How to Enjoy SUP Paddling In Winter

The stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) activity provides an enjoyable way to explore the waters in winter without having to swim. Surfing is an offshoot where you stand on a board and propel yourself through the water using a paddle that looks like a canoe.

SUP in winter is more for fans of Standup Paddling. Very few paddlers venture out on the SUP board when it's cold and chilly outside. However, as long as the water is not frozen, you can easily go into the water. Winter water sports have evolved to incorporate other enjoyable activities. This guide on how to enjoy SUP paddling in winter will help you gain the most from your paddle boarding experience.

Tips To Enjoy SUP Paddling In Winter

Stand up Paddling is actually a year-round sport - as long as the water isn't frozen, you can balance on your board. However, many paddlers avoid getting out on the water in winter. After all, it can get pretty cold outside, and you don't want to catch a cold. But there are some advantages of Standup Paddling in winter. For example, the water is usually calmer in winter than summer, making it ideal for beginners. So how can you enjoy SUP in winter? We have prepared tips for you:

Use a leash

When participating in water sports, safety is a top priority. It would be best if you always kept a leash on your WOWSEA SUP board when you paddle boarding. In case of fatigue or loss, or if you find yourself too far from land, your board becomes your lifeline.

Each paddler has a different preference in leash type (straight or coiled) and attachment point (ankle or calf). No matter what type of leash you choose or where you intend to attach it, the important thing to remember is that you need a strong yet easily detachable board leash. Consider getting a paddle leash so you don't have to swim every time you lose it.

Watch out for waves and strong winds.

Before carrying out the activity, we must know the sea's state and ensure that we can control the board. In ​​the paddle boarding area, it is not uncommon to find moderately strong winds that can produce large waves that make us fall or drag us toward rocky cliffs. Paddle Surfboards are larger than Surfboards, and with strong waves, you must be an expert to keep the board balanced.

A SUP rider's body acts like a sail, so a strong wind will likely steer them and their boards in every direction. Especially as a beginner, this makes paddling and propelling yourself much harder.

Paddleboarding tips include observing the wind conditions, perhaps the most important. Get a feel for the weather and water conditions before you head out. Waves and strong winds should not interfere with your ability to learn and practice basics.

Learn the correct paddling technique for the hard season

Paddle boarders often need to correct their paddles, which is one of their biggest mistakes. You might instinctively hold it so that the bent part of the blade is facing you when you're a beginner and haven't had any training in stand-up paddleboarding.

Make sure your hands position themselves correctly as well. The following steps will help you figure out where your hand should be placed on the paddle:

• Grab the non-blade end of the paddle and stand straight.
• Put both hands on the paddle and rest the shaft on your head.
• As you hold the grip, ensure your arm is 90 degrees from the shaft.
• Ensure that your other hand (which doesn't hold the grip) creates a perfect 90-degree angle along the shaft.

Warm up well before practicing Paddle Boarding in winter

When the temperature drops in winter, the body notices it, not only in the thermal sensation but also physically. To avoid this, we must warm up well before practicing Paddle Boarding. In winter, it costs more to get warm completely, so it is necessary to emphasize preparing muscles, tendons, and joints for the exercise on the board.

Choose well the spot or the route for your Paddleboarding.

In winter, you must pay special attention when choosing the place for your SUP session and thus avoid dangerous situations or unexpected difficulties.

You must plan the route well on the map, be clear about the entry and exit points, and check the distance to travel and the time necessary to do it to avoid doing too much. Late and you have to do part of your excursion at night and with even lower temperatures. And if you row in an estuary or a bay, you must pay attention to the tides. It would be convenient if you planned possible escape points in an emergency.

If you are going to surf in a new spot, try to find information on forums, or ask local riders who know the particularities of the place. Also, keep in mind that in the places where you have paddled in summer, conditions may change in winter since the currents may be stronger and the waves larger.

Only ride waves you can handle

You will likely face some challenging waves when body boarding, surfing, sailing, or stand-up paddleboarding. A big wave is not a good idea when you're just starting. Put it away for later. In the meantime, start with small, smooth waves until you gain more experience and understand how the water flows.

You can use this guide to improve your paddling skills and enjoy your time on the water safely and effectively in winter.

Standing straight

Initially, looking straight in front of you can be difficult because looking down is more natural. You are standing straight when paddle boarding is important because it allows you to be as stable as possible. You will obviously be facing downwards if you are looking at your feet.

Getting up on the board is already challenging-but. Staying there is even more challenging. Avoid looking down to avoid losing your balance, as this can ruin your stability.

You should maintain a straight back, keep your legs slightly bent, your shoulders should be pulled back, and your body weight should be carried primarily on your balls of feet.

Specific exercises to improve your SUP level.

Typically, we practice our favorite sport less in winter and are less fit. The shorter days, adverse weather conditions, and low temperatures mean that we paddle fewer days, and when we do, we spend less time in the water.

To enjoy our winter SUP and avoid injuries, we must do another type of physical training, for example, going to the gym. Ideally, you should try specific exercises to improve your SUP level.

Bottom Line

Practicing sports in nature is one of the best things in this life, and if it is traveling even more. Without a doubt, what SUP gives us is not given to us by any other sport; the peace we get from being on the board is incomparable. Discover Without Limits and Love Enjoy My Lifestyle!