Tips for paddling in windly conditions on flat water second time sup?

Good question..The wind really is your enemy on a SUP board..Any wind.

I have to battle it most days..and if it's too strong or the wrong direction it not worth even doing it.

If it's side wind it's the worst..and it's not so much the wind direction but the direction of the chop..so I will often go on an angle so I am either heading slightly into the chop or going with it..anything to avoid full side on.

Down wind is no problem (I sometimes think about the Seinfeld episode with the puffy shirt and smile to myself)..but a strong headwind is hard work.

You need to hit it head on if you can..A slight angle is ok if it's not too strong..Paddle, paddle, paddle...Stop for a second and you go backwards fast.

If it's too strong to paddle into and paddling your hardest and still not making ground..Kneel down.

Kneeling down cuts down your sail area....(and I hope you are not wearing a puffy shirt)..the only problem with kneeling is that your top hand is on the shaft, not the T handle so you don't have the blade control that you normally have..but it's the best way IMO.

It's even worth practicing this technique when the conditions are good..Just so when you need it you are better at it....It's all good fun.

BTW..We are coming up to the couple months of the year where we get very little or no wind..Around March April May..I used to hate these months when I only windsurfed.

DJ

You will need to go early to beat the Nor Easter this time of year in Wollongong.
Why not try some of the places out of the wind.

Wollongong harbour is protected from most winds if you stay away from the entrance.

A good paddle is from the Canoe Club at Brownsville downstream through the golf club towards the lake. Watch out for golf balls at the 18th hole. Remember you are paddling downstream and have to get back so don't go too far the first few times.

Hope this gives you some ideas

Cheers