SUP Mag UK April 2020 issue 24 | Page 6

“Why would you STAND SIT?” when you can That’s one of the questions we used to get asked occasionally by canoe and kayaking club committee members, says Andy McConkey of McConks SUP. To say thank you to the paddlesport community that has taken us to its heart, we’ve teamed up with British Canoeing, the Paddler magazine and SUP Mag UK to give away one of our premium inflatable Standup Paddleboards. “Can you give a quote for some paddleboards?” Is the other question we get asked much more regularly by club members, and sometimes committee members. That used to be qualified with statements like, “but I need to get the committee to agree” or “don’t hold your breath.” We’re giving away one superb SUP package But it seems that the tide is turning. We’ve had lots of canoe clubs taking advantage of our pre-season preorder prices and ordering fleets of inflatable paddleboards from us this year. And clearly with less resistance from committee members than previously. One lucky entrant to the free prize draw will have a choice between the 12’8 Go Explore (perfect for touring and adventuring on flat and choppy water) or 11’ Go X Wild (perfect for whitewater). See opposite for entry. They also get to choose from one of McConk’s premium 100% carbon paddles. That’s obviously great news for us as a company – and we’re flattered by the way the canoeing world has taken McConks to its metaphorical bosom! However, it’s also great news for the clubs. Standup Paddleboards have been shown to attract new and younger members to clubs. Partly because, let’s be fair, SUP is fashionable at the moment. But it goes way beyond that. Choosing the right gear To find out what type of paddleboard is the ultimate for your size, ability, and paddling arena, check out our new SUP selection Wizard @ https://mcconks.com/the-sup-selection- wizard/ SUPs are such as easy transition for nervous newbies. No capsizing, no rolling, no decks to trap you into the boat. These are all key skills that, ultimately, new members will learn as they progress into boats. However, just having the SUPs will allow those nervous newbies to develop paddle skills, water balance, and overcome their fears of natural water. s t a n And, if you want don’t know whether you need a one, two or three piece paddle, what type of dihedral suits you best, or whether you need a fibreglass or 100% carbon shaft, you can try out our brand paddle selector @ https://mcconks.com/how-to-choose-a-sup- paddle/ d u p p a d d l e m a g u k 6