What type of conditions do you
like for stand up? Any plans to hit
up any of your favourite kayak
haunts and charge them SUP style?
You understand the need for high
performance paddling kit so how
does the current crop of SUP gear
(that you've tried) stack up?
I’m into SUP surfing most so glassy right handers are the
dream. The Kaituna is a real fun river to SUP and I reckon I’m
getting the hang of white water stood up. I need to get my
hands on an inflatable board when I get back to the UK. I’ve got
my eye on the Lee Valley white water course – the one built for
London 2012 Olympics – that definitely goes on my SUP list.
Totally got that.
The boards and paddles I’ve used seem pretty on it.
Manufacturers seem to have their heads around composite
construction and are producing decent stuff. I think SUPers
could benefit from getting some kayaking kit though. When I
use my SUP on a river I always use my PeakUK kayaking river
guide PFD (personal floatation device). It has a quick release
harness which is perfect for attaching your leash to, heaps of
storage space for essentials and keeps you afloat when you
stack it. Plus I usually use my PeakUK Creeker one piece dry
suit when it gets nippy. Most people imagine some super
heavy duty diving dry suit but they are real lightweight and
easy to paddle in. It’s much more pleasant than being in a
soggy wetty – especially when the wind picks up.
Does sweeping round on a SUP help
with your kayaking - if so, what
are the benefits?
Big time! The edging and balance aspects transfer pretty
directly. Good core stability is key in both so they play off each
other well
Ta l k t o u s a b o u t t h e S U P g e a r
you're rocking and why you chose
those particular pieces of
equipment.
I have an 8.5ft x 32” surf SUP. My mate Bernd Sommer shaped
it. He’s a kayak legend who has made kayak paddles for ages
and just started shaping boards and making SUP paddles. It’s a
one off but it works pretty well for me.
As someone immersed in the pro
paddle sports world what's the
general opinion, within your
circles, of stand up paddle
boarding? Do you and your fellow
boaters reckon it's going to be as
big as predicted?
Yeah! Most people in the kayaking world (including me)