Three tips for Winter Stand Up Paddling

Glassy water and gentle offshore breezes make winter a great time to get on the water, but the colder weather makes it easy to forget the simple things! Remember these three simple tips when going for a paddle this winter, and get more from your session!

SUP warm. Not too warm!

The addition of a pair of booties does wonders for your stamina in winter. Nothing is worse than frozen toes on a deckpad. Except stubbing your frozen toe on the deckpad. Don’t go too crazy with wetsuits either, consider a ‘long john’ style wetsuit, with long legs and no arms. It will keep your core warm, your tootsies toasty and still allow full movement in your upper body and arms. Bulky full length wetsuits are for the Tasmanians only! Unless you’re surfing and plan on spending a lot of time underwater.

SUP hydrated.

Cooler weather makes it easy to forget the water bottle, but it’s just as important to keep drinking! It’s incredible how much you actually sweat in a wetsuit, and those long distance paddles are equally as grueling when it’s cold. Use a hydration pack for flat water paddling, and take regular drink breaks in the surf.

SUP Safe.

Shorter days mean shorter sessions, and in winter the clear skies (no clouds) won’t give you much warning of the approaching sunset. 10 minutes later and it can be dark, so plan to spend the last moments of daylight strapping the board onto your car, not paddling in!  (Editor note:   tough, I know, but as someone who's been locked out of his car in 3 degrees because he couldn't see his keylock combination in the dark, it's a handy tip!)

Bonus tip: Stay positive!

Summer is coming! We’re on the home stretch now, in 1 month, we’ll only have 4 months to go until Summer!

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