Paddle boarding

Well like most things I do I hear myself saying “I’m no expert…” ha ha but really I believe I just have a go, find a bit of confidence (and my balance) and get out there and try things…

I was introduced to paddle boarding (SUP) some time back by Dianne at the ATB Skate Warehouse. This is the link to her shop . She was running taster sessions and I thought I’d have a go. It was a great chance to learn technique, try different boards out and do something different on the water. The kids and I used to paddle with the Highworth Canoe Club on the River Thames and the minute I got up, standing (slightly wobbly at first) on the board I loved it! I felt a lot freer, I could see more, my legs weren’t stuck in a canoe and I wasn’t sat in a puddle of water, instead I was standing and it felt great!

I bought some relatively cheap boards, compared to what was on the market, as it’s not my main hobby (See Skydiving) and I wanted the girls to paddle with me too. My board is best on the river and my son has paddled on a relatively calm sea on it with success. The more expensive boards £800+ are better on the sea compared to lakes and rivers. Mine was £300 but has now gone up to £500 and Aqua Planet 10ft 6″ and the girls have Geezy smaller boards (305cm) around £200 price mark. And surprise, surprise I bought them all on Amazon!! They came with bags, a paddle, ankle leash and a manual pump but by far my best investment ever was the £55 Sevylor pump winch works off my car cigarette lighter! It has a HUGE lead on it and get s the boards to 15psi. Slightly unsociable by the side of a river as it;s a bit noisy but I think getting sweaty and puffy at the start of a paddle is more unsocial!

I’ve paddled all year round – even on Boxing Day!! Be safe out on the water, paddle with someone else until you are confident to go alone. Take precautions on colder days (ie wetsuite) if you frequently fall in.

I never fall in and even paddle out in a hat and dress! But on a hot day , I love sliding off the board to have a wild swim. I have rescued a stuck barge on the river, I collect plastic, rubbish and fishing line from the river. In the autumn I take a tub abd collect blackberries from the riverbank. Sometime I paddle to the pub for a pint and some cheesy chips but mostly I enjoy the sunsets and the wildlife.

Enjoy my gallery…