Any SU Paddleboarders here?

[CupboardOfJoy]

We live at the coast and SUP seems to have become really popular the last couple of years. I'm quite envious of the people I've seen out on the water, I suspect it's not anything like as easy as they're making it look though!

I've booked in for a lesson, but wondered if anyone has any tips?

If you are SUPing at the coast, make sure you do your research into areas that as known for being tricky (rip tides, offshore breezes, rocks) v. Those that are recommended for SUPing. Make sure that you get good kit to keep you warm and afloat (wetsuit, buoyancy aid), make sure you tell peoole where you are going, and consider a waterproof pouch for phone (or walkie talkie) in case you do get in difficulty.

We got some last year, but I haven’t used them at sea yet, just on rivers. They are absolutely brilliant - we’ve had some great days out (sling a picnic on, take a child each and paddle for a few hours, park up and eat, then paddle back). You can be a total amateur on slow rivers (we go on the Thames in Oxfordshire), but I’d want guidance by the coast. And wear a life vest.

I love it and do it whenever I get a chance on holiday. Once you’re up keep your legs slightly bent. It’s great fun.

Dd is well into it. Got a board and vest for Xmas.
Not been on sea yet. Just rivers and lakes

What would you like to know?

Not UK but I paddle all the time and teach on occasion.

We live five minutes from very safe sea, so got a paddle board last year. My teenage dc used it loads - hot weather and no school. They made it look easy, gracefully dipping the paddle in, with the board gliding along.

I, on the other hand, have yet to stand up. Every time I tried, I fell in. Yes, this was apparently very entertaining for the other beach users . I’m sticking to my canoe.

My dc can’t wait to get out on it again. It was probably our best lockdown purchase.

Thank you.

Am I right in thinking it's your body/ core that does the work, rather than your arms?

I've never worn a wetsuit before, that should be fun. I have a stomach like a Teletubby.

You can have just as much fun kneeling on the board

@CupboardOfJoy

Thank you.

Am I right in thinking it's your body/ core that does the work, rather than your arms?

I've never worn a wetsuit before, that should be fun. I have a stomach like a Teletubby.

Yes, you core, thighs and large muscles in your back are what you will need to engage. Think of your arms as an extension of your paddle.

Keep your feet facing forward, bend slightly at the knees and back straight.

Don't worry about how you look in a wetsuit, just have fun

@SunshinePaddles

What would you like to know?

Not UK but I paddle all the time and teach on occasion.

My first lesson is for an hour, do most people kneel for that length of time or would you expect to be able to stand at some point?

And, for a complete beginner, how long does it take to pick it up? I don't mind having a course of lessons but it's difficult to get them booked at the moment because of the COVID restrictions, they can only do 1-to-1 instead of group sessions.

I'm very excited but nervous too.

How exciting! My children have all done it on a nearby lake and they were straight to standing, and so was my sister who is average build and fitness but I was stuck on the side with a toddler and an icecream. My sister also took the toddler on for a short ride, so they must be fairly steady. I think you'll find it easier than you thought. My sister bought her own a few weeks ago and is planning SUP adventures when we finally come out of lockdown.

CupboardOfJoy I stood up straight away, I was very nervous but did it. I never fall in now apart from if there’s a really strong current. My DH loved it too but can’t get up so does it on his knees.

I've done it on the sea a few times. No problems at all, I was pleasantly surprised.

My athletic thighs came in useful for once.
I used to do lots of yoga and martial arts which seems to be good for core balance.

Last year I watched a woman gliding along, seemingly effortlessly, with her dog on the front of the board. It was a beautiful morning, the water was like glass, and I had a brief moment of envy just thinking how cool she looked.

A week or so ago I decided I wanted to be that cool woman, so booked the lesson.

I'm about as graceful as a brick, and my dog can't sit still for two seconds...what could possibly go wrong? obviously won't be taking dog with me, yet.

Can anyone recommend a good SUP to buy please? DD (13) is quite confident in paddle boarding and we have a lake local to us that she can paddle on.
Just thinking it might be worth investing because I can foresee more lake trips than a holiday this year!

If they put you on the right board you should be standing fairly quickly.

A lesson or two should be ample to get the basics, but you need to make sure they teach you water safety when on a sup.

Don't be nervous just have fun, remember to breathe and most importantly don't look down, it will throw your balance.

I have been paddle boarding on and off for a few years now and found it quite easy to pick up. I did start off on my knees though. My husband other hand is absolutely hopeless. He reckons it easier for me as I have a lower centre of gravity. It is a good core workout.

The most memorable experience is paddle boarding surrounded by dolphins. I thought they were sharks at first.

@Bumpinthenight

Can anyone recommend a good SUP to buy please? DD (13) is quite confident in paddle boarding and we have a lake local to us that she can paddle on. Just thinking it might be worth investing because I can foresee more lake trips than a holiday this year!

No brand recommendation but I would try and get one sooner rather than later. I have an acquaintance who teaches SUP and sells some boards who was saying he was relieved to have put his order in with the manufacturers early - there is so much demand atm/plus impact of Covid on manufacturing that some stockists are struggling to get supplies.

We have McConks, which are fab. Really good after sales and ethically produced.

Last year you couldn't buy a paddle board, or kayak, locally at all. Everywhere was sold out with no idea when they could get further supplies.
I would definitely look into buying one sooner rather than later, I think after Easter the demand will ramp up again.

We have an inflatable one from decathlon.
It does the job

Thanks all. I will get hunting!