SUP Mag UK June 2025 issue 45 | Page 3

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10 of the best SUP routes in London & the SE

By Lisa Drewe

66

The best SUP days are the messy ones

By Tez Plavenieks

70

Q & A with Cassie Salter

By David Partridge

78

Gear shed

Featuring: Paddle the East of England book, Rooster robe, Typhoon Essential Shorty, & Performance wetsuits, Helly Hansen jackets, RED Equipment blanket, Shark 3 rechargeable SUP electric pump & Typhoon backpack

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Ed’ s note

Summer high season vibes

Well, here we are, folks – smack bang in the midst of what can only be described as the high season for watersports here in the UK. And if you’ ve not already dusted off the paddleboard and got yourself out on the water, what on earth are you waiting for? There’ s never been a better time.

Spring has been unusually cooperative this year, with the weather gods seemingly in sync with our saltwater desires. We’ ve seen blue skies, sunshine, and enough mellow breezes to coax even the most reluctant paddlers out of hibernation. And now, as we roll into summer proper, we’ re hoping( touch wood) that this meteorological kindness continues. When Mother Nature plays ball like this, the appeal of hitting your local stretch of water – be it coastal, river, loch or lake – is pretty much irresistible.

That natural draw, coupled with the sheer accessibility of stand-up paddleboarding, means the UK SUP scene is buzzing right now. From seasoned pros carving smooth turns on waves to total newcomers wobblykneed but grinning from ear to ear, it’ s a joy to see how diverse and welcoming the SUP community continues to be.

And let’ s not forget the wider watersports arena – windsurfers, wing dingers, foilers, kayakers … You name it; everyone seems to be making the most of what the British Isles offers. Yes, we still get the odd sideways rain day( this is Britain, after all), but on the whole, the elements have been kind. So, let’ s embrace it.

From an industry point of view, it’ s been a solid start to the year. Gear sales have ticked along nicely, with many brands reporting steady – if not spectacular – performance. But in a landscape still finding its post-pandemic feet,‘ steady’ is something to celebrate. When people are buying boards and gear, it ripples out positively across the whole scene: local schools and hire centres thrive, instructors are busier, events see more sign-ups, and there’ s a general buzz that can’ t be faked.

We’ ve also seen more interest in UK-based brands and smaller indie operations, which is always encouraging. Whether it’ s a board shaper in Cornwall, a clothing label with sustainability at its heart, or a custom paddle maker somewhere inland, it’ s great to witness homegrown talent getting the recognition – and the customers – they deserve.

So, wherever you are and whatever your level, now’ s the time to get stuck in. Dust off the kit, call your mates, check the forecast and get out there. Because this is what it’ s all about – the glide, the stoke, the sheer freedom of it.

See you on the water. Tez Plavenieks, June 2025

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