SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers April 2014 lo-res free to read | Page 11

of it – adventures
inland SUP
New perspectives
Being an inland paddler brings new
perspectives. Suddenly a huge array of
water networks are available for you to
explore. You’re no longer landlocked and
rivers and streams are your playground –
anywhere wet is game, even your local
swimming pool (if they let you!).
It's all part of the appeal; planning your
route, checking entry and exit points,
observing the conditions and most
importantly which pubs you’re going to stop
off at on the way. With some knowledge and
paddle skills it's highly achievable to cover
lots of miles and the options are limitless.
Being a Midlands chap, I have already
experienced paddling in the heart of
Birmingham – to much astonishment and
surprise from onlookers who think we’re
all mad. Being privileged enough to paddle
some of the most breathtaking British
countryside watery cuts in the UK is a
fantastic experience, but it also does get
you some strange looks.

Longer routes
A number of individuals have undertaken a
variety of distance challenges including the
guys who completed the Source to Sea
challenge. This year we will also witness
The Great Glen Paddle – what an experience
that will be viewing such a breathtaking part
of Scotland from the water.
In a sport that is often dominated by the
race scene, which is no bad thing of course,
it's good to know we have other areas of the
sport we can gravitate towards if this isn’t
our thing. So my advice is to grab that
paddle, have fun planning your route and
enjoy the adventure of being free on the
water and exploring somewhere new.

On your doorstep
We often miss what's on our doorstep,
whether we live in a large city or rural
village. There are frequent groups and clubs
going up and down the Thames all the time
as well as many of the major rivers in the
UK. We also have this option at the coast, of
course, with many places perfect for touring
and taking in some of the sites – especially
if there are no waves to be had. The surfers
may have to stay at home but if it's flat
calm you can still be out there getting some
time on the water.
As the UK SUP scene develops and some
great racing events pop onto the calendar, it
will be interesting to see what happens in
the touring / social paddling side of the
sport. It's a huge growth area which
encapsulates many of us, young or old – it
really does not matter your age or where
you SUP just as long as you’re getting out.

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s t a n d

u p

p a d d l e

m a g

u k

Chris Kenyon
is a pioneering stand
up paddle boarder
from the Midlands. He
owns and runs Central
SUP and the Central
SUP Shop. You can find
out more about Chris
and Central SUP by
hitting up
http://centralsup.net/