Ed ’ s note
Challenge yourself
How ’ s your summer going so far ? Have you been getting amongst it and paddling ? I ’ ll be honest ; the weather hasn ’ t been the greatest for SUP ( certainly not in my neck of the woods so far ). That said , there have still been a few sessions to enjoy , mixed in with other types of riding . And the industry ’ s struggles with supply vs demand issues , caused by all manner of factors , I know has led to some frustration on behalf of SUP brands and paddlers alike . Hopefully , if you ’ re waiting on the kit , then it ’ ll arrive ( or already has ) soon .
For those who ’ ve been out paddling often , it might now be time to step up your SUPing a notch . Whilst getting afloat is all well and good , the need to keep things fresh and add further engagement is one way to keep you coming back for more . That ’ s why challenging yourself is always a good idea .
Whether it be tackling new SUP routes , swapping your gear for something more performance-related , trying a new area of SUP ( maybe racing , for instance ), adding new dimensions and broadening your stand up paddle boarding horizons will see you develop as a SUPer and all-round water person . You ’ ll end up having more fun as well . Of course , if you ’ re happy to stick as is , then no worries .
Ultimately there ’ s a big wide world out there that ’ ll present lots of opportunities for you as a paddler . As such , it ’ d be a shame to miss out on what ’ s available . A lot of the time , with new SUP recruits , they do not know what else you can accomplish with a board and paddle . Therefore if you ’ re a seasoned rider , why not impart some knowledge to your new paddle mates and show them what the sport can be ? It only takes a gentle nudge in one direction to make the recipient have that lightbulb moment . I ’ ve experienced this myself as both the giver and receiver of stand up paddling ( and wider watersports ) knowledge . Suddenly my whole watery life has taken on new meaning and purpose , thereby delivering even more fun and fulfilment .
The BIG 3-0
In terms of this issue , welcome to the BIG 3-0 . The 30th issue of SUP Mag UK - whod ’ a thunk it ? SUPM has strived to bring you the best and broadest stand up related content going - all with a UK focus and slant throughout its entire existence . It hasn ’ t always been the easiest as it takes a lot of effort from myself , Pete and Anne behind the scenes . But we ’ re here , still kicking , and plan this being the way for a while yet !
We appreciate everyone ’ s support - from readers to brands and everyone else in between . Thanks for sticking with us . We hope you continue to like what we do . Enjoy this issue , and here ’ s to another 30 issues of SUP Mag UK ! Cheers from all of us … Tez Plavenieks – August 2021
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