editor’s note
Strange times…
How was it for you?
…lockdown that is. Did you cope? Or did you go stir crazy? Are
one of those who’ve been (and still, as I write) shielding so
can’t get wet yet? Maybe you’re back on the water and have
been the last few weeks. At the very least the weather’s been
lovely (certainly in my neck of the woods). Couldn’t have
asked for much better in fact. And I’m thankful for a garden,
as I appreciate those without may have found lockdown
particularly tough – especially for those with young children.
So now what? COVID-19 is by no means eradicated. Economically
things are going to be challenging, so I get the need for businesses to
re-open. But how will that affect infection rates and so on? Nobody
knows, so it’s still very much suck it and see.
And what of SUP?
As we’re not out of the woods yet and a lot of foreign travel is
restricted (I do feel for those who’ve booked overseas holidays and
are now not able), it’s looking likely that 2020 will be the year of
the (true) staycation. Sticking close to home has its merits,
particularly if the weather continues to play ball. Because of this,
as well as other factors, stand up paddle boarding sales –
especially inflatables – have shot up since lockdown restrictions
were eased – at least from what I’ve been told. It makes sense
when you think about it. Having an easy to transport/use water toy
is a way to increase overall fun and enjoyment when at the beach,
lake or river. From a recreational SUP stand point this is probably
the summer that will be bigger than ever. The perfect cocktail of
elements in the wider world coming together to benefit the iSUP
industry – at least in the short term.
Of course, the wider issue of people losing jobs and having no
income, having had to furlough for a few months, is a real concern. It
seems we’re determined to make the most of what’s on offer during
these high season months of strange times though. So ironically SUP
seems to be doing well. The ease of getting involved for the first time
and not having to take things too high performance, only helps. SUP
as a lifestyle in the grass roots sense then…
For us at SUPM it’s been a bit up in the air as to the logistics of
putting a magazine together. Kit testing’s been a bit squiffy, with
no water time during lockdown. This meant missing out on
potential sessions with conditions applicable to kit such as surf
SUPs. But we’ve still got there (just). Then there’s distribution
headaches, such as actually getting SUPM printed and delivered in
physical form. Having had the green light to start up again, the
companies we work with, are now in a position to fulfil
subscriptions and those new to the mag purchasing hard copies –
hence why you’re reading this!
SUPM is thrilled to be back for another issue, having weathered the
storm of lockdown. Hopefully the whole pandemic will ease further
– fingers crossed. In the meantime enjoy this issue of SUP Mag UK
and if you’re able to get on the water make the most of it! Stay
safe, observe the rules, and as always, holler at us if you want to
contribute or have any feedback. Thanks for your support!
Tez Plavenieks, June 2020
[email protected]
Twitter: @tezwoz.
Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind