SUP goals – rather than New Year SUP resolutions – are something to fix your sights on and work away at slowly. The problem with New Year resolutions is they can feel like a chore. Only to be binned off after a brief focus. Whereas a goal feels like something more attainable. But why set goals? Everyone needs points to aim for. And with SUP if you’re progressing you’re possibly enjoying the sport more. We appreciate it’s hard to know where to start, however, so here are some SUP goals suggestions.
Nail that SUP pivot turn.
Pivot turning (tail sink turning) or however else you care describe it is one of SUP’s building blocks and fundamental skills. From a safety point of view, it can get you out of trouble quickly. Whereas practically it’ll come in handy should you be rounding marks when racing or spinning quickly to pick up your wave of choice if SUP surfing. There is no end of uses for the humble pivot turn.
Practising SUP pivot turns can be fun in its own right. Why not turn into a mini competition against you and your mates? Those big stacks will make for comedy gold at the very least.
Plan (and complete) that big SUP adventure.
There’s nothing like making plans and laying foundations for a SUP adventure. Whether near or far, long or short a SUP adventure (and completing it) should be on every paddler’s list. After all, covering ground – or rather, water – is one of the best parts of owning a stand up paddle board.
Having something like a SUP adventure to look forward to through the cold and dreary winter will keep that SUP spark alive and get you salivating for it come spring.
Catch your first wave.
SUP surfing is one of the most fun parts of stand up paddling. There’s a misconception that waves need to be big for SUP surfing fulfillment. Which isn’t the case. Having a stand up paddle board as your wave vehicle of choice makes even the smallest of ripples game on for some gliding fun.
And don’t think for a minute that you need a hard board. You don’t. That trusty 10’6 inflatable will see you on your wave to stand up paddle surfing nirvana no problem.
Enter your first stand up paddle boarding race.
Before the pandemic there were a number of friendly, social heavy SUP racing events that attracted large crowds. The Head of the Dart race being one. In 2022 there’re plans afoot to have more SUP racing get togethers on the calendar and open them up to all comers once again.
You may not be vying for the podium but SUP racing is a great way to advance your paddling skills and board control. Plus, having those mini battles with friends and family is what these comps are really about. Ignore the perceived elite angle of SUP racing and give it a try.
Run your first white water SUP route.
Rivers can be dangerous, there’s no question. And stretches in full flow are the sole domain of experienced paddlers. For anyone looking to get involved with white water SUP, however, plenty of mellower locations exist. Best practice is to have an experienced paddler guide you in the ways of the river.
Who knows, after a few short sessions you may end up beginning a fully fledged river rat!
Paddle more.
Your SUP goal for 2022 could simply be a case of paddling more. In tandem, your paddling fitness will increase and you’ll be having longer sessions and more fun. We appreciate it’s hard to sometimes juggle life responsibilities with stand up. Yet there are lots of benefits to SUP (and exercise in general) which are widekly reported.
Making time to paddle, and for yourself, is a good pathway to well being. And there’s no accounting for feeling well in yourself and having the headspace, created by a little bit of SUP, to deal with all that life bowls your way.
These are just a few goals that could be on your list. What others might you add?
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