editor’s note
Illness…
It’s a horrible feeling being ill – and I’m not talking serious
or life threatening, that’s a different story. Just the type of
niggling lurgy that dogs many of us at certain times of the
year, particularly winter. Colds, flu, sickness and such make
us feel awful, put us off our game and generally stamp the
kybosh on things like paddling.
Every year for the past four, around Jan/Feb, the bleurgh has come
on strong for me. I managed to get away with it (mostly) during
2017 but New Year 2018 has been a bit of a shocker and a revert
back to previous. Where it comes from I’ve no idea. Put it down to
toddler/baby germs. Maybe it’s born of being in the water (for
anyone not aware there’s an issue with sewage being dumped in
the drink in my area). Possibly it’s just time of year and the way
things are – I know plenty of others, who don’t frequent the brine
or have kids, who are or have been under the weather.
I know what you’re thinking: ‘man flu – get over it’. Personally I
hate that term as I don’t subscribe. I’ve never been one for moping
and moaning about a silly cold. The illness I’m talking about is
one step on from that. As I say not life threatening but enough to
knock you off your stride – especially when people are counting
on you to deliver such things as magazines on deadline!
There’s nothing worse, however, than seeing a good forecast yet
feeling like nothing more than going back to bed with a Lemsip. It
bashes the schedule out somewhat and means playing catch up
will be the order of the day when you’re right. I’ve tried many
different things, from altering my diet to knocking the ‘bad stuff’
(beer) on the head altogether. Yet nothing seems to really help –
sooner or later I succumb. As I write I now just want winter done
and dusted and a healthier period where illness isn’t a concern. Oh
woe is me and all that but illness really is a killer when you’re a
water baby. If you’re in the same situation then I feel for you.
Summer
On a plus point we’re now heading ever closer to spring/summer
and 2018’s SUP season kick off proper. Although there’s an arctic
blast currently hitting UK shores hopefully this’ll be the last bout
of chill and warmer conditions will soon set in.
If you’ve been hibernating for the past few months then now’s the
time to start giving your stand up gear the once over and making
sure it’s in tip top shape. Many of you will own inflatables. It’s
important to check for punctures and general wear and tear.
Likewise inspect your paddles for any hairline fractures or damage
that could result in it snapping. And don’t forget your accessory
kit, such as wetsuit, leash, buoyancy aid and fins. Every part of
your set up is important and should be given due care and
attention. Making sure all your equipment is in good working
order will ensure that first dip of the season is a fulfilling one. If
something needs replacing, do it! Don’t scrimp and try and make
do. It just isn’t worth the hassle.
Welcome to the first issue of SUP Mag UK: the voice of UK SUP, for
2018. We’re sure it’s going to be another cracking summer of
stand up and we’ll be right here with you. We hope you enjoy the
mag. Stay salty!
Tez Plavenieks, April 2018
[email protected]
Twitter: @tezwoz. Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind
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