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Haywood Sports Here at Haywood Sports , we are always happy to help . We cover all areas of SUP through our coaching , and our home is at the coast in Kent . We are also always happy to answer any questions on paddling from locations to conditions , kit and safety . Please get in touch about anything by phone , email or social media .
Check out www . haywood sports . com for details on Scott ’ s SUP coaching , events and training business , and you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram @ SUPScotty .
Leash choice One of the most critical kit choices in ocean environments is the leash . Choosing the wrong leash can increase the risk factor more than having the wrong board . Whilst you ’ re getting comfortable and exploring rough water for the first time , it is worth moving your leash to the tail of your board . If you fall off , your board will likely be out of the way . It would be best if you also considered a surf leash which again will offer an opportunity for the board to move well out the way . Once you are more comfortable , then your normal coil leash is a great option . Always check your leash ’ s condition and replace it if damaged .
Waist leashes and quick release belts Sometimes , a waist leash might cause you more harm than good . If you consistently fall in whilst you build your skills , a waist leash can keep the board next to you as you fall , increasing the risk of injury . Also , if the board gets pulled by a wave , the leash can wrap around you easily . A calf or ankle attachment is likely a better choice in open water until you are confident in your abilities . In estuaries , a quick release belt is a must for protection against entrapment around objects , buoys and lines . However , if you ’ re
paddling in salt water , you should use a Velcro strap belt or plastic clip attachment over a cheaper webbing and clamp alternative . In saltwater , webbing clamps are susceptible to coming loose easily due to the salt becoming a lubricant as it penetrates the webbing , causing it to slip through the plastic clamp . We recommend the ION SUP Core Safety Leash and Hip Belt for estuary and ocean paddling .
A final word At first , paddling in rough water will feel extremely hard , offering one of the biggest challenges you face in your paddling . Remember that you will already use 90 % of the techniques required for rough water paddling . The final 10 % comes from applying the skills and knowledge above to manage what ’ s happening in rough conditions . Take your time . Not only in your first session , but as you build your skills , slow everything down , and you will soon find yourself becoming at one with the rhythm of rough water . And finally , watch . You will learn much more by standing back and taking in the bigger picture before focusing on the smaller details . Learn to preempt what ’ s about to happen by reading the conditions as they are in the moment before . Watch videos and read articles about wave formation , swell patterns and wind effects on water . You will soon see more detail and , more importantly , think about how you can use all this energy to have fun in rough water .