UNLOCKING YOUR
POTENTIAL
Only a small proportion of the people who enjoy SUP in the UK want to compete in races or participate in SUP endurance or challenge events , but those that do are extremely keen , and their number is increasing all the time . A fraction of this number also trains for competitions at the world and / or European level . Major public events in the competition calendar can sell out in a few hours or even minutes and paddlers at all levels train hard to prepare for them , striving to improve their performance and peak at the right moment .
Words : Anni Ridsdill Smith Director & BSUPA Trainer Frangipani SUP Ltd Pics : As credited
In the last edition of SUPM , Samantha Rutt ( Barefoot SUP and Fitness ) asked me how I stay motivated to train all year round . The answer : I have a coach and follow a structured plan . This got me thinking about the range of personally tailored training plans and coaching support available for stand-up paddlers in the UK , who want to prepare for specific competitions or events or get SUP fit . This support is often provided remotely online , a characteristic that proved invaluable during Covid-19 lockdowns , when many competitions or events became virtual and meeting with others to train was impacted severely . I draw upon personal experience here , as coach Larry Cain ( Paddle Monster ) kept me going when having trained hard all winter my 2020 race card emptied and a ‘ new normal ’ arrived .
Knowing what remote online training and coaching support are available , talking to providers , finding a good match for you , your individual needs , and goals ( and of course your budget – see later ), these are key factors to consider in making a very personal choice about who to work with . So , in the middle of a third Covid-19 lockdown , I put out the call to this corner of the SUP world and asked the talented people in it to share a few words with us about the remote online services they provide , how to get in touch , what it costs , plus a ‘ top tip ’ for staying motivated to train in difficult times . So here it is folks , A-Z in their own words …
Samantha Rutt Photo : Peter Tranter
7 s t a n d u p p a d d l e m a g u k