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Summer SUP – 7 reasons now’s a great time to paddle board.

Summer SUP is here! The kids have finished school for the high season break. And there’s generally more opportunity to get afloat for a paddle. Paddle boarding is a great activity for all the family. And a way to get outside and enjoy nature. As an activity kids can tap into it’s also right up there. Here are seven reasons now’s a great time to paddle board.

Summer SUP equipment.

It’s worth considering your summer SUP gear before you embark on those school holiday paddle boarding sessions. If you already own the kit, but haven’t used it much this year (so far) then check it over. Anything broken or damaged needs to be repaired or replaced.

Quality SUP equipment has longevity – such as McConks paddle boarding gear. But not all brands offer the same level of manufacturing. You may have purchased a cheaper SUP a while ago. In which case, it could now be time to upgrade. The McConks online shop is chock full of paddle boarding gear, accessories and outdoor adventure kit. You’ll find everything you need whether you’re looking to purchase new, upgrade your old equipment or replace anything damaged. 

SUP safety first!

At the risk of sounding like the fun police SUP safety should be your top priority. Summer is prime season for paddle boarding sessions to awry if you’re not observing best practices. More people go afloat at this time of year. But often without planning and consideration of SUP safety aspects.

Here at McConks we’re big promoters of SUP safety. At the very least wear a quick-release waist belt and coiled SUP leash. Also, keep in mind things like weather – particularly offshore winds, tide and current and never take on more than your skill levels allow. You can find plenty of SUP safety info here.

1. More time to paddle.

Summer is a great time to get some paddle boarding under your belt. There’s more time in the day to score a session. Some of you may have commitments. But around this – sunrise and sunset hours for instance – there’ll be periods you can access for some SUP fun. Daylight hours are still plentiful so it’d be a shame not to make the most of it.

School holidays are often when people take a break and some much-needed R&R. This is another perfect scenario that should allow for some paddle boarding action. So grab the family, head to your local and get amongst it!

2. Better weather for SUP.

We appreciate there hasn’t been huge amounts of hot weather in 2024 (to date). That said, summer is generally when Mother Nature is in a better mood. There mightn’t be 30C+ on the cards (which not everyone wants anyway) but it’s still pleasant.

The waters are now warmer. Air temperatures too. And this will remain right through until at least the end of September. Taking a dunking – which can happen when paddle boarding – is therefore no big deal. Especially if you’re wearing the correct SUP attire.

3. Lots to see and observe.

Nature and wildlife are thriving right now. Everywhere you look there’s evidence of this. And there’s no better way of observing what’s going on than from atop your paddle board. Gliding silently it’s worth taking a moment to breathe it all in. 

Just remember to give space to wildlife and marine life. Look, of course, but don’t encroach. That way everyone’s a winner. 

4. The perfect time to try something new with SUP.

SUP Is a versatile and diverse watersport. There are many routes you can take. Many stick with recreational paddle boarding, which is fine. But for those who fancy investigating what else the activity can offer now’s the right time to do so.

With better weather on offer and more time available to discover summer serves up the best opportunity to see what else paddle boarding can deliver. You may fancy a spot of SUP surfing. Or perhaps adventure SUP and touring are more your bag. White water paddle boarding is popular and there’s also SUP racing if you’re feeling competitive. However you choose to indulge, we’re pretty sure there’s something out there that’ll flick your switch. Check out the McConks Knowledge Hub where you’ll find plenty of inspiration.

5. Discover new places to paddle.

As with trying a new approach to your stand up paddle boarding, summer is also a great time to discover new places to SUP. There’s nothing quite like rocking up at an unfamiliar put in and excitedly anticipating what you’re going to experience.

Summer SUP - get out and paddle.
Summer SUP – get out and paddle.

If you’ve previously been paddling flat sheltered waters this time of year is good to branch out and try locations that are perhaps more exposed. Of course, you need the right weather conditions but there’s more opportunity to score this as we’ve already mentioned above. Check out the McConks mini guides for some inpspriation.

6. Meet other paddlers.

Paddle boarding doesn’t have to be solitary. There are plenty of social aspects to SUP. And with more people afloat during summer it’s the perfect time to grow your circle of stand up paddle boarding friends.

Paddle boarding can be super social.

Who knows. Perhaps you may meet riders that end up being your SUP buddies for life. We know this has happened already. And the more the better we say!

7. Great for kids.

Introducing your offspring to paddle boarding is wholesome. With the right stimulus, they’ll discover an activity that’s easy to access, delivers high on the fun metre, is healthy for body and mind and gets them out of the house.

Warmer waters and better weather will help your kids find the SUP stoke. Even just splashing around and jumping off boards is great. The familiarisation they’ll be soaking up will stand them in good stead for future paddle boarding sessions.

Summing up.

Summer SUP is the best. Whilst paddle boarding shouldn’t be confined to a few weeks there’s no doubt motivation and opportunity are more during high season. So our advice is to get out there and make the most of it. You won’t be sorry!

Don’t forget to check out the McConks online shop for all your essential summer SUP and outdoor adventure gear.

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