Top Tips!
5 Dos and Don’ts of SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding)
Words and video by Owen Waters
Try a Friend’s Board…
…or rent one or go to many of the events here in the BVI to familiarize yourself with the sport. A board is a pretty big investment and you don’t want to get it wrong. The most important factor in your purchase is buoyancy and the type of paddling you will be doing. Choose from waves, racing, cruising, open ocean long distance. It’s a 12-foot surf style–not a great idea to think that it is the best board to take out in a surf break, but rather an entry level all-around tour board.
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Listen & Learn
Like any sport on the ocean, learn from others and listen to those with experience. You can gain a lot from someone who has already paid their dues as the sport has progressed. Pass your findings along. SUP is a growing global sport. Pay attention to good forecasts and recommended beach spots. Ideally, avoid offshore breezes, big seas and high boat traffic areas.
Know Your Paddles
Eye level or over head, it will depend on either your reach to make the board glide or whether you intend to surf vs cruising/racing. Try an adjustable paddle, then invest in a carbon or composite and trim it accordingly with a hacksaw and some adhesive once you have found your ideal size.
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It Isn’t Surfing
There is an extreme and radical element to making the most of a surf break or even charging some beauties with modern purpose built shapes. With operator skills these boards are manipulating what could otherwise be written off as a non surfable day and really pushing a lot of modern surfing styles but for the most part it and most of us it is stand up paddling. Whatever watersports experience you bring to paddling will improve your other sports and vice versa. This is a core-driven work out with balance and stamina and a lot of fun while you are doing it. If you do surf and get the blues on flat days, go paddle!
Go Rip!
Try new ways to have fun on your paddleboard. Some go downwind in heavy wind and sea which is wild, some race or go exploring over our beautiful reefs and some do yoga aboard. The best thing about paddle boarding it is an entry level water sport at its best, for those not entirely sure about being on the water this is one of the best ways to get yourself or a friend into our very own playground out there. Here is Owen taking some time to do so on some waves and loving it.
