Q & A
SUP mum …
EMILY
MCDONALD
Words & pics : Emily McDonald & Oli Lane-Peirce SUP time does take a hit when you ’ re a parent – even living close to the water . Add to the mix of work and everyday life responsibilities , and it ’ s tricky to score a sesh . We caught up with SUP mum and Hayling Island SUP Girls Facebook group founder Emily McDonald , to learn how she juggles life and paddling .
How did you get into the sport ? What appealed , and what still does about SUP ? I first wanted to learn how to SUP to get myself on the water with the idea of progressing to surfing / SUP surfing . I was very cautious of the sea but had the desire to learn and overcome this fear . I love the feeling of freedom that SUPing / surfing brings and being on the ocean .
Do you still have / use the same board ? Yes ! I use my first board , a Fatstick pink foamie . Occasionally I use my friends ’ boards as I would like to progress to a specific SUP surfboard .
Where ’ s your local paddling spot ? West Beach Hayling - ideally low tide , on the sand bar , with a sunny day ! But there are other locations in the area , depending on how far I fancy travelling .
Tell us about your dream SUP destination and why it flicks your switch ? I ’ d love to go to Kefalonia for flatwater turtle spotting and Bali for some tropical waves . My all-time dream would be Hawaii for SUP and surf ! It looks fantastic , and as the birthplace of paddling , I feel I need to get out there one day . s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k 24