editor’s note
SUP’s healing
properties
There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now – an
obvious statement I know. How things will pan out
globally and domestically will only be a story told in
due course. It’s very easy to go on the defensive and
batten down the hatches when times get tough – that’s
just human nature. And yet, as paddlers we’re in the
perfect position to escape the trials and tribulations of
modern life and find a bit of release. I’m not saying
bury heads in the sand, which would be foolish. But we
all need to sit back, take stock and put some
perspective on things. Stand up paddling can help us
achieve that.
For a chance to unwind and see things in focus there’s
nothing better than grabbing paddle and board and
heading out for a sweep. And it doesn’t have to be
‘conditions’ led SUPing either. I for one am fond of simply
being out on the water and have been known, once out at
sea, to down tools and just float, breathing in my surrounds,
clearing head space and letting some of the stress lift from
my shoulders. Of course problems and such will always be
there when you get back to terra firma but half an hour of
sweeping could be all that’s needed to find a solution or
realise the actual scale of the problem (we do like to blow
things out of proportion as humans sometimes).
And remember just because you can’t get to the coast
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge. Stand up fits all
manner of waterways and I’m sure there’s a stretch of brine
not too far away that’s a prime source of real estate for
unwinding. If not then make sure you make time the next
free period you get – you’ll be thankful you did.
Synergy
The beady eyed may have spotted the added value content
we’ve been adding over the last few months to SUPM’s
website. In among all that SUP goodness you’ll have noticed
other stories featuring a broader range of disciplines. You
may have even had a look at the three extra sections on the
site: The Waterman, Land Paddling UK and Windsurfing UK.
Now don’t worry, stand up remains (and always will be) the
focus. We’re aware, however, that a large portion of SUPers
simply aren’t one trick ponies – other disciplines come into
play. As such we’re in the process of widening our appeal to
be inclusive. If it has synergy and connections with SUP
(let’s be honest, many disciplines do) then it’s ripe for
publishing.
We’ve created separate social media feeds for each of these
sections so your normal SUP Mag UK stream doesn’t get
clogged up and confuse the issue. If you’re intrigued or a
fan of other sports from the same stable as SUP then check
them out and give us a Like or follow.
Enjoy this issue and your summer of SUP!
Tez Plavenieks, July 2016
[email protected]
@tezwoz