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If you fancy the idea of getting into adventure SUP paddling then you can start on your standard 10’6. You don’t need anything specialist to enjoy a spot of touring. Most all round stand up paddle boards – certainly McConks’ do – have the option to stow essentials aboard. You might not get tons of stuff onto your board but it’ll be enough.
For those who want to delve deeper into touring a specific adventure SUP paddle board will certainly add to your experience. Touring SUPs are generally longer with pointier noses. This is to aid efficiency when covering distance. There’s also more room onboard to lash your kit. Sometimes fore and aft. It should also be noted that quality touring SUPs, like those from McConks, make good all-rounders when recreationally paddling. Versatility is a key factor to consider. You can check out McConks adventure SUP boards here. And see the video below featured the McConks Go Explore 14′ in tandem SUP surfing mode for an example of touirng board verstaility.
SUP safety in general is something we focused on here at McConks. When off touring it’s important to observe best practices when it comes to safety. Making sure your equipment’s up to the task, having contingency plans in place and knowing where your get-outs are in case of emergency are important. Carrying a means of communication and wearing the correct clothing are also considerations.
Short journey touring sessions require a different set of plans than longer sojourns. If you’ve not undertaken any big adventures then we’d urge you to get some guidance and experience under your belt before going solo. This is where courses and experiences from McConks recommended suppliers come in. See below. In all cases, safety should be your first priority. As we’ve said many times: ‘don’t become a statistic’. You can find a whole load of SUP safety info here
Before heading off on an adventure aboard your paddle board it’s worth going through your equipment and creating a checklist. You’ll need some extra gear if you’re to be comfortable, safe and make the most of your experience.
Here are a few suggestions to consider (there may be more items needed depending on your situation) –
Adventure paddling often means being afloat and digging deep for a longer period of time than when recreationally SUPing. What you choose to wear should be considered carefully. Seasonality will play its part. As will your chosen paddling environment. For instance: you probably don’t want a full drysuit and base layers when navigating calm coastal stretches in the middle of a summer heat wave. But you will want UV protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
Layering up your touring SUP wear is the best advice. That way you can remove or add garments as needed. Be aware of the weather when out afloat as this may also dictate what you need to pack. If the windchill suddenly increases you’ll be wanting more protection. Make sure you’re up to date with weather forecasts during your session and understand how conditions will affect your paddle. This is another SUP safety point as much as it’s about what you wear.
McConks works with only the best touring and SUP providers in the industry. These coaches, guides, and paddle boarding schools offer the highest level of service and expertise.
Some of these partners have helped us develop our range of renowned paddle boards. This input has been invaluable and has led us to the range we currently have. There are no shortcuts with quality SUP kit – whatever its intended use. Which is why we’re happy to have input from providers like this. Check out the full list here.
Some of our recommended partners operate SUP touring experiences and sessions throughout the year. If you’re new to the discipline there are worse things you can do than book yourself onto one of these courses. Click on the links below to see dates and details.
Guided River Dee touring experience – various dates throughout the year.
Intro to overnighting experience – May 2025 dates.
Sweden Expedition in partnership with SUP Driven – July/August 2025.
Norway expedition in partnership with SUP Norway – Sept 2025.
SUP Lass Adventures AirBnB option close to paddling put-ins – various availability.
SUP sheltered water course PPA – get qualified to lead a group. Various dates.
SUP experiences – various dates for flat water and river paddling.
Denmark SUP retreats – April 2025.
Touring board experience – various dates
Guided white water SUP trip – January 2025.
Isles of Scilly SUP trip – July 2025.
SUP holidays and expeditions – various dates.
River and white water coaching and experiences – contact via the BH Facebook page
Paddleboarding expeditions and experiences – dates to be added for 2025. Contact for more info.
SUP coaching – various dates throughout the year. Contact via Facebook
Head over to this link to find out about white water paddling and our partners –
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