SUP Mag UK lo-res free to readers July 2014 lo-res - free to read | Page 12

Emily Price gives us
her experience of
learning to SUP:
Name:

Emily Price

Age:

22

Location: Powys
Local SUP spot:
Lake Bala and Borth
Average paddling duration:
Two hours
Sup goal:
To surf my first waves!

At the coal face
I had never heard of paddle boards before
my boyfriend Julian presented to me his
latest online acquisition - a Red Paddle
10.8ft SUP. At first it was a total mystery
and I didn't know what to expect, but off we
went to our local lake to try it out.
I imagine like most beginners my main
concern was staying on the board – the first
few minutes were spent entirely on my
knees. Now, since I grew up on a boat I like
to think water should be my natural habitat,
so not standing proud simply wouldn’t do! I
soon transitioned to standing, doing short
paddles and performing simple turns.
It was fun, but I soon tired. I wasn't relaxing
enough, my legs were all rigid and my
muscles quickly began to ache. I knew what

to expect for my second go however, and the
next session felt much better. Without fear
holding me back I now felt confident enough
to cross the lake – a distance of 1,200m.
Despite the wind picking up and a bit of chop
at half distance, I managed it without even a
wobble - and enjoyed a good workout too.
Seems like a great way to get fit.

I now can't wait to SUP
some more
I have since researched SUP techniques
online, and Julian is set to get a second
board - we are already planning to tackle
some gentle surf at the coast. What I love
about SUP is its versatility – what other
watercraft is at home on both a lake and in
waves, but rolls up into a backpack?

Thanks to