- Air temp
- Water temp
- Is it sunny or cloudy?
- What are doing? Surfing, racing, touring, looking for the Loch Ness Monster?
- Are you paddling alone?
- Are you headed out in open water?
- Could any of the things above change while I'm on the water?
It’s warming up outside but here in the Pacific Northwest it’s still very chilly when the wind comes up and the water is still frigid (and dangerous). I have a variety of clothes I wear for different conditions and my decisions on what to wear are based on a lot of different considerations. A few things to think about: The real question to ask yourself, “If I end up in the water and can’t get back on my board, how long could I potentially be there and what do I need to wear to keep me alive until I can swim to shore or get rescued?” You want to be comfortable but remember that it is easy to cool down if you get too hot (hop in the water for a second) but warming up isn’t so quick or easy. Let me tell you about my Spring / Fall gear options for staying warm. My favorite piece is my Exo Skin top from ProMotion Wetsuits in Hood River, Oregon. It’s fleece lined and when the wind blows you’ll never feel any of it come through this top. The best part is the comfort. It’s built with lots of room in the shoulders so you stay loose and you’re not exerting extra effort fighting your wardrobe which can happen with a heavy wetsuit. It's snug but the neck is loose and breathable. I wear this over the top of an NRS Ultra John wetsuit. On cold days I add a SmartWool thermal layer. This combination is good if you are paddling with friends who know how to do a rescue or if you’re paddling close to shore and know that you won’t be spending a lot of time in the water, either planned or by accident. I use Xcel 5mm Infinity boots for cold weather and NRS 3mm Freestyle boots when it warms up. Know your abilities, know your local weather and as always...safety first!
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*Updated 4/16/19
I’ve had my Thule SUP Taxi for a few years now and I’m impressed with how well it has held up over that time and having the option to lock up my boards when I’m traveling is priceless. But there are a few issues and other options to think about too. So for those thinking about buying one or who have purchased the SUP Taxi recently, here are a few thoughts based on my experience.
PROS AND CONS
Pros:
Cons:
TIPS
Yoga mats have many uses When I’m stacking two boards I use a yoga mat between the boards. It's thin but provides some protection, it has good traction and for me it’s convenient because I use it to stand on while I'm changing in and out of my wetsuit. You can also curl the end of the yoga mat to act as a spacer. As an added bonus, you can also use a yoga mat to do yoga (crazy, I know!). Depending on the sizes/shapes of the boards you may need an additional spacer in the front. I use pipe insulation from my local hardware store as my spacer and you can cut them to size if you like. Stretching out As my SUP taxi has aged it seems the straps stretch out a bit now. If I'm getting on the highway I'll strap everything in at least 20-30 minutes before I actually leave, then do it again right before I drive off to give the straps a chance to stretch. Maybe this is just a goofy good luck habit for me but I always cinch down the front first, then the back, then do the front again. I'm not sure why, but that routine seems to keep the boards from moving. (See update below for an additional tip) “Umm...I think it's moving” If you’re lucky enough to be able to see your board while you are driving, do keep an eye on it. It will bounce and you will see some up and down movement. In my experience, the slight bounce up and down isn’t terrible, it’s when I can see the board moving left and right that I have a problem. More than once I’ve seen that slight left and right movement and pulled over and found the board wasn’t nearly as tight as it was when I left the house. I’ve also noticed different car racks have different amounts of flex. I’m still getting used to my new (used) Toyota Highlander. I’ve noticed my 14’ board bounces far more than when it was on my old Subaru Impreza and I think it’s because there is more flex in the Toyota factory crossbars. (See update below for additional safety measure as the SUP Taxi ages and the straps stretch.)
OTHER OPTIONS
The ability to lock up your board is the biggest advantage of the SUP Taxi but if you have a rack with cross bars, straps are simple and work just as well. You can also look at KanuLock locking straps. Yakima offers the SUP Dawg which is very similar to the SUP Taxi but I haven’t tried it yet.
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME And here is one of the crazier things I did with the SUP Taxi and some other straps. I in no way endorse or recommend doing this. I was going a very short distance. But it makes for a pretty hilarious picture.
* UPDATE 4/16/19
My SUP Taxi is still going strong but as I said before, I still worry about the straps stretching over time. I had tried a number of solutions to secure the board to the front of the car with additional safety lines but I found one simple solution to give me piece of mind when I get out on the highway and I'm going long distances. Simply adding a traditional cam strap in the middle that is connected directly to the car's rack keeps it rock solid at highway speed. For my short trips to my local spot I don't worry about it and just use the SUP Taxi. Why not just use straps all the time? Because this gives me the advantage of using the locks on the SUP Taxi. So, if you already own a SUP Taxi and want to extend it's life while feeling at ease out on the highway, I think this is a good solution. I use NRS and Mile 22 straps.
I visited the annual Northwest Paddling Festival yesterday and saw some great new gear. If you haven’t been, the festival is held this time each year at Lake Sammamish State Park and is an amazing opportunity to test a wide variety of stand up paddleboards, kayaks and canoes. This year you could try out boards from Bic, Red, Bote, Aquaglide, Amundson and many, many more manufactures. Here are a few items that caught my eye.
SHORT VERSION: One of my early paddle trips ended with my friend and me at urgent care. We went out on rented boards barefoot, we didn’t know the area or the weather conditions, and our feet were cut up when we had to go to shore unexpectedly. At the very least we should have taken flip flops, or even better, worn some good boots like the NRS Freestyle Wetshoe.
LONG VERSION: Let me tell you a story about being a beginner. My friend and I rented paddleboards in the Seattle area and were given the boards with little instruction or warnings about the wind and current in the area. I was so new I was still sitting on my butt to paddle because I didn’t feel comfortable standing up yet. My friend was a much stronger paddler and standing, but neither of us knew the paddle area very well or what the weather had in store. After paddling for an hour or so around beautiful Shilshole Bay near Discovery Park in Seattle, the wind began to pick up so we decided to head back to the sandy beach of our launch spot. We both kept paddling with the wind in our face and the current from the Ballard Locks fighting us. Every time I looked at the shore it seemed like I was in the same position I was a few minutes earlier. “This sucks!” was my only thought at the time. My friend and I were separated a bit and I was about 50 yards ahead and getting really tired. With the wind blowing I could barely hear my friend yell out asking me to wait for her because she couldn’t catch up and was exhausted too. We were right next to Discovery Park in Seattle so we thought we would just go land the boards and reassess our situation from the beach. What we didn’t realize, like most Pacific Northwest beaches, the shoreline wasn’t a soft sandy beach. It was nothing but slick, golf ball sized rocks, coated in slime and more importantly, covered with razor-sharp barnacles. We were both barefoot because we didn’t know any better and our feet ended up getting cut up by the barnacles. The situation had just gone from bad to worse and I really didn’t know what to do. Luckily there was a couple on the beach who let us use their phone. We struggled to find the phone number to the place we rented the boards from but finally found it and called them. (**Tip for rental operators. Laminate your business card and put it in the pocket of all your PFDs). About 20 minutes later the guy paddled up with a leash for a tow rope and towed my friend back to our launch spot. I paddled like a madman along side them, on my butt, fueled by anger and embarrassment. I think I invented a few new four-letter words that day. With my friend’s feet continuing to bleed, our next stop was urgent care to get all the dirt and who knows what else out of the wounds and get them bandaged up. Golly, what a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, wouldn’t you say…smiley face, thumbs up? Wrong. It was awful and I felt like an idiot. Not quite the carefree barefoot, bikini paddling on glassy water we see in the magazines. I didn’t paddle again the rest of that year and was extremely reluctant to try it again the next summer. The experience nearly kept me from discovering the absolute joy I get from stand up paddling now. I now know the whole ugly experience could have been avoided with proper equipment and proper instruction, or at the very least a word of warning about the wind and current and the barnacle-covered rocks on shore. Why am I telling you this story? Because one of the first pieces of equipment you need to buy as a beginner paddling in the Northwest is a nice pair of booties (I call them boots because in my mind, booties are for babies, not grown adults but I digress). They serve two functions, keeping you warm while also protecting your feet on shore. If it’s a hot day and you’re only worried about the protection part of that equation, I recommend at least taking flip flops or sandals and using a carabiner to attach them to the bungee (hopefully the board has bungee straps of some sort) to keep your footwear on the board.
There are a couple of different boots I like but for a great combination of warmth and protection from whatever gnarly things await on the shore, the NRS Freestyle Wetshoe is the perfect pair of boots for Pacific Northwest paddling. My rental customers loved them and often commented about how comfortable and warm they were. I attribute that to the fleece lining. That lining also means they dry more quickly than other boots. My favorite part of the boot is the sole, which is thicker than most surf booties and protect the feet better and is more likely to keep your feet level while walking over uneven surfaces. My only criticism of the boot is in the ankle section which I wish was a bit higher like a surf bootie. Because of the NRS Vaporloft design (a bit of a bubble at the ankle) I find my NRS Hydroskin pants or other wetsuits don’t create much of a seal with the top of the boot letting far more water in than a surf boot. I wish the ankle was just a bit higher and flush with the leg to create more of a seal. It’s a minor problem that I really don’t mind because of all the pluses with this boot. This is great gear!
-- Disclaimer: I do have a relationship with NRS as an outfitter and receive pro pricing on their products but I only recommend products I’ve used and really liked. No, really, I mean it!
So you’ve rented a stand up paddleboard (SUP) a few times, hopefully taken a lesson or two and now you can’t help but daydream about the freedom of having your own board to paddle when and where you want. It’s ok to get excited because shopping for SUP gear is just as fun and almost as challenging as paddling the boards themselves. It’s also a big investment so you want to get it right. Below are just a few things to consider while shopping for your first SUP.
The first thing to think about is that buying a board means more than just buying a board. You are also buying a paddle ($175+ for a good one), safety gear (leash, PFD, cold water paddle clothes) and a way to transport the board around if you buy a hard board (Inflatables are a different story. More on that later). But let’s start with the boards. The first questions you need to ask yourself are, “Where and how will this paddleboard be used?” and “How much will I use it?” If you know it will only be used twice a summer to paddle out a hundred yards from shore on a calm lake so you can lay on it and sunbathe for an hour, then feel free to go to Costco and get the cheapest thing you can find. If it’s something that you could see yourself getting a little more serious about and know you will be paddling regularly, or wanting to adventure out and paddle longer distances, or in potentially difficult conditions (surf/rivers), then you are going to want to get a name brand SUP from a company that has been designing and selling boards for a while and has a good range of boards to choose from. My argument is, you WILL get hooked on it and want to paddle more than you think so start with a good board. What is a good beginner board? You generally want to look for what most companies label as an “all-around.” These are boards that are usually wide and stable and generally in a surf shape. These will let you paddle with a bit of performance (easy turning, speed, stability) on any water. If you know you have a keen interest in adventure and putting a few miles on the board each trip or maybe have some interest in eventually racing, then look into a touring style board. These are the ones that are a little thicker and have a displacement nose (more like a boat) to cut through the wind waves and chop. You don’t need to look at all-carbon race boards or short little surf SUPs at this point. Again, always be thinking, “how am I going to use this thing?” as you shop.
Touring board on the left, all-around on the right. Note their different “noses”.
One fun part of this adventure is testing out boards. It will obviously be fun but you’ll pick up a ton of info along the way. Go rent from a variety of places to get an idea of what style board you might like. If you haven’t taken a lesson, do that ASAP. It’s absolutely essential. A good SUP instructor will give you great advice during and after the lesson and help you to actually know what you are talking about when talking to the sales guy/gal at the shop. Also, go to your local newsstand to pick up a magazine like SUP the Mag or StandUp Journal or Stand Up Paddle Magazine and educate yourself on brands and styles so you know what’s out there. Then go talk to the folks at your local shop and get all the info you can. Once you get something picked out ask if you can take it for a test drive. If you are serious about the board they’ll hopefully be cool and let you take it out.
If you are in the midwest and don’t have a local SUP/Surf shop, maybe this is an opportunity to take a summer SUP trip. Come visit Seattle where there is water, SUP shops, high quality instruction and rental places in every direction from Tacoma to Everett and beyond. Paddlefest on Lake Sammamish each May is an amazing opportunity to try out lots of boards from lots of brands. Again, the more you educate yourself and try things out, the more likely you are to be happy with the investment you make in that first board. Speaking of that “investment,” by this point you are undoubtedly thinking, “This is fun and all but how much is this board going to cost me?” I always say if you want a good beginner board that will get you through your days as a rookie paddler and into a bit more fun and adventure for years to come, you’ll need to spend $1000 for the board but probably not more than $1400. That buys you some combination of durability, performance, a lighter weight board and some style (because it is nice having a sweet looking ride!) A quick note about the weight of the board -- For me this is one of the most important things to consider. Remember, you have to carry this 10-14 foot long piece of pure awkward to and from your launch spot and you have to lift it back on top of your vehicle at the end of the day. I recommend trying to find a board at 30 lbs. or less if you can afford it. The difference between a 27 lb. board and a 34 lb. board is monumental. So try to track down the weight of the board as you shop. The length, width and volume (liters) of the board are the next stats you’ll want to look at. More width generally means more stability. Increased length provides a bit more stability and usually more speed but less maneuverability. Volume and liters can be confusing. Basically the more liters, the more weight it can keep afloat (aka a heavier paddler and their gear) but it’s not always a definitive stat. More and more manufactures are adding a “recommended paddler weight” or something similar to their spec sheet. Look for that to keep things simple. The brands I recommend are BIC, Amundson and Riviera. Not too many companies beat BIC SUPs for durability with performance at a good price. The parent company makes BIC pens and lighters and the Ace-Tec construction boards they offer have a plastic shell that can really withstand a beating. That plastic shell does add weight though. Amundson has slightly less durability but many of their designs have a Rhino-lite (think truck bed liners) top coat. Amundson has stability down pat and makes great boards for beginners that they will hold on to for years, even after they’ve bought two or three other boards as their skills progress. I recommend Riviera for performance at a cheaper price point. They have great designs and sexy looking boards.
The super stable BIC Wing 12’6”
The BIC board I recommend is the BIC Wing. This is a touring style board in 12’6” or 11”. There is a BIG weight difference between the two sizes, 27 lbs. compared to 34 lbs. and big difference in recommended rider weight. In an all-around style, the 11’6” Performer is a nice board. You can buy these at REI and see a nice return on your co-op check. But go buy one from a local shop and you’ll get more advice and continuing service after the sale.
http://www.bicsport.com/sup.html
2015 Riviera Original on Sequim Bay
The Riviera board I recommend is the Riviera Original. 10’6 or 11’6’. Very easy to turn and very stable. Earlier models have no forward tie down spots (lash points) to carry stuff on the water with you (water bottle, dry bag) but it looks like the 2017s will correct this.
http://www.rivierapaddlesurf.com/ With all that said, there are a ton of great brands. These are just three that I have experience with. Others include Starboard, SIC, Naish, and Imagine, just to name a few. That brings us to all the other gear. The best piece of advice I can give you about all of this…if you have any extra money to spend, spend it on the paddle. An extra $150 dollars spent on a paddle will buy you so much more than an extra $150 on a board. Think about it, depending on the length of your trip, you are lifting and pulling that paddle hundreds of times through the water on every trip out. That means a lot of wear and tear on your shoulders and arms with a heavy paddle. Even as a beginner you want a paddle under 26 oz which usually means carbon fiber which usually means spending at least $175. Also, I recommend beginners start with an adjustable paddle. It will take a while to figure out what length is right for you, your body and your paddling style. If you have an adjustable, you can play with that length until you get comfortable. It also lets you share the paddle with the rest of your family. I’m a big fan of Riviera’s Asset and Vantage paddles. They are light and have large range of adjustability at a great price. Other quality brands include Werner, Accent, Kialoa, Quikblade and AquaGlide.
Adjustable Paddles: Riviera Asset, Aquaglide Rhythm, and Accent Moxie
You absolutely without a doubt MUST have a PFD (lifejacket) and leash to be safe when paddling. As much as you want to look cool and not wear that stuff you are completely compromising your safety if you don’t wear them, which is silly because they are fairly inexpensive. $25 for a leash and $50-$125 for the PFD. If you know you are a really good swimmer and comfortable in the water you can go for the hip belt inflatable PFD, otherwise a more traditional lifejacket is recommended. Just be sure it’s labeled low-profile so that it is built to stay out of your way as you paddle. For women I also recommend finding women’s specific styles. I’m told they are significantly more comfortable. Also think about your local water and air temps. You may want a paddle jacket or paddle pants or even a wetsuit. I recommend MTI for PFDs and NRS for leashes, PFDs and warm paddle clothes (look for their Hydroskin line of pants and jackets).
MTI PFDs (lifejackets)
One last thing to keep in mind -- You need to store the board somewhere and be able to get it from your house to the water and back again. If you don’t already have a rack on your vehicle you’ll need to get one. They make soft racks that make almost any car capable of carrying a board. And if you want to keep your board in good shape you need to store it in a garage or some other indoor space. Unlike some of the cheap plastic sit-on top kayaks or old fiberglass canoes, you can’t just leave it outside year round and expect it to stay in good condition. So make sure you have some indoor space for it.
Thule SUP Taxi – The fancy way to haul a board or two, but you really just need some straps if your car already has a rack.
Which brings us to one last topic…Inflatable SUPs. Surprisingly, inflatable SUPs are built well enough these days to be used just like a hard board but with the advantage of being able to toss it in your trunk at the end of the day and in your closet when you get home. Inflatables are a great option for a lot of people with limited storage or no way to transport the board on top of their car. The only real downside is that you have to pump it up before you start which can be a whole lot of work. Electric pumps that connect to your car battery or cigarette lighter are available to make this easier.
Kialoa 10’6” Waikiki inflatable – a great yoga board
There is a great deal of differences in quality with these boards and if you do get an inflatable, I recommend spending a little more on the brands that specialize in inflatable boards like RED. Other high quality brands include Starboard and Naish. Some really good, less expensive options include Kialoa, 360 GoAnywhere and NRS. All the manufacturers mentioned above who offer hard boards also have an inflatable line worth checking out.
So let the adventure begin and let me know if this guide turns out to be helpful. If you need any more information or advice please feel free to email me. Now go have fun, shopping and paddling! Here are a few reputable online SUP retailers (these 3 are all in Oregon) to get you started: http://www.standonliquid.com/ http://www.bigwinds.com/standup-paddling http://shop.gorgeperformance.com/standuppaddlesup.aspx Categories |
Tips and Trips Blog
Pictures and advice for beginners learning about stand up paddleboarding (SUP) in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Blog author:Shanon - Owner of Given to Glide Paddle Sports (GtG) is a PSUPA certified standup paddleboard instructor living and paddling on Washington's Olympic Peninsula. Archives:
May 2020
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