PADDLER
Cross deck Vs switching sides Vs edge control
WHAT ’ S BEST ?
Words : Jim Miller Photos : Jim Miller , Kirsten Petrie & Eleri Spencer To cross deck or not cross deck on a SUP , that is the question ! It is a question that comes around now and then , with some people very set that cross deck is not really a thing on SUP , whereas others are the entire opposite . So why is this the case ?
When we first learn to SUP ( for some of you reading this , you might have to think back to your first few days on a SUP ), it is commonplace to switch sides because you wish to keep going in a straight line , make turning easier , not build an imbalance of muscle on one side of the body , or your stroke simply isn ’ t efficient enough yet to stick on one side paddling … But what is interesting is that SUP paddlers swap sides more often , unlike canoeing , where people find their preferred side and stick with it .
ABOUT JIM MILLER … I began my love for the outdoors nearly 30 years ago when being taken up mountains , onto rivers and to the sea as a child . I would regularly run ahead into the mountains , sit on a rock and admire the views and this helped me to develop a true passion for the outdoor environment .
I regularly engage in all disciplines of paddlesports and have the privilege of being a national trainer for white water SUP and other disciplines as well as sitting on different discipline and technical committees . I am a provider in different SCA / BC awards which I deliver in canoe , kayak , SUP and rafts . I am currently on the Hala and Werner ( System X ) SUP teams for white water paddleboarding and love pushing the limits of what is possible . I am keen to share my passion and enjoyment with as many as possible and I love being on a SUP – a huge smile just crosses my face . I hope to see you all on the water at some point !
PADDLER
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