White Water SUP

White Water SUP

Feb 25, 2017 | SUP Inspiration

First forays into White Water SUP

It doesn’t matter how much experience you have on a SUP, there’s always the opportunity to progress your skills and try something new.  For us at Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co, we have years of experience on flat water and in the surf. However, very recently we decided to step out of our SUP comfort zone and try something new.  White Water SUP is relatively new on the UK SUP scene – there’s a massive following for whitewater kayaking and canoeing, so why not have a go at white water SUP?

We headed up to the Lake District to run a set of rapids that we don’t think has ever been SUP’d before.  Ok, we’re not confirming ‘first descent’ but Sean from Wild River lives and breathes the river and he’d never seen it SUP’d before.  We took on 6 miles of Grade 2 rapids on the River Eden, just outside Penrith in the Lake District.  The rapids only work about 25% of the time as the water level needs to be just right.  Too little water and you won’t make it over the rocks; too much water and you’ve got a fight on your hands!

Leaving vehicles at both ends of the run, we loaded up two of our Freshwater Bay iSUPs with everything we thought we might need. There’s no get off point during the 6 mile run, so we utilised the boards cargo nets to store dry bags with snacks, first aid kit, iSUP repair kits and a pump – it always pays to be prepared for any SUP emergency. We also took spare SUP paddles, as the last thing we wanted to was to be up the creek without…..

Whitewater SUP Paddleboard UK

Leash or no leash?

One of main talking points in whitewater SUP is whether or not to wear a leash.  It’s a difficult one – a leash is your lifeline to your board, but can also be a hazard.  If you’re going to wear a leash for white water SUP then the recommendation is to use a waist leash on a quick release.  The last thing you want is an ankle or knee leash dragging in the water and getting tangled.  This could be a potential disaster.  After much discussion we decided to run the river without leashes.  We didn’t have quick release waist leashes at our disposal so it was the safest option.

Needless to say, we both came off our boards on the the first tiny rapid, which didn’t bode too well.  However, with Sean’s knowledge of the river, and his white water canoe and kayak experience, as well as my SUP experience, we decided to plough on.

Whitewater SUP Paddleboard UK
By the time we got to the next set of rapids, we were a bit more prepared.  Sean was teaching me what to look for and how to tell whether a rapid is caused by a rock that could pose a danger, or whether it’s a standing wave.  We pulled up on the bank and assessed the rapid to pick out a line that we would attempt to run.  I say attempt as the river has ways of pushing your SUP around that I haven’t experience – the rapids can cause part of the board to slow down and I often found the tail swinging round so I was doing 360 degree turns through the rapids.  In interesting experience when you’re first starting out, but after a little experience you understand how to handle it.

Using the iSUPs on rapids

Taking the two different inflatable SUPs meant we could swap around and see how each paddle board performed.  The 10’2 board is 5″ thick which is beneficial on a wave as opposed to a thicker board, but it was the 6″ thick 10’6 iSUP that really stood out in the rapids.  As the rapids pushed the SUPs around it was much easier to catch a rail on the thinner 10’2 and tip the board. The 6″ thick 10’6 provided the extra volume at the rail which made bounce off the rapids, rather than cut under and tip. A much easier prospect when you’re first starting out in whitewater.

Overall both SUPs handled it well.  We bounced off more than our fair share of rocks and both paddle boards came out unscathed. Our polymer fused PVC construction is among the most durable SUP constructions on the market.   In our opinion, an inflatable SUP is the best choice for white water activity – they bounce off rocks without the shudder you get from plastic whitewater boards.   If you do lose balance and fall to your knees, they are also a lot more forgiving.  The other benefits are that they weigh a lot less than plastic white water SUPs, so easier to drag up the bank and portage around any unnavigable sections of the river.

For us at Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co, white water SUP was a learning experience. And a whole heap of fun.  Getting out there and trying some new is what it’s all about.  SUP has so many disciplines – from racing to surfing to down-winding.  White Water SUP is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the water.  Needless to say, it’s not suitable until you’ve mastered the basics and are comfortable SUPing on the flat. Always go with someone familiar with the River, and never alone.  Get out there and have fun, but also be safe!

whitewater paddleboarding UK
Longboard SUP Surf at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Longboard SUP Surf at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Feb 25, 2017 | SUP Inspiration

Longboard SUP Surf at Compton Bay, Isle of Wight

Here’s Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co Team Rider, Al Reed, having some longboard SUP Surf fun on his Classic 9’11 SUP.

If you’re looking for a single SUP that’s as happy on flat water as it is on the waves, then the Classic 9’11 is a great choice.  At 31.5″ wide it’s forgiving and stable enough on the flat.  But with it’s rocker line and thinned out nose, tail and rails it also surfs like a classic longboard.  Al Reed has been UK South Coast Longboard Champion for 13 years, as well as British Masters Longboard Surf Champion.  He loves riding his Freshwater Bay Classic 9’11 in anything from knee high rollers to double overhead reef breaks.

The Freshwater Bay 9’11 SUP also comes in Classic Blue and White as well as Paulownia Wood Veneer, with the same great shape and longboard SUP Surfing ability!

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co bamboo longboard SUP Surf
Choices, choices – iSUP Vs Solid SUP

Choices, choices – iSUP Vs Solid SUP

Feb 25, 2017 | SUP Advice

So, iSUP Vs Solid SUP: apart from the obvious differences – one type of stand up paddle board being filled with air, the other being a hard shell SUP – what exactly are the differences in terms of performance between and inflatable and hard SUP? Here Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co. looks at the pros and cons of both designs.
Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co Classic 10'6 SUP and 12'6 iSUP at Priory Bay Isle of Wight

Inflatable SUP

Air filled boards are the most popular type of SUP in the UK and Europe, and this doesn’t look like changing. If you stop and think about it the advantages are tangible.

SUPs are by their very nature big and cumbersome. Anything that can alleviate the strain of storage and transport is going to be welcome. iSUPs are particularly popular for families, city dwellers and/or those with limited options in terms of transport. Overseas travel also plays a big part, although with stand up paddling still a fledgling sport there aren’t huge numbers of riders flying abroad with kit – yet.

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co 10'6 inflatable iSUP UK
Freshwater Bay Paddleboard inflatable iSUP bag

IAs long as your inflatable SUP is manufactured from top line material (most commonly double layer Dropstitch or Fusion technology like Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s inflatable’s are) then you should have a hard wearing rigid vehicle. This will transfer directly to better tracking (going in a straight line), glide (momentum from each stroke) and in some cases stability, although other factors do come into play here. Thickness should also be considered. In cases of long or particular wide iSUPs increasing the board’s thickness can help with rigidity.

A stable, non-bendy inflatable SUP will be much more fun to use.  If you’re a tentative surfer then you’ll have a better experience (yes, you can surf inflatables in small waves), while your general all round paddling will also improve. Paddle strokes with a stiff iSUP will be much more efficient than using something akin to a banana. Beware of cheap iSUPs on the market as these don’t have the rigidity required for an enjoyable, and even safe, ride.

There are a few compromises with iSUPs though. PVC material, which most are made from, does ‘stick’ to the water slightly so speed isn’t quite as fast. Inflatables are also at the mercy of breezy conditions and the ‘bounce’ factor is more than a hard board. That said they can be a good option for many.

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard 11'5 touring iSUP

Solid SUPs

While hard stand up paddle boards are always going to be more cumbersome to transport, store and move about, they’re still the best choice for paddlers looking to get the most efficiency from their paddling. Even when starting to SUP, a hard shell board will be much more reactive. It will deliver a truer sense of what’s going on under your feet and complete moves – whether flat water pivot turns or carves on wave faces – much more efficiently.

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co 10'6 Classic SUP Isle of Wight
Although Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co. doesn’t offer a touring/race SUP (yet) this area is still the realm of hard boards for those who want to cover the most ground as quickly as possible. Inflatable technology is no doubt getting better but the fastest kit (as long as the paddler is also fast) remains the domain of hard SUPs, just…

Waves, in particular, highlight the benefits of being on a hard SUP. When a rider engages a rail/fin an epoxy SUP reacts almost instantly and delivers the redirect paddlers have in mind. It’s then down to he/she to draw lines as they intend, the only limiting factor being personal paddling/surfing skill.

When SUP racing, even on all water round nose boards, the benefits of hard stand up boards remain glaringly obvious. Hammer down with a high stroke cadence, plus efficient and refined paddle stroke, will see SUPers flying on a hard shell board. That said, if you’re out for simple fun on the water then all this talk of performance will have no real bearing – you’ll be having as much fun with either iSUP or hard shell machine. And that’s the way it should be…

For more info on any of Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co.’s range of boards please don’t hesitate to give us a shout. Check out the rest of our range here – https://freshwaterbaypaddleboards.co.uk

Accessible Stoke – SUP surfing Vs Prone Surfing

Feb 24, 2017 | SUP Inspiration

We’ll be honest, the title of this article sounds a little contentious and doesn’t really promote the right image. After all there’s nothing ‘versus’ (or shouldn’t be anyway!) about either of these sports. As far as Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co. is concerned any type of wave riding activity is good.  Whether it’s SUP surfing, prone surfing, body boarding or Kayaking; it just so happens we’re into stand up paddle boards….

 

Paddleboard SUP Surf UK
As much as we love a flat-water paddle, there’s nothing like dropping down a wave and having as much fun as you can handle. With paddle in hand and 10ft SUP under your feet, you’re primed to catch waves otherwise unrideable on your usual mal or shortboard.
There are still those in the World that may knock SUP surfing, so firstly let’s clarify what we’re talking about when we say ‘stand up paddle surfing’. It doesn’t have to be Jaws or a Mentawai reef break. Any time you catch a wave, of any size, and regardless of whether or not you’re ripping, that’s what we’re talking about. Sure, if you can shred, tear and blow the backs out of waves then all power to you, but most SUP paddlers aren’t that way inclined.

For us at Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co it all comes down to time spent in the water. After a Summer of riding waves that really wouldn’t have been possible or worth it on a surfboard (and at times even we called them barrel-scraping days), we were still out there – in an almost empty lineup – having fun!

SUP Surf Isle of Wight UK
SUP Surfing opens up a whole range of wave-riding options. Ankle-biting ripples are all good – the waves you wouldn’t think about paddling for on a good wave day, become the Holy Grail between the lulls. And why not? You can still catch them, and still have fun!

Paddling a SUP also offers the chance of riding offshore waves, breaking far from the madding crowd. No need to hitch a lift from a passing boat when you can paddle your SUP.  And no burning out your shoulder muscles before you even start surfing.

Then there are the junkier days. If you’ve got the skills days like these are perfect for SUP surfing. The momentum you generate as a paddle surfer means riders are primed for outrunning crumbly sections, rounding sloppy lips and turning an otherwise lacklustre session into something far more enjoyable.

Flip this towards traditional forms of surfing and we just don’t think the majority will have as much fun as on a SUP. There are definitely those who can light up when perched atop a surfboard, even when the waves haven’t turned on for weeks, or even months – the Isle of Wight certainly has its fair share.

But many who surf do so in a recreational sense only – hitting up wave beaches every now and again to get their fix, life often getting in the way. The reality is that the waves aren’t always there when you have the time, and vice versa. Whichever way you cut it, for most people this isn’t enough time on the water to reap the same kind of rewards as SUP surfing will.

SUP Surf UK
Surf Isle of Wight
On a SUP, riders will be having much more fun, quicker. There’s no faffing about with popping up, paddling out is easier (in smaller and light wind conditions) and SUPs pick up swells earlier. Waves that were out of bounds for surfboards (either because the surf is predominantly too small or too far offshore) are now prime for your SUP surf. And then of course there’s the option of using your stand up paddleboard on the flat – a great workout, and more time in and on the water. SUP’s versatility is another key reason it’s super popular.

We reiterate once again: this isn’t a surf bashing article. In fact it’s quite the opposite. We love surfing. It’s just that we also love paddle surfing and think it’s one of the easiest ways to access waves and get that surfing stoke.

A couple of things to point out, although many who’ve gone before us have done the same; get your SUP skills honed in the flat before venturing into the lineup – the surf zone isn’t a place to try out your shiny new SUP for the first time. With more SUPs entering the water, it’s important to respect surfing etiquette – just because you can see and catch a wave earlier on a SUP, doesn’t mean you have to; you don’t need the best waves to have fun, so let some sets pass you by, or find a peak away from the main lineup. You won’t make any friends or influence people by being a wave hog. Ride with Aloha, respect and you’ll get the same in return.

Seasons of SUP

Feb 21, 2017 | SUP Advice

Learning to SUP during Autumn and Winter

Learning to stand up paddle board when the sun’s rays are strong, and with water temperatures on the rise, make for a much more enticing picture when considering a new watersport. By its very nature – i.e. you’re likely to get wet – learning the basics of SUP will most likely result in riders taking a dunking (at least once or twice). We appreciate this can be off putting when autumn and winter swing in, but it doesn’t need to be. There are ways to combat the effects of Mother Nature during the off season. By picking your day, area and attire there’s no reason not to keep on paddling – as a beginner or intermediate – through colder months. In fact, if you’ve seen SUP and fancy a bash for the first time, then don’t think you have to wait until spring to give it a go.

Weather

Forget trying to learn how to paddle when it’s blowing a gale, the temperature is sub-zero, or it’s chucking it down with rain. As much as enthusiasm is great, these types of weather won’t add anything to your overall enjoyment levels. Winter SUP UK Stand up paddle Fortunately the UK has a relatively mild climate and even during autumn and winter warmer, calmer days can be found.  Learn to interpret forecasts and make choices accordingly. Also don’t be afraid to cancel your SUP session if it’s not looking good – there’s no point going out if you’re not going to enjoy it, so just wait for a better weather window to enjoy your paddle board experience.

Location

If you’re a complete beginner then heading for exposed, deep tidal waters on your own isn’t advisable. We’re fortunate to have an abundance of shallow, sheltered locations that are much more applicable to learning the fundamentals of SUP – even during the off season. inflatable SUP boards UK Also worth considering that some locations, if chosen correctly, can help with point one. Some launch areas, for instance, can offer respite from adverse weather and provide a way to get afloat regardless – try and find those sheltered spots.  It’s also worth finding a paddle buddy for those first paddles, in case you run into any problems.
SUP Attire
Modern wetsuits are phenomenal these days. With a quality neoprene suit, and associated accessories – gloves, hood and booties – you’ll have all the protection you need for winter SUPing. We’ll admit that shelling out initially may seem daunting – especially if you’re not 100% about committing to SUP. But if you’re buying a board and want to use it through Winter, then at some point you’ll need to purchase a suit. If you’re not sure to start with, then it’s worth hiring or hitting up your local SUP school. SUP isle of wight newtown creek For colder stand up paddling you’d also be wise to have a set of warm clothes to hand for post-SUP. You may think your body temperature hasn’t dropped during the on water part of your day but you’d be surprised – especially in a cold wind. Once adrenaline wears off you may quickly become a shivering soggy mess without warm gear.
Safety
Consider the safety aspect of your paddling – especially important if you’re not as experienced as you’d like to be. As already mentioned you’d be wise to SUP with others during initial forays into SUP. Most importantly, wear a leash! We can’t reiterate this enough. Without scaremongering there have been a raft of incidents of paddlers losing their board – your main means of floatation! Having a good quality leash is a way to prohibit this.  It doesn’t matter how experienced you are, at some point we all fall off. And when we do, it’s paramount to be able to get back to your board quickly. Leashes can save lives! Stand up paddle safety
Get a lesson
Having the enthusiasm for learning to SUP in autumn/winter/spring is something we salute – there’s absolutely no reason not to, with a bit of prior planning and prep. That said, the learning process will be accelerated greatly if you choose to have a few lessons with an experienced, qualified instructor. Many forget that SUP is a technique led sport. Lessons will show you the correct stance, paddle technique and some basic self-rescue. With someone showing you the quickest route possible to success your confidence and overall happiness factor will greatly increase. Plus, they’ll have all the above safety points covered so you don’t have to think about them – you can just head out and have fun. So if you want to learn to SUP, don’t let the colder weather put you off.  By picking the right spot and appropriate conditions you can even find it a more tranquil experience, without the hoardes that descend on the beaches and waterways during the warmer months.  There’s nothing more exhilarating than being in the Great Outdoors when others are warming by the fire, the satisfying sense of achievement in donning your wetsuit and heading out there! What are you waiting for…?