ThePADDLER 58
Make a plan
Through our work in schools , D of E , and generally sharing a love of adventures , we have shared our three-step plan for adventures to remove the ‘ hand brake ’ effect of never starting . It is summarised as follows , “ The best adventure is the one you take … start now .”
We recommend three steps : 1 ) Blue sky thinking , think big , think outside , have a vision . 2 ) Make a plan that is achievable . 3 ) Start now – do it , Carpe Diem ( YOLO if you don ’ t do Latin !).
DO THE ‘ ONE BAG ’ CHALLENGE . Can you fit all your kit and equipment into one bag ? This takes discipline and sorting out what you need versus what you want . Considering your outdoor hierarchy of needs to determine solutions for shelter , sleeping , water , food , clothing and in an emergency is essential , as is packing light !
PRACTICE MAKES … PERMANENT . In coaching , this is one of our helpful lines … ‘ Practice makes perfect ?’ Nope , we say permanent ! So we need to practice the right things , well , and in conditions , we are likely to face . As an example , paddle your board fully loaded , so you know what to expect . Develop upwind , downwind and surf skills on your SUP .
PADDLE WITHIN YOUR LIMITS Check the weather and conditions and make sure they match your skills . You don ’ t want to add to the stats for rescue teams and the coastguard . Get some professional tuition or join a club to speed up the learning curve .
DO MORE THAN LEAVE NO TRACE Leave no trace has been the mantra of many outdoor articles and environmental charities for some time . As the population pendulum has swung to vast numbers on a small planet , we have all seen the effects of global warming , plastic pollution and general over consumption of our resources . Leave no trace is not enough as we approach a tipping point , so why not aim to collect a bit of other peoples rubbish , aka the ' Trash Can Challenge '.
MAKE IT YOUR MICRO-ADVENTURE . DO WHAT YOU LOVE ? Contrary to reality TV shows , you don ’ t have to make your adventure an endurance event or bushtucker trial ! Visit places you want to explore with your tribe and enjoy your favourite treats . You can simplify your kit if you are doing a shuttle by leaving your kit in your vehicle so you can paddle light .