Forcing the issue with SUP can often be the case when ‘it’s’ not right. And by ‘it’ we’re talking about things like Mother Nature chucking her toys out the pram; your mojo missing in action; equipment failures/breakages; the list goes on. But when you’re keen as mustard what to do?
The old saying ‘woke up on the wrong side of the bed’ sometimes rings true. We all have off days where our heads aren’t screwed on right. Or maybe the world on the day in question is against us. Yet, for those committed to the cause, driven and enthusiastic to paddle, it’s hard to let it go. When actually living to fight another day might be the best option.
Addicted to SUP types may want some paddling action badly but it just mightn’t be happening. At this juncture, it’s worth taking a breather…
This post came about through talking to one of our many stand up paddle board chums. He hadn’t been on the water for a few days. This is unusual and he was getting antsy. But the weather Gods weren’t playing ball and ‘life’ was conspiring against him. Those fleeting windows of opportunity had quickly closed and the frustration was starting to tell.
Now we appreciate this may sound rich if you’re one who doesn’t get as much time to paddle as you’d like. We also don’t want to make the subject out to be a spoilt baby. If things like stand up are part of your lifestyle, where choices and sacrifices have been made to actually get afloat, then we appreciate why there’d be tension in situations like this. More than a few days off games can hit hard when you’re used to getting out often.
But as we said during the conversation: ‘you can’t force the issue, so take some time out.’
Often times sitting on the bench will give time to reset and plan ahead for that next session. It’s also good to rest the body if you’ve been hammering it. Particularly as we get older recovery time should be given precedent. Otherwise, at some point your limbs and joints will break down and you’ll potentially get injured, forcing an even longer layover period.
Stand up paddling – however good for you it is – can also take its toll. R&R, away from the water, will give your body time to reset and be ready for when you do next go afloat.
As we said at the start we appreciate the want and need to get out paddling – it’s addictive. But forcing the issue doesn’t help if it’s not happening. Accept the situation and be ready for that next bout. In the moment it may feel like a lifetime away but it’ll come round quickly – trust us.
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