Paddle Boarding
Discussion
Imad said:
Sent my kids to Mount Batten in Plymouth a few weeks ago for paddle board lessons and they loved it. If you want to give it a try and live (or holiday) in south Devon I would certainly recommend the guys there.
Will try and book myself in next time as well.
There’s a nice company based in budleigh Salterton along the coast who are good too. Will try and book myself in next time as well.
https://www.facebook.com/BudleighPaddleSports/
If you’re in the area their Facebook usually gives good weather reports in the morning so you know in advance if they’re going to be running or not.
zax said:
Lots of really good advice here!
I think it's worth emphasising the safety aspect (particularly on the sea), not intending to put anyone off because with a bit of commons sense there's very little to worry about...
It helps to become a bit of a weather nerd, especially regarding wind! Knowing the wind strength and direction for the time you plan to be out can make a huge difference. Doing a circular route for example is much more fun and a lot safer when the last section is downwind with the waves helping you home rather than an upwind slog when you're already pretty exhausted.
Get to know the environment you want to paddle in, currents and tides. Not much tide for me in the Baltic but there are places where wind and sea conditions between islands can be challenging.
In areas with heavy boat traffic I tend to stay out of the main boat lanes, it's not much fun dealing with constant boat wakes. They're well marked so this is pretty easy. Most boaters are considerate but not all! I'll cross the lanes at right angles when I need to, maybe venture closer if I want to try and catch a boat wake for fun, but otherwise I'll paddle where I'm less likely to be knocked off or flattened.
And finally it's a very good idea to wear a PFD!
Thanks.I think it's worth emphasising the safety aspect (particularly on the sea), not intending to put anyone off because with a bit of commons sense there's very little to worry about...
It helps to become a bit of a weather nerd, especially regarding wind! Knowing the wind strength and direction for the time you plan to be out can make a huge difference. Doing a circular route for example is much more fun and a lot safer when the last section is downwind with the waves helping you home rather than an upwind slog when you're already pretty exhausted.
Get to know the environment you want to paddle in, currents and tides. Not much tide for me in the Baltic but there are places where wind and sea conditions between islands can be challenging.
In areas with heavy boat traffic I tend to stay out of the main boat lanes, it's not much fun dealing with constant boat wakes. They're well marked so this is pretty easy. Most boaters are considerate but not all! I'll cross the lanes at right angles when I need to, maybe venture closer if I want to try and catch a boat wake for fun, but otherwise I'll paddle where I'm less likely to be knocked off or flattened.
And finally it's a very good idea to wear a PFD!
Your comment about becoming a Weather Nerd. Over 30 years of Windsurfing, I'm definitely a Weather Nerd. It's worth making the point that when you're on land, the wind might not seem that strong but out at sea, it can be much stronger. That said, I was out yesterday in a Force 3/4, paddling out to sea and into the wind. Hard work but just about possible. If it had been a Force 4, it would have been very difficult and of course, the wind/tides/currents can change in an instant so be careful. Coming back was much more fun
Although I must admit to lying down on the board and letting the waves carry me back for some of the way 
I agree that most other boat users are considerate but not the 2 idiots on sailing yachts yesterday. They both came up behind me on my Port side, within about 15ft of me, one right behind the other, under engine power (not sail) but going at quite a speed. If they gave a warning, I didn't hear it because the wind was in my face. You can imagine the wake that 2 boats together caused. I had to gybe away quickly and then tack back to get across their wake. Everyone just waved at me as if there was no problem.
Like you, I normally enjoy crossing the wake of other boats as long as I have time to prepare. Having a wake behind you or heading straight into a wake is fun but when they're side on and without warning, they can be tricky. For those who are still learning to SUP, if you're not that confident in dealing with wakes, the best advice is to sit on your board and wait for it to pass. Or fall in, if you're that way inclined. People ask me if I ever fall in the water. My answer is no because that's called Swimming, not Paddle Boarding
Whereabouts are you in the Baltic zax?
GT03ROB said:
My wife calls it wobble boarding as apparently I spend more time wobbling about on the board than paddling!
Wobble Boarding. That's so funny. Your wife obviously has a great sense of humour 
I think it gives you a good excuse for getting out on your SUP more. Practice makes perfect 
We had a family session of "Paddleboard Yoga" on the IOW (with Tackt-Isle).....paddled out round Bembridge (into the Solent, gasp!), she tethered our boards up (just offshore really), and there were were, doing the down dog, for the beach goers to laugh at 
First time on a board for all of us - actually GREAT fun!
First time on a board for all of us - actually GREAT fun!
CharlieAlphaMike said:
Whereabouts are you in the Baltic zax?
I'm in Helsinki, so lots of water to choose from! SUP is mostly inshore touring in the archipelago or on lakes & rivers,I've become a big fan of www.windy.com, the route planning function is really comprehensive. Wind and weather details at every waypoint! It's a great way to see how conditions will be while you're out there.
I enjoy paddle boarding because of the different perspective you get. It's much easier to see under water, especially with polarised glasses. But it is much less efficient and more weather/current dependent compared to a kayak.
The other thing to consider if you are in the sea is a PLB.
The other thing to consider if you are in the sea is a PLB.
zax said:
CharlieAlphaMike said:
Whereabouts are you in the Baltic zax?
I'm in Helsinki, so lots of water to choose from! SUP is mostly inshore touring in the archipelago or on lakes & rivers,I've become a big fan of www.windy.com, the route planning function is really comprehensive. Wind and weather details at every waypoint! It's a great way to see how conditions will be while you're out there.
Stockholm to Helsinki? Mmmm. Probably a bit too far to Paddle
CharlieAlphaMike said:
zax said:
CharlieAlphaMike said:
Whereabouts are you in the Baltic zax?
I'm in Helsinki, so lots of water to choose from! SUP is mostly inshore touring in the archipelago or on lakes & rivers,I've become a big fan of www.windy.com, the route planning function is really comprehensive. Wind and weather details at every waypoint! It's a great way to see how conditions will be while you're out there.
Stockholm to Helsinki? Mmmm. Probably a bit too far to Paddle
zax said:
Then we have very similar surroundings! I really appreciate an interesting coastline. I've been as far as Åland but that was in the kayak. Gotä canal is on my to-do list, will give you a shout next spring
We do have very similar areas within which to paddle. I still have plenty to explore but I get quite lazy because my home is very close to the sea. It requires more effort to drive somewhere but I have been venturing out this year.I'm really impressed that you Kayaked to Åland. Where did you start from and how long did it take? I've been there too but with something slightly bigger than my SUP...Viking Grace
If you do come to the West, give me a shout
NB Are you Finnish, Swedish, English or...???
CharlieAlphaMike said:
We do have very similar areas within which to paddle. I still have plenty to explore but I get quite lazy because my home is very close to the sea. It requires more effort to drive somewhere but I have been venturing out this year.
I'm really impressed that you Kayaked to Åland. Where did you start from and how long did it take? I've been there too but with something slightly bigger than my SUP...Viking Grace
If you do come to the West, give me a shout
NB Are you Finnish, Swedish, English or...???
I'm originally from Scotland. Åland was a paddling/camping trip starting from Rosala near Turku. 5 days in all touring around, so many islands make for interesting routes!I'm really impressed that you Kayaked to Åland. Where did you start from and how long did it take? I've been there too but with something slightly bigger than my SUP...Viking Grace
If you do come to the West, give me a shout
NB Are you Finnish, Swedish, English or...???
I'm wondering if anyone on here has done any of the long distance SUP challenges that run in the UK? I know this year most things are cancelled due to covid and travel is pretty messed up but hopefully in 2021 there's a chance to run those again. I'm no racer but do enjoy a long paddle somewhere interesting. I was in London in 2018 and tried the "Big Ben challenge" on the Thames, good fun but sadly that one had to take a shorter upriver route from Putney due to torrential rain and a very polluted downriver stretch!
Nice to find this thread, and thanks for the advice OP.
Paddle boards have always intrigued me, I didn't see the point of standing up and imagined it would kill my lower back.
I normally hire kayaks on the Thames and was thinking of buying one now I have a garage and live near the river.
All this was stopped by virus lockdown as I wanted to buy from an actual shop.
I started looking at inflatable kayaks as they'd be easier to transport but last week a friend posted some pics of her blowing up a SUP by her car in Hove then out on the water.
I booked a 1:1 lesson on one at Kew Bridge earlier this week.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. 30 odd degrees in Central London and in a different world.
Got bad wobbly knees when I first stood up but my lovely instructor just kept a conversation going and I relaxed and paddled.
We stopped by the bank in some shade near Chiswick Bridge and just sat on the boards, drank our water and chatted waiting for the tide to turn for our paddle back.
A great experience, thoroughly enjoyed it. I was hooked.
I have searched high and low but nowhere can I buy one at this moment. The country has gone outdoor activity mad.
I hired one yesterday further up the non tidal Thames and got on the water just as the thunder started and the rain came down in buckets. Still absolutely loved it.
Probably too early to say but these two 2 hour sessions seem to be firming up my dodgy knee and no back pain.
I have to work on my paddling as I'm having to swap sides constantly but I'm definitely hooked.
Paddle boards have always intrigued me, I didn't see the point of standing up and imagined it would kill my lower back.
I normally hire kayaks on the Thames and was thinking of buying one now I have a garage and live near the river.
All this was stopped by virus lockdown as I wanted to buy from an actual shop.
I started looking at inflatable kayaks as they'd be easier to transport but last week a friend posted some pics of her blowing up a SUP by her car in Hove then out on the water.
I booked a 1:1 lesson on one at Kew Bridge earlier this week.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. 30 odd degrees in Central London and in a different world.
Got bad wobbly knees when I first stood up but my lovely instructor just kept a conversation going and I relaxed and paddled.
We stopped by the bank in some shade near Chiswick Bridge and just sat on the boards, drank our water and chatted waiting for the tide to turn for our paddle back.
A great experience, thoroughly enjoyed it. I was hooked.
I have searched high and low but nowhere can I buy one at this moment. The country has gone outdoor activity mad.
I hired one yesterday further up the non tidal Thames and got on the water just as the thunder started and the rain came down in buckets. Still absolutely loved it.
Probably too early to say but these two 2 hour sessions seem to be firming up my dodgy knee and no back pain.
I have to work on my paddling as I'm having to swap sides constantly but I'm definitely hooked.
Bill said:
If you can wait for winter I suspect there will be loads on eBay.
Good point, especially as the boards don't appear to be in stock until possibly Sept, some more popular ones say 2021. A friend posted a link to this, she has a smaller version.
A budget board but YouTube reviews seem good. One in depth one really liked it and said the only down side was the grip decking had started to loosen at the edges which he sorted with gorilla glue. His looked well used.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313152331604
Everything bar a PFD for under £360.
I'd like to use one through the winter on the river. What would anyone recommend clothing wise as I'd imagine I'd get too toasty in my wetsuit.
Cheers.
croyde said:
Good point, especially as the boards don't appear to be in stock until possibly Sept, some more popular ones say 2021.
A friend posted a link to this, she has a smaller version.
A budget board but YouTube reviews seem good. One in depth one really liked it and said the only down side was the grip decking had started to loosen at the edges which he sorted with gorilla glue. His looked well used.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313152331604
Everything bar a PFD for under £360.
I'd like to use one through the winter on the river. What would anyone recommend clothing wise as I'd imagine I'd get too toasty in my wetsuit.
Cheers.
I'd be very disappointed if I had to start sticking the decking back down on my board. And mine has been well used over the last 2 Summers. I'm out 3 to 4 times a week from April to September, very often on 6 to 8 hour excursions. Apart from a few scuffs down the rails, it still looks new. A friend posted a link to this, she has a smaller version.
A budget board but YouTube reviews seem good. One in depth one really liked it and said the only down side was the grip decking had started to loosen at the edges which he sorted with gorilla glue. His looked well used.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/313152331604
Everything bar a PFD for under £360.
I'd like to use one through the winter on the river. What would anyone recommend clothing wise as I'd imagine I'd get too toasty in my wetsuit.
Cheers.
The board on ebay is listed as an All Round/Cruise Board. At 10ft long and with a 3 fin set up, I'd say it's more suited to use on surf/waves.
As for clothing. During the Summer, I go out in just a pair of shorts and I'm paddling in the Baltic. I have an O'Neill 'shorty' wetsuit and have used O'Neill wetsuits for years. I haven't used it when out on my SUP. Windchill was always the thing that made me cold when Windsurfing and as quick as I am on my SUP, I'm not quick enough to worry about getting cold in the wind
I might have a look around to see who has boards available and post here later.
-crookedtail- said:
Would you recommend an electric pump or 12v you could use from the car. The 'blowing' it up bit is a bit of a chore to be honest, although you do get warmed up nicely before heading out on the water.
I've got. Sevylor 12v pump.Bought it because I have three inflatable boards to pump up and to be honest I was struggling by the third one - especially if it was sunny.
The pump is actually a little slower than the hand pump, but you can leave it to work while you get changed or whatever as it has a settable cutoff.
boyse7en said:
-crookedtail- said:
Would you recommend an electric pump or 12v you could use from the car. The 'blowing' it up bit is a bit of a chore to be honest, although you do get warmed up nicely before heading out on the water.
I've got. Sevylor 12v pump.Bought it because I have three inflatable boards to pump up and to be honest I was struggling by the third one - especially if it was sunny.
The pump is actually a little slower than the hand pump, but you can leave it to work while you get changed or whatever as it has a settable cutoff.
Safety.
Quite a few people have commented about safety when out paddling. I haven't mentioned it because I think it's down to each individual to decide what safety precautions they want to take. As far as I'm aware, there is no legal requirement to have safety equipment with a SUP.
The only thing I would add is to check if your paddle floats. They don't all float. My paddle has foam inside the shaft. I don't know how long it floats for but it should be long enough to rescue it if ever I drop it. The last thing you want is for your paddle to sink, especially if you are paddling at sea. If you're paddling with an offshore wind or out-going tide (or worst still, both) and you lose your paddle, you'll be in trouble. You can buy paddle floatation devices for around £10.00 It could be the best investment you ever make.
Quite a few people have commented about safety when out paddling. I haven't mentioned it because I think it's down to each individual to decide what safety precautions they want to take. As far as I'm aware, there is no legal requirement to have safety equipment with a SUP.
The only thing I would add is to check if your paddle floats. They don't all float. My paddle has foam inside the shaft. I don't know how long it floats for but it should be long enough to rescue it if ever I drop it. The last thing you want is for your paddle to sink, especially if you are paddling at sea. If you're paddling with an offshore wind or out-going tide (or worst still, both) and you lose your paddle, you'll be in trouble. You can buy paddle floatation devices for around £10.00 It could be the best investment you ever make.
Yes, my wife and I both paddleboard. Sadly my work situation means I don't do as much as I used to, but when I was out several times a week I noticed a huge improvement in my bad back - good paddling technique uses the core a lot. I used to go out for a couple of hours when there wasn't enough wind for windsurfing.
We own two 12'6" race boards, shown below: a fairly battered old 29" wide Starboard BOP, which is great in all conditions and on sea and lakes, and a 24.75" wide carbon Fanatic Falcon that we bought nearly new from the current women's world SUP surf champion, who thought she'd try flatwater racing for a bit. My wife is into yoga and has very good balance, so she likes the Falcon because it's challenging; personally I think we're both too light for it, as it sits really high in the water, making it even more unstable than its narrow width suggests on paper. The girl I bought it from said she could surf it!
Edited to add: Seeing as others are giving tips for newbies I'd say the following:
1) Try a variety of boards before you buy. The shorter ones are great fun for doing tricks on and taking in the surf, whereas the longer ones carry amazing speed over longer distances. My wife and I often paddle 10km or further on our longish boards, so these can be great for exploring.
2) As above - check if your paddle floats, and keep hold of it if you fall in. Always use an ankle leash too.
3) Never underestimate cold shock response if you fall in. This especially applies to SUP as many people just wear t-shirt and shorts with no buoyancy aid - you may be attached to the board, but this is no good if it's out of reach and you can't move. I've had cold shock once when windsurfing on a lake in April and basically my legs and arms just froze for about 30 seconds - I was unable to tread water, or swim, or move anything - that was in a full winter wetsuit, so obviously the range of temperatures where a t-shirt and shorts is ok is much smaller. Swimming ability is irrelevant - it's a physiological response from your body.
4) Check wind and tide - a human can't paddle against either when they're strong. If you do get caught in the wind, try paddling on your knees as there's less area to catch the wind that way. Obviously never go out in an offshore wind or tide. In tidal areas we always try to do an out and back trip where the tide helps us out, we stop for a picnic at slack water, then the tide helps us back again.
5) Lighter paddles are great. They don't have to cost hundreds of pounds, but upgrading from the usual cheapie ones makes a massive difference because of how much you're swinging it.
6) Get proper instruction on paddle technique, or watch You Tube videos.
We own two 12'6" race boards, shown below: a fairly battered old 29" wide Starboard BOP, which is great in all conditions and on sea and lakes, and a 24.75" wide carbon Fanatic Falcon that we bought nearly new from the current women's world SUP surf champion, who thought she'd try flatwater racing for a bit. My wife is into yoga and has very good balance, so she likes the Falcon because it's challenging; personally I think we're both too light for it, as it sits really high in the water, making it even more unstable than its narrow width suggests on paper. The girl I bought it from said she could surf it!
Edited to add: Seeing as others are giving tips for newbies I'd say the following:
1) Try a variety of boards before you buy. The shorter ones are great fun for doing tricks on and taking in the surf, whereas the longer ones carry amazing speed over longer distances. My wife and I often paddle 10km or further on our longish boards, so these can be great for exploring.
2) As above - check if your paddle floats, and keep hold of it if you fall in. Always use an ankle leash too.
3) Never underestimate cold shock response if you fall in. This especially applies to SUP as many people just wear t-shirt and shorts with no buoyancy aid - you may be attached to the board, but this is no good if it's out of reach and you can't move. I've had cold shock once when windsurfing on a lake in April and basically my legs and arms just froze for about 30 seconds - I was unable to tread water, or swim, or move anything - that was in a full winter wetsuit, so obviously the range of temperatures where a t-shirt and shorts is ok is much smaller. Swimming ability is irrelevant - it's a physiological response from your body.
4) Check wind and tide - a human can't paddle against either when they're strong. If you do get caught in the wind, try paddling on your knees as there's less area to catch the wind that way. Obviously never go out in an offshore wind or tide. In tidal areas we always try to do an out and back trip where the tide helps us out, we stop for a picnic at slack water, then the tide helps us back again.
5) Lighter paddles are great. They don't have to cost hundreds of pounds, but upgrading from the usual cheapie ones makes a massive difference because of how much you're swinging it.
6) Get proper instruction on paddle technique, or watch You Tube videos.
Edited by RobM77 on Friday 14th August 16:05
Edited by RobM77 on Friday 14th August 16:07
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