The joys of on-the-water paddle sports are many. Paddling your own canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard takes individual skill, where you set your own pace and experience a sense of calm and quiet serenity as you glide across the pristine waters. You will encounter fewer & wild parties with large, raft-up boat flotillas crowding the waterways.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Stand-up paddleboarding originated in Hawaii, and while it is a recent addition to the list of paddle sports, some believe that it has been around for longer. Experts say it has existed for decades but came to prominence in the 2000s, evolving into the recognized sport today. Its earliest roots trace it back to the 18th century when native Hawaiians paddled along the Pacific from island to island.
The modern applications of stand-up paddle boarding, or SUP as some call it, emerged in the mid-20th century with the extreme popularity of surf culture in the 1960s. The shores of California first welcomed SUP in 2005, where it caught on instantly among the locals. Today, SUP has spread across the country, with more than 22 million Americans participating in stand-up paddleboarding.
Simply put, stand-up paddleboarding involves getting on a surf-like board with a long SUP paddle which you will use to propel the board while standing up straight. This paddle sport is excellent for photographers as they can get a much better view while standing up.
There is more than one way on how to paddle a stand-up paddleboard. You can race, tour, and surf. Many marinas have partnered with yoga instructors to offer on-the-water stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. It is refreshing to watch a class of yogis as they attempt perfect balance in a headstand on an unanchored, less than steady paddleboard!
You can even turn your SUP into a kayak. More recent is white water paddle boarding for the thrill-seekers. Kayaking may have been the fastest-growing paddle sport, but stand-up paddleboarding has taken over this title.
New variations of stand-up paddleboards have hit the market. Some boards are inflatable, some can be folded up into thirds with hinged sections, and newer paddleboards include tall seats and pedals.
For SUP equipment information, click this link at CLR Marine. https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports.html.
SAFETY FIRST and WEATHER ALERTS WHEN PADDLE BOARDING
While enjoying any paddle sport, such as paddle boarding, canoeing, or kayaking, be aware that weather can change in an instant. A calm stream can suddenly become a raging river if weather conditions suddenly change higher up at the stream's headwaters.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)
Wearing or carrying a PFD on-board is essential to paddleboard safety. Stand-up Paddleboards are considered "vessels" under the United States Coast Guard regulations when used out of designated swimming, surfing, or bathing areas. Individuals 13 years of age and older must have a PFD on board, and those 12 years of age and younger are required to wear a PFD at all times on the water. Not only can a PFD save your life, but it can also make it easier for you to climb back aboard after falling or jumping in the water.
https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/marine-safety/personal-flotation-devices.html
WHISTLE
A whistle can be a simple, inexpensive item to carry that can make a huge difference in an emergency. You can use a whistle to alert motorized boats to your presence if needed or to get help from the shore if you have trouble on the water. A whistle can also be heard in the fog when visibility is at a minimum.
https://www.clrmarine.com/m4/10020--acr-survival-res-q-whistle-w-18-lanyard.html
PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON
Personal locator beacons are handheld devices that signal 406 MHz, the same frequency used for newer emergency locator transmitters. Activate a PLB—in most cases, simply by extending the antenna and pressing the On button—and it transmits a powerful distress signal with a unique digital code.
https://www.clrmarine.com/462m4/paddlesports/personal-locator-beacons.html
LEASH
If you fall off your SUP while in the water, the leash will keep your board easily accessible. Wind, currents, and waves can quickly sweep your SUP away from you. Fasten the cord securely & around your ankle.
WETSUIT
If you plan on going out on cold water, you should consider a suit to keep you warm. Hypothermia escalates rapidly. An accidental fall into a cold mountain lake or cold ocean water would ruin your trip. Remember that you won't have a stack of warm blankets or warm, dry clothing with you.
HELMET
If you're going to take your SUP down a river, you should consider a helmet for the trip. Kayakers wear them, and their heads are much closer to the water than someone standing on a paddleboard. Falling onto hidden or exposed rocks from a standing position could cause a devastating impact. Protect your brain. Wear a helmet.
WEATHER
Always be aware of the current weather conditions for your SUP outing and pay attention to the forecast for the day. Weather conditions can change rapidly in some locations, and getting caught in bad weather can be very dangerous. The wind is always a threat. The wind can quickly unbalance a paddle boarder, make it difficult to paddle, or even carry the board quickly away from a dismounted paddler.
Have a weather app on your phone, and hopefully a signal will transmit while you are on the water.
PADDLE with a PARTNER
The best way to enjoy your SUP is with a friend. It is also one of the best ways to stay safe on the water. Paddling buddies can double-check gear before heading out and watch out for each other while out on the water.
Let friends know where you will be.
Leave your itinerary with someone on land. If you don't return at your designated time, your land buddy will start the search. Should your itinerary change, get in touch with your person on shore.
Cell service may be limited on the water. Don't count on your cell phone to be your lifeline.
SUNSCREEN
The sun is known to cause cancer in all states, not just California. Protect any exposed skin.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Remember that you have that same distance on your return trip for every mile that you have traveled out. While the wind may be at your back on the way out, a headwind at the return will be a challenge as your energy is diminishing.
Paddleboarding is an excellent way for you to blend in with your surroundings and slide from one area to another. Be safe. Know the distance to your destination or how much exertion you want to make at each outing.
In addition, to stand-up paddleboarding, other paddle sports to enjoy are kayaking, surfing, and canoeing. We will explore these paddle sports in a future blog.
Fair winds and smooth sailing.
To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.
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Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com
©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com, 2021.
