Paddle SUP in cold water? Consider this!

Paddle SUP in cold water? Consider this!

Stand up paddleboarding (SUP), the board sport that has become immensely popular in recent years, is of course
most common during July and August when the water is warm and the days are long. But somewhat many
The good news is that even cooler seasons can be suitable for SUP and above all offer nice
nature experiences with low sun and high air. So what do you need to consider if you want to paddle SUP
when it's cold? Here we have collected some important points!

Winterize your board
Most SUP boards can handle a paddle in cooler water, but they need to be adapted
according to the conditions to have a good experience. When an inflatable board is exposed to cold
water, the air pressure drops, making it soft and less stable. To prevent this,
you pump the board to the recommended pressure, let it rest in cold water until the pressure decreases and then
inflate it to the recommended pressure again. After this procedure, the inflatable board will be better
equipped for a paddle trip in cold water. However, if you want to paddle with a hard board, you should choose
one made of epoxy or hard plastic. Avoid thermoplastics which become brittle easily.

Drysuit and wetsuit
A dry or wetsuit is a must, as it will give you protection if you fall into the water. In the first
hand is one drysuit preferable, because it breathes unlike a wetsuit which is tight
and gets sweaty easily. If you still opt for a wetsuit, choose a 5 mm wetsuit with
For your feet, you should get sturdy 5mm thick wet shoes or neoprene boots.
Cold feet often make you experience the cold worse than if your feet are warm.
That's why a pair of wet shoes or boots can make an incredibly big difference.

Extra safety precautions
When SUPing, just like other water sports, you should of course respect the weather, wind and water.
The basic rule is to always have a life jacket on and a leash attached to the board. During colder seasons
However, you need to give safety some extra thought. The weather can easily become more dramatic with
strong wind, fog rolling in and dark water. As a rule, always start paddling in
headwind, as it is easier to paddle back downwind if you get tired. Also have
respect that the low sun and dark water easily hide obstacles below the water surface. Take
please take turns to avoid hitting sharp rocks! Finally, it is best to bring a
buddy. It's not only more fun – it's safer too!

Paddle calmly!