editor’s note
SUP: not just fair
weather
Now that warmer weather is here (as I write the forecast
suggests up to 25C by the end of the week!) you’ll no doubt
be busting out your SUP gear in anticipation of some
watery action, if you haven’t done so already. And while
that’s all good it’s worth bearing in mind the water (ocean
side at least) ain’t exactly tropical. If you’re planning on
hitting the surf, other areas where you may take a dunking
or still building confidence then you’ll need adequate
protection. But hang on, this isn’t a safety brief, this is a
bunch of waffle asking you why not paddle all year?
Summer’s summer, yes, but the end of the year is when you
find water temps at their warmest and up until November ish
there’s still chance of mild air. In fact, we’d go so far as to say
that only having passed into the festive months does it get
proper chilly. And even then wetsuit/drysuit technology is such
that you’ll be toasty warm when out on the brine if you
purchase a good one.
With all the stresses and strains of modern living being able to
put afloat, sweep off to the horizon and unplug is one sure fire
way to find release – at least temporarily. And we as humans
need that release, otherwise we’d explode like a bottle of pop!
Now don’t get me wrong I appreciate that newbies to SUP may
shows signs of anxiety when considering out of summer
SUPing. Skills may not be honed yet. But fear not! You’ve a good
few months to consolidate what you already know and be ready
for the off season. We’d also suggest getting some coaching a
good course of action to further improve and be truly prepared.
So as you step aboard for the first time this summer maybe
have the goal of all year paddling in your mind’s eye. Trust us
when we say you’ll be all the more fulfilled if you do opt in.
A year to the day
Round about this time 12 months ago we put out a shout for
stand up paddle board equipment testers needed. The flood of
responses was significant. Long story short and we recruited
two very able and experienced hands to help push SUPM’s SUP
tests forward.
Stephane and Rich have been invaluable. We’re now able to tick
gear off more efficiently and have a fully rounded view on what
does what with three of us in the mix. As far as we’re concerned
SUPM’s equipment tests are unparalleled. There’s much that
goes on behind the scenes but you can be safe in the
knowledge that each piece of gear gets a thorough going over
across multiple paddling scenarios.
So to Steph and Rich it’s a huge thanks for being part of the
team and making SUP Mag UK all the better. We look forward to
many more on water sessions with moving forwards. Stay tuned
to SUPM for a catch up with the boys as we uncover what it’s
really like to be a tester.
Enjoy the latest issue!
Tez Plavenieks, June 2017
[email protected]
@tezwoz