editor’s note
A funny old game
SUP’s a funny old game. I talked about it being considered a
sport in last issue’s ed’s note. Since then I’ve had a few
conversations with newbie paddlers who tell me they
definitely wouldn’t think of it such – a hobby yes but not
sport. In fact most were pretty unaware of stand up realms
outside of simply floating about (waves being a slight
exception); what we all take for granted in terms of
progression disciplines – racing, windSUP, white water
paddling and so on. Most certainly couldn’t tell you about
performance (paddles, boards and fins). Many couldn’t care
less either.
This isn’t a criticism. These SUPers, as with many others, are
simply content to inflate their air board, hit the brine on fair
weather days and have as much fun doing so as any of us testing
our mettle in other paddling arenas. And why not?
There’s been a lot of chatter recently about SUP’s Olympic
pathway and how best to get there. Is this the be all and end all for
stand up paddling? Not even. Yet it causes much debate – not
least because of the confusing picture regarding UK SUP’s
governing body issues. I mentioned SUP and the Olympics to
some of the new recruits above and in most cases eyes glazed
over and interest was lost.
The Olympics is an important aspect but that’s not the only point
of focus – or at least shouldn’t be. There’ll always be those wanting
to push the envelope of anything they do. And an outlet needs to
be available. When asked about important topics relating to SUP
the answers I got were: ‘how do I hold a paddle correctly’, ‘where
can I paddle (in terms of access to various waterways?’ and ‘can I
surf on my inflatable?’ If this is a snapshot of what makes up the
average stand up paddler in our neck of the woods (UK) then it’s
quite telling. Many of us ‘veterans’ miss the fact SUP’s still VERY
infant. No way is it established. We’re getting there but there’s
plenty of work to do. The two questions I have, however, are –
How do you reach paddlers who don’t think of it as a sport?
…and…
Do we even need to?
Food for thought that’s for sure.
Bye for now
So onto the last SUPM of 2017 and what a year it’s been. Plenty of
happenings all round the UK, even with the weather against us for
the majority of high summer. Yet loads got involved and will
continue to do so even in the colder months. In terms of what we
can expect for 2018, kit wise, check out our article where some of
the brands talk about equipment, their highlights of 2017 and
what’s coming in the New Year.
Alongside we also have a bunch of cool articles designed with
inspiration and SUP stoke in mind, some as talking points with
others being simple brain candy. Hopefully these stories will touch
base with you all and make you want to get out there paddling. So
without further ado it’s on with the show!
Enjoy this issue, have a cracking winter – on and off the water – and
we’ll see you bright and breezy in 2018!
Tez Plavenieks, October 2017
[email protected]
Twitter: @tezwoz. Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind