editor’s note
Rip roaring fun
It’s been an unprecedented winter for ‘conditions’ here
at SUPM HQ. In fact, nationwide the weather has been
pretty mental. Storm after storm with ferocious winds,
big seas and the mildest off season temperatures
recorded. OK, there have been chillier periods in the mix
but it’s certainly been balmy, by and large, for the time
of year. It’s no secret my partner passion to SUP is
windsurfing. From November to Christmas it seemed
like every day was 30+ knots. During this time local
paddle wielders were still taking to the water and
smashing along downwind runs. The blowiest periods
featured excesses of 55 knots and still there were hardy
souls getting stuck in, chasing bumps and having fun.
Living in an area with multiple downwind route options
certainly gives breadth of choice. With increasing
numbers of SUPers realising wind doesn’t need to halt
play, riders are poised to increase their time on the
water considerably. If you braved this winter’s storms,
wherever your local run is, then full credit and long may
it continue.
SUP surf design trends
As blowy as it’s been we’ve seen regular breaks in the weather
where waves have cleaned up and the surf’s pumped. Working
on the current performance paddle surf test (which you can
read in this very issue) it’s been interesting to pilot a raft of
equipment across broad spectrums of design and user
appeal. ‘No nose’ SUPs continue to be flavour of the month
with most brands now supplying their own version.
Accompanying these odd looking sleds you’ll find more
traditional looking boards – there’s never been so much
choice for paddlers. They’re all subtly different, however, and
will suit varying user wants and needs.
As we’re always keen to point out, purchase decisions based
on board dimensions alone won’t give the full picture. SUPs
that appear stable may not be while perceived technical kit
may have more accessibility than you’d appreciate. Trying as
much equipment as you can is the only way to fully
appreciate individual design strengths and weaknesses.
Hopefully this issue’s reports will help steer riders in the right
direction.
Proto, proto
This winter we’ve laid hands on a bunch of prototype
products – some of which also appear in this issue. We’re
incredibly stoked (and humbled) to be offered these
opportunities – apparently we’re doing something right with
brands approaching us for feedback. In the months ahead
SUP will see further equipment innovation, all of which will
improve paddling experiences no end.
Thinking back to how gear was at the sport’s inception we’re a
million miles away in terms of ease of use and quality. With
SUP still very much a toddler there’s plenty of developmental
scope – we can’t wait to see how things evolve.
Have fun out there and enjoy t