so that will be your 'performance' board. As you've said, an iSUP won't perform in the same way as your hardboard (although technology has improved massively in recent years).

You know already that a multi-fin setup will give you more control in the surf, will track better but will create more drag than a single fin. With children or dogs on board, that might be what you need.

Not much help I know but that's all I've got.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

monthou said:

hopeydaze said:

Talking about safety, I’m thinking about starting to paddle board on rivers. However I’m concerned about other river users, in particular rowers who do everything backwards. How do they see and avoid SUPs?

You see them and keep out of their way. It's not like they're unpredictable.
Or shout out!

As above.

You'll be standing up on your board (won't you? ) so you'll have a better view than most other people.

If they're creeping up behind you, That's a slightly different problem. You just have to keep turning your head to see what's around. I had two sailing yachts creep up on me a couple of years ago. They were racing each other and were no more than 20 metres apart. They came up so fast and gave no warning I only saw them at the last minute and had to gybe away quickly. They would have hit me if I hadn't been so quick to react. Complete morons but the exception to the rule I think.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Disastrous said:

Cheers CAM - appreciate you replying.

In the end I went with neither!

My research led me to the conclusion that the Red Paddle was a bit Emperor’s New Clothes and not actually that good.

I was in a bit of an analysis paralysis until reading that the Australian maker Honu has recently started supplying the UK. These guys are meant to make phenomenally stiff and light iSUPs with carbon stringers and rails.

They do a 12’6 single fin in a classic touring shape which seems to neatly fit the bill so I’ve ordered one. Arrives tomorrow and I’ll report back as soon as I get it wet.

In other news, I’m heading to Islay for a few days soon. Trying to decide if I’m brave enough to paddle “The Rhinns of Islay” on my own or not (obviously weather decides) but with 8kt tidal streams, shipwreck rocks and so on it is decidedly daunting. Exciting though…

I knew that you knew which is why I wasn't going to comment too much

I'm guessing the Honu board is the Honu Sorrento? I couldn't find much information online (nothing on Honu's website) but from what I did find, it looks like a lovely board. My iSUP is a 14' x 26" x 6" which weighs in at 12kg. At just under 10kg, I think the two boards are quite close in terms of their weight but nevertheless,10kg is light for a SUP. I'd love to know how you get on with it and I'll be interested to hear how it compares with your Rigid SUP.

With regard to your planned trip around Islay. Are you planning on paddling around the whole island? Or just part of it? Distance wise, it's not too far but it will certainly be challenging great fun. Navionics confirms there are a lot of hazards around the whole of the island and some deep ocean to the East (some distance from the shore so hopefully not an issue for you) of the island. If I was in the UK, I'd volunteer to do it with you.

I know I don't need to tell you but as well as all your safety equipment, can I suggest you inform the coastguard of your plans and timescales? If you're in contact with them via VHF, you will have covered all bases. I really hope the weather is kind to you and look forward to hearing more about the paddle.

I'm interested to know what type of paddle you'll be using. With all the rock hazards, I'd be in two minds about whether to use my full carbon paddle (I'd hate to damage it on the rocks) or a cheap nylon/aluminium paddle (tougher but not as nice or as efficient to use).

With regard to the Maui to Molokai ocean race. That's going to be a whole different challenge. The distance should be...errr...doable but that's the easy bit. As you said, the hard work will all be done beforehand. Good luck with that and please keep us updated.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

croyde. Your question has been answered already.

Personally, I'd have insisted the owner inflated the board to the right pressure before I went out. Don't let it spoil things for you though. Just get out on your own board more often. Practice makes perfect so even on an underinflated board, you could still have some fun.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Disastrous said:

CAM, back from Islay now so wanted to update you.

In the end, no big paddles really happened. We were there for the week of that ‘super moon’ thing, plus it was spring tides. A chat with some of the local fishermen suggested that this was the fastest tidal streams they had seen in years. Combined with the Atlantic swell, I stuck my board into a couple of them and they were over 8kts which is just crazy!

So not really suitable even for someone who considers himself experienced. In the end we had a lovely week and I pottered about some sandy beaches and sheltered bays but nothing serious.

Definitely due a return trip as the scenery is just gorgeous.

Thanks for the update. Such a shame that the weather conspired against you but nice that you were still able to enjoy some SUP'ing. I can imagine the scenery more than compensated. Did you do any night paddling? I'm thinking that would have been nice with a 'super moon' to light the way. I really must try a night paddle.

My best laid plans to get out on my SUP more this year never really materialised for various reasons. The board is already packed away for winter so it will be next year before I get out on the water. I'm not too disappointed though because I have managed to get out on my Mountain Bike much more this year.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

BoRED S2upid said:

Stunning SUP conditions down in the Cotswolds last week.

Certainly looks peaceful

[CharlieAlphaMike]

markymarkthree said:

Just come back from 2 weeks in Malta and was hoping to do a bit of SUP out there. Nothing, zilch, i didn't see anyone out on a board or any for hire, very strange, sea looked flat enough. Any thoughts as to why this is ?
Whizzed off to Cornwall on Friday as it looks flat enough down at Polzeath and Damar bay.

No idea why you weren't able to enjoy a bit of SUP'ing in Malta. Maybe it's not a 'thing' there or perhaps it's all done in a different area to where you were staying. If you have an iSUP and a good transport bag for everything, you could always bite the bullet and take your own board with you next time. I appreciate it will cost £££???'s to get it on a plane but it might be worth considering.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Petrus1983 said:

I saw this guy heading out yesterday - outbound tide too. Unbelievable.



I'm finally using my board and loving it.

The mist/fog wouldn't bother me too much but I'd be wary of an outgoing tide. That's not to say it should be avoided at all costs but you really need to be FULLY aware of the sea conditions before you venture out.

Great to hear you're enjoying your SUP'ing though. Looks like you had a nice day for it

[CharlieAlphaMike]

DaveyBoyWonder said:

Hi all. Stumbled across this thread so thought I'd ask some stupid questions! I've done some paddle boarding before - hired rigid plastic SUPs at a local lake and used inflatable ones which we hired on Ullswater. No issues with using them (do a bit of surfing and a load of biking so think my balance is ok!) but wondered where is best to use a SUP as I've just bought one thinking I'd use it on holidays in the sea if its too flat for surfing etc but wondered about rivers and what the rules are? Don't want to be one of those people that causes an obstruction to other users so would probably go somewhere quiet for an hours paddling up river and then float back down again to my start point but do you need permits etc?

Hi. There's no reason why you can't use your SUP on the sea and no reason why you can't surf with it. If you're used to surfing, you'll get a lot of fun if you catch a wave with a SUP. I guess it's all down to how competent you are and of course, how sensible you are relative to the conditions.

I'm afraid I can't offer any advice about using a SUP on rivers because all of my Paddle Boarding is done on the sea. There are people here who go out on rivers so I'm sure someone will be able to help.

Now that you are here, can I suggest you have a good read through the first few pages of this thread too? I've posted a lot of information, hints and tips to help you get the most out of your Paddle Boarding. Have fun

I don't get much in the way of big waves where I am but I have been known to be out in a Force 4 and that means it can get a bit choppy:

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Petrus1983 said:

Thanks

Here's another question - I have the opportunity to leave my board inflated and lower it down to the beach - will that damage the board?

No problem.

To answer your question. I leave my board inflated throughout the summer (from March to October normally) without any issues. I always wash the board down with fresh water after every paddle before storing it in my garage. It's stored on two 'hangers' fixed to the garage rafters which means I can store it flat, rather than on its rails. I've never had any problems to speak of with the board deflating whilst stored but that might not be true for other SUP's.

If you plan to store your board outside, the environment might not be so friendly towards your board. I wouldn't want my board to be exposed to the weather for days on end and seagulls (and what comes out of them) might not be the best thing for a SUP.

When you talk about lowering the board onto the beach. I'm guessing you mean you are right on the beach and will be lowering it from a balcony or jetty? There shouldn't be a problem with that as long as you are careful. I wouldn't want to throw my board onto a beach. SUP's will eventually pick up a few marks in use. Mine has a couple of 'nicks' on the bottom and quite a few scratches on the rails. That's inevitable. You can invest in some Rail Tape if you want to. That will help to protect the rails from scratches but of course, the tape will get scratched so from an aesthetic point of view, it's pretty pointless. I use protection tape on the blade edge of my paddle (I use a full carbon paddle) and that's a really worthwhile investment.

Obviously, the biggest problem with an iSUP is damage from sharp objects. So be careful of jagged rocks when you're lowering onto a beach and look out to rocks near the shore too. Otherwise, depending upon the exact construction of your board, I think you'll find that iSUP's are quite robust.

HTH

[CharlieAlphaMike]

You might not believe it but Spring isn't far away. Ok, it will be a while before the warm weather returns but this might be a good time to buy a SUP or upgrade your equipment. Or maybe you're thinking about taking up the sport this year? Either way, I thought I'd give this thread a quick 'bump'.

For newbies, you'll find a lot of useful information so take the time to have a good through everything.

The sea is still frozen where I am but I'll be out on the water again ASAP and will be checking back here on a regular basis.

Take care everyone and have fun.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

James6112 said:

Thankyou, just found via google search!
Was thinking of giving it a go this year, time on my hands.
Now or never!
Will check out the tips etc
Live close to the Thames & quieter Jubilee River..

No problem. I'm pleased you found this thread.

If most of your Paddle Boarding is going to be on rivers, check out my tips about leashes. Wearing a leash is advisable but underwater obstacles can cause huge problems if your leash gets caught so choose the right one.

And choose the right SUP to maximise your enjoyment. I've provided a lot of information about which SUP to buy and what to consider before buying.

Have fun.

Edited by CharlieAlphaMike on Sunday 7th April 13:31