editor’s note
I SUP therefore
I am…
Here at SUPM we take a lot of pride in what we do. The
whole team paddles. I spend a huge deal of team out on the
water – most days I’m afloat in some way shape or form.
Those who know will be aware of my other watery vices
(variety is the spice of life after all) and I’m keen to utilise
the tools for the job dependant on conditions every session.
I love all forms of paddling, from surf to race, white water to
downwind and so on. Over the years I’ve dipped a toe in nearly
all aspects. Whilst I may not be seen to be a hardcore racer, for
instance, I dabbled at SUP’s inception and take a keen interest
in what’s going on. Same for all areas of stand up. These days I
tend to look for specific conditions, unless I happen to be kit
testing which kind of dictates what type of SUP I’m going to be
doing.
My point is that we’re out there daily, enjoying and going
through the same experiences the rest of you are. It’s the only
way we/I can have a handle of what it means to be a stand up
paddler and therefore be credible. Not all media outlets
concerned with SUP are quite the same. Sure, they’ll tell you
they’re into it when actually that’s not the case.
As we come to the end of 2018’s SUP season it’s time to reflect.
At the start of the year we asked a load of brands for their
predictions ahead of the 12 months that lay before them (see
article link here -
https://standuppaddlemag.co.uk/2018/01/02/reflections-and-
predictions-2018-sup-season-gear-trends/. Have a read and see
if any of what was said rings true.
For my money it’s been a strange one. Industry suggestions of a
consolidating market; an amazing UK summer with
Mediterranean like weather; further wrangling’s and wrestling’s
within circles about the ‘ownership’ of SUP and so forth. What’s
been pretty obvious to me is that paddlers just want to paddle.
And when they paddle there’s a thirst for more. More time on the
water, more info and more soaking up of SUP ‘stuff’ than you can
waggle a blade at is born of being out there amongst it.
I’m hopeful that a large percentage of those who got into SUP
for the first time this year will carry on and progress, taking it
further than just it being a fair weather beach toy. Keeping those
stoke fires burning through the off season can be tough,
especially if it’s a cold one we get. But there’s plenty to get
involved with and there’s nothing like returning from a chilly
session to a roaring fire, warm cuppa or post-paddle pint.
SUP is ripe for you to forge your own path. There’s no right or
wrong and with so many routes to follow there’s a niche within
the niche that’ll suit you perfectly. And if you really can’t face
chillier weather paddling then keep an eye on SUP Mag UK and
our website to get you through.
By the way. Next year is SUPM’s fifth year birthday! Stay tuned
to how we’ll be celebrating. Enjoy the last SUP Mag UK of 2018
and we’ll catch you on the other side.
Tez Plavenieks, November 2018
[email protected]
Twitter: @tezwoz.
Instagram: @tez_plavenieks_sup_wind