Paddle boarding in winter requires a slightly different mindset to paddle board in warmer months. In the UK we have to consider the weather and conditions each time we feel like heading for some SUP action. Having equipment malfunctions during colder paddling is a recipe for disaster. Best practice is therefore to ensure (as much as possible) that your gear is fit for winter paddle boarding.
Check your stand up paddle board thoroughly. If there’s any damage, repair it or get a professional to get it fixed. Inflatable paddle boards do pick up scuffs sometimes – especially after heavy use during summer. Punctures or ‘slowies’ need to be fixed which is fairly easy to do.
This article explains more –
Your SUP paddle is another key piece of equipment that needs inspection. Whilst most paddles are robust there can be damage incurred from time to time. Paddle blades may get chunked if you’ve hit them on hard objects like rocks. This can be prevalent along the blade edge. In most cases, a bit of wet and dry sanding will sort it out.
However, look out for hairline cracks spreading vertically towards the shaft which may indicate your paddle is about to snap. And the same for paddle shafts. Any damage needs to be repaired. Or if your paddle is about to give up the ghost it may be time to get a new one.
Adjustable mechanisms should be carefully inspected. Sometimes clamp screws can work loose. Grit, sand and dirt can often get inside the paddle shaft and cause your adjustment to stick. In which case, hit this SUP hack link to find out ‘how to separate a stuck stick’ –
SUP fins are often overlooked but without a properly functioning fin (fins) you’d have no directional stability. Fins, being submerged, are liable to connect with hard surfaces and this can cause cracks and fractures to the fin itself. But don’t forget your fin box. Which can also weaken. The last thing you want to have happen is your fin drop out and fail during a long paddle when you’re far from your put-in launch spot.
A SUP leash is super important. Here at McConks we often bang on about SUP leashes and use the correct one. This ties in directly with SUP safety. A coiled SUP leash attached to a quick-release waist belt is best practice.
But make sure you check all of your leash’s fixing points for wear and tear. Velcro fasteners, for instance, can sometimes fail. As can leash retailers. If your leash has been stretched and won’t return to form then it’s probably time to retire it and get something new.
If you use an inflatable board and want to give it an MOT, then we recommend our SUP Services friends who can overhaul your iSUP ready for winter paddle boarding quickly.
Your winter paddle boarding attire is important. With colder air and water temperatures, the need for more protection is paramount. But what you wear for SUP should be in line with the type of paddle boarding you’re going to do.
The majority of riders’ paddle boarding is done on flat flat water. This could be recreational paddling with friends and family or longer sojourns. Warm clothing is essential. This can be something like fleece lined neoprene trousers and a top (if you’re confident about not falling and you’re doing shorter paddles). Or, alternatively, a drysuit and base layer combo to really keep the chill off. Whatever you choose it’s an idea to layer up your SUP wear so you can remove parts if necessary.
Also, carrying spare dry clothes in a waterproof drybag lashed to your board is a good idea. If you should take a dunking and get wet you’ll have something more comfortable to change into. Beanie hats are a good idea as well!
We’re big fans of white water paddle boarding at McConks. And we know how cold river water can be during winter. Although this is usually the best time to find river runs with flow it’s often super cold, compounded by cooler air temperatures.
A robust and durable drysuit with quality base layering is therefore essential. Gloves, hard-wearing boots and a hat are also key. It’s going to be a wet and wild ride so all your kit should be fit for purpose.
The following drysuit brands are worth a look –
SUP surfing and riding waves on a paddle board isn’t quite as popular as it once was. Nor as it was expected to be at the sport’s inception. That said there are pockets and small areas where riders indulge. Chasing waves requires riders to wear a wetsuit. Drysuits aren’t applicable as immersion is frequent. The same with downwind bump chasing.
A good quality wetsuit – 5mm thick – that’s hard-wearing and flexible is essential. Some riders also like to layer up their wetsuits with thermal rash vests for additional protection. And then, as with WW SUP, good quality wetsuit boots, gloves and a hood for those particular cold sessions.
Brands such as the following offer quality wetsuits with SUP surfing in mind –
Once you’ve got all the kit in order you’re ready to paddle!
Winter paddle boarding means paying attention to weather forecasts and conditions. Especially if you want to ensure your time afloat is quality. In fact, having a handle on the weather (and tides if you’re SUPing at coastal venues) is important.
UK weather is extremely changeable. And none more so than in winter. Although even during summer it can be unpredictable and varied. Experienced paddle boarders will already understand the importance of weather info and apply this understanding to your winter paddle boarding sessions.
The following articles, however, give more detail to get stuck into if you’re still learning or looking to expand your knowledge.
Where you paddle board this winter is another aspect to consider. If, for instance, you’ve been riding at one particular spot this summer you may need to change this. There could be a variety of reasons why. Exposed locations will be more susceptible to winter weather as the colder months take hold. Which may limit the amount of time you have afloat.
An open-water beach just may end up being too windy and choppy. Whereas a more sheltered estuary or harbour could provide respite and a chance to get afloat as often as possible. There’ll always be windows at any venue. But adapting to Mother Nature’s changing moods is key.
The McConks SUP travel guides have a whole load of info about different spots across the UK. These could be worth a look if you’re trying to decide where to paddle board this winter.
Choosing where to SUP is one thing. But choosing when to SUP is equally important. This can relate back to weather and when there’s a suitable window of conditions. Also, it’s about lining up the time you have with other aspects.
Winter paddle boarding means less daylight, unfortunately. With work and life responsibilities in the mix it can sometimes be tricky scoring a session. So you may have to get creative. Sunrise winter paddles, for instance, can yield some great experiences.
There’s nothing quite like gliding atop calm, glassy water with a frosty chill in the air as the sun pops its head above the horizon. And don’t discount paddling at night. SUP in the dark, in the right location, can be great fun.
These two articles may provide further inspiration on that front –
If you really don’t like the idea of paddle through this winter outdoors then what about SUP Indoors? There are some SUP clubs already in existence that make use of their local swimming pool. Organised indoor SUP Sessions happen frequently. These sessions consist of things like SUP Yoga, general SUP skills and SUP Polo. Have a look at our recommended providers list here where you may find info regarding indoor SUP.
Alternatively, if you can’t find anything in your area what about approaching your local leisure centre and organising some indoor SUP sessions yourself? Who knows. It may be the start of a brand new paddle boarding club.
We’ve mentioned SUP safety a number of times already in this article. During winter it’s especially important. Even for experienced paddlers things can go awry. Having SUP safety foundations in place can mitigate any consequences.
Here are a few points to reiterate –
For more SUP safety knowledge check out these articles –
Winter paddle boarding can be awesome – as we said at the start of this article. Make sure you have all your ‘ducks in a row’ and everything will go off without a hitch. If you need any further advice then be afraid to ask.
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