Whitewater SUP doesn’t need to specialist as far as equipment and skills goes. At least not at first. In time, if you get addicted to running rivers, you may want specific paddle boarding equipment to enhance the performance aspects. To start with a standard 10’6 (if that’s all you own) will suffice. A decent paddle is a must though. Particularly one that can take a few knocks as river environments tend to feature hard surfaces. And your SUP clothing should be considered as river water is generally far colder than the sea.
In time, if you do choose to upgrade your gear to whitewater-specific then the good news is McConks can cater for your needs. We have a long history of working with some of the industry’s best whitewater paddle boarders and partners. Our WW paddle boards are revered so you know if you decided to purchase one you’d be getting a great piece of gear. Head to the McConks online shop here where you’ll find loads of whitewater SUP goodies.
We’ll mention this as SUP safety in general is a big thing for us here at McConks. We’ve been banging the paddle mb hoarding safety drum for a while and we’ll continue to do so as we want everyone to have the best and safest experience possible.
River environments can be deceptive with hazards hard to spot to the untrained eye. River flow, in particular, is often hard to assess for inexperienced riders. If you’re thinking about getting into whitewater paddling then it’s best to do so with an experienced coach who’ll show you the ropes in a safe manner. We’d urge all newbie river boarders to avoid putting themselves in risky situations. Don’t become a statistic! This article gives some more info about paddling on rivers and inland waterways.
McConks works with some of the best providers in the industry. These include some of the UK’s top whitewater SUP coaches and schools. A number of these riders have helped us develop our river SUP gear with awesome results. Check out the full list here.
McConks always strives to supply the best stand up paddle boarding gear we can. We’re extremely proud of our range and how we operate as a business. The WW gear you’ll find in the McConks online shop has been tried and tested extensively. This means you’ll be getting a premium product but without the premium price tag, you find with some brands. Also, McConks gear is put through its paces in UK waters. This means the kit’s optimised for the types of conditions you’ll find here. Although it’ll work great in other locations around the globe too!
Whilst it’s been a quiet autumn by and large for rain there’ll no doubt be a return to wet conditions soon. As we head into winter, when there’s more likelihood of rivers filling up, this is when the best time for river paddling is.
The more rain there is the more water flows and delivers better white water conditions in the UK’s rivers. So now’s the time to get involved if you haven’t already. Alternatively, if you’re already a river runner and looking to upgrade your kit, check out the WW SUP toys in the McConks webshop.
The partners we work with and recommend for paddle boarding are proven providers with awesome track records. Choosing any of them will ensure you get the best experience possible – both in terms of SUP and in terms of customer service. Here are some of those we recommended and key dates for your diaries if you’re looking for whitewater SUP experiences and coaching.
Intro to whitewater paddling on the River Dee – November 2024 dates with more to be added
Whitewater river tour on the River Dee – various dates.
Intro to whitewater SUP experience – various dates through until the end of 2024 with more to be added for 2025
Whitewater coaching half day or full day experiences – various dates
Guided whitewater trips, WW SUP coaching skills courses, intro to river SUP and WW SUP progression courses – various dates for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025.
Guided SUP holidays, tours and experiences – various dates available.
Whitewater paddle coaching and tours – various dates, contact via the Barry Hughes Facebook page.
Paddleboarding expeditions and experiences – dates to be added for 2025. Contact for more info.
WW SUP coaching – various dates throughout the year. Contact via Facebook
As we said at the start of this article whitewater SUP is some of the most fun paddleboarding you can have. So why not get involved this winter and spring and switch up your paddling game. It’s better than staying indoors in front of the TV that’s for sure!
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