SUP Mag UK October 2020 issue 27 | Page 3

editor ’ s note

The continuing saga of strange times & COVID

What an extremely strange , uncertain , up and down year we ’ ve had . From lockdown in spring , to rammed beaches , unprecedented interest , sales and growth with SUP to yet another ‘ sort of ’ lockdown as I write ( Sept 23 , 2020 ). With Boris ’ latest announcement more uncertainty looms for everyone . I won ’ t harp on as the story is broadcast far and wide . Suffice to say we should ALL be making the most of getting outdoors when and however we can . Even if Momma Nature stops playing ball there ’ s never been more incentive to leave the confines of your home and take solace in nature – all whilst adhering to COVID rules I hasten to add !
On a lighter note this issue of SUPM is brimming with content to get you in the mood . From those so called standard SUP articles to more off the wall / unusual we aim to bring you stories and features from as a wide a breadth of stand up paddle boarding as you can get . SUP these days isn ’ t just about swinging a paddle . For some that may still be the case whilst for others it ’ s about flying three foot out the water ( via different power sources ).
If you ’ ve just discovered SUP then welcome ! It ’ s one of the most diverse and versatile activities you can be involved with . You may choose any number of routes to follow , or simply stick with recreational paddling . The choice is yours and it ’ s all good . And don ’ t think that autumn / winter is a time to Jack it in – far from it ! Even fair weather types will find a window . Coupled with the right gear ( a decent wetsuit for instance ) there ’ s nothing stopping you getting out for a float .
For now , enjoy the latest issue of SUP Mag UK , stay safe and however you enjoy your ‘ SUP ’ we salute you !
Stand up paddle boarding , along with windsurfing , foiling and music have been mine and my family ’ s life lines this year ( you can see this within the articles within this very magazine ). Being able to get afloat , get wet and have fun ( along with the good weather ) has provided some special times – the irony . During lockdown , this simple freedom being taken away was awful . As it was for many others . And if we want to protect this freedom and still enjoy SUP , or whatever outdoor activity of choice you subscribe to , we must all do our bit . Nobody wants another hard national lockdown … I ’ ll shut up now .
Nick Kingston : WSUK / SUPM photo contributor and friend . Thanks for all the good times . Rest in peace brother .
Photo : Oli Lane-Peirce
Tez Plavenieks , October 2020 tez @ supmaguk . co . uk Instagram : @ tez _ plavenieks