SUP Mag UK April 2025 issue 44 | Page 3

64

Paddle 4 Pearl

By Sarah Thornely

74

Q & A with Jim Wight

By Peter Tranter

86

Lofoten SUP adventure

By Beata Plutka

70

SUP season checklist

By Tez Plavenieks

82

The unsung heroes of volunteering

By Dewi Pennell

92

Gear shed

Featuring: Helly Hansen, C Monsta, Waterhaul, Chalk River, Rooster, Bloomsbury books, Fin Skate, Wild Things Publishing, Shore Ride, North Coast Wetsuits and Palm Equipment.

3 Ed’ s note

Spring into SUP season 2025!

As I write this, there’ s a definite shift in the air. The chill of winter is fading, the days are longer( having had the clocks change), and that unmistakable scent of spring is right there! And you know what that means: paddleboarding season is officially upon us!

For those of you who braved the colder months and kept paddling through winter, I salute you. But for the rest who went into a sort of SUP hibernation, it’ s time to dust off those boards, check our gear, and get back on the water. There’ s nothing quite like that first paddle of the season – feeling the sun on your face, hearing the gentle splash of your paddle breaking the water’ s surface, and rediscovering that deep sense of calm and adventure that SUP brings.

Spring is all about new beginnings; for many of us, it marks a fresh start on the water. Maybe you’ ve set yourself some new paddling goals – tackling longer distances, improving your technique, or even trying SUP yoga for the first time. Or perhaps this is the year you introduce a friend to the sport, sharing the joy of gliding across glassy waters and exploring new horizons together. Whatever your plans, there’ s an excitement in the air that only comes with the start of a brand-new SUP season.

Of course, with spring comes the unpredictability of weather. One day, it’ s calm and sunny, the next, the wind is howling, and the water’ s choppy. But that’ s part of the adventure, isn’ t it? We’ re all hoping for a season filled with blue skies, warm waters, and perfect paddling conditions, but whatever nature throws our way, we’ ll be out there making the most of it. After all, some of the best paddling memories come from those unexpected, wild days when we embrace the elements and just go with the flow.

In this issue, we’ re here to help you kick off the season in style. We’ ve got expert tips on getting your gear ready after the winter break, a guide to some of the best spring paddling destinations, and inspiring stories from fellow SUP enthusiasts who are setting big goals for 2025. Whether you’ re looking for new challenges, fresh gear recommendations, or just a bit of motivation to get back on the water, we’ ve got you covered.

So, let’ s make this season one to remember. Let’ s explore, challenge ourselves, and, most importantly, have fun out there. Here’ s to a fantastic 2025 SUP season – see you on the water! Tez Plavenieks, April 2025

Read or download for FREE @ https:// joom. ag / M6Ad To subscribe in print @: standuppaddlemag. co. uk / subscribe / Subscribe in digital @: https:// joom. ag / Uqjd Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishing parent company, 2b Graphic Design Ltd. The publishing of an advertisement in SUP Mag UK does not necessarily mean that the parent company, 2b Graphic Design Ltd, endorses the company, item or service advertised. All material in SUP Mag UK is strictly copyright and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without prior permission is forbidden.