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Stand up paddle boarding in the snow – yes you can!

There’re no two ways about it: winter’s coming and with that the potential for fluffy white stuff falling from the sky. For some this scenario couldn’t be further from needed whereas others revel in flurries of flakes creating white carpets across our green and pleasant land. It can play havoc with travelling, such a driving in snow. Although with COVID restrictions in place perhaps that won’t be too much of a challenge as there could be less people on the roads?

Some weather forecasts are already modelling and trying to predict what type of winter we’re going to get. It’s impossible, even for the most high tech algorithms, to give a 100% picture of what’s going to happen. That said an indication may be believable – to some degree.

So what’s the suggestion as it stands? With it being a La Nina year, and an 85% probability rating of this lasting through winter, colder dryer conditions may be on the cards. And this could spell snow. For many this will automatically put the kybosh on going anywhere near water and getting afloat. A nice warm fire, cup of tea and a snuggly jumper the preferred option. Yet stand up paddle boarding when there’s snow on the ground is certainly doable.

The fact is: when it’s snowy the air temperatures are actually a bit warmer. Yes, you need it to freeze high up in the atmosphere to actually crystallise the raindrops and turn it to snow. But the blanket cloud that accompanies white stuff actually serves to keep some degree of temperature locked in. And if the sunshine turns on and you get bluebird skies following a dump then you’re on to a winner. The time a dampener may be put on things is if a gale’s blowing in accompaniment. In which case, maybe it’s best to sit it out and wait for a calmer window.

The bottom line, however, is that you can SUP in the snow. With the right protection (water wear) and adhering to SUP safety practises, there’s no reason not to bag a sesh even if fluffy powder’s falling from the sky.

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