The wind can be your most dangerous enemy when paddle boarding. When you are on a paddle board your body acts like a sail. And the wind will take you where you don’t want to go and keep you from getting back into shore. Paddling into a strong wind is always hard and often impossible.
I really should mention this first; Paddles By The Sea will generally not rent paddle boards or kayaks if it’s too windy. Some wind directions are better than others but, generally, if it’s anything over 15 mph we cancel tours and rentals. It’s not worth sending most people out to struggle.
One of the biggest dangers to stand up paddling is off shore winds, meaning winds that are blowing from the shore, out to sea, or out into the lake or river. Off shore winds can be very dangerous to stand up paddling. The wind plays such an influence over which direction you travel, especially when you're first learning.
Wind speeds of 6 to 10 mph will affect lighter boards, while winds speeds in excess of 10 mph will lead to a significant performance decrease of almost all paddleboards. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to maintain control of your paddleboard and either wait for the wind to die down or get back to shore.
This week Fanatic bring us a great video on how to stand up paddle board (SUP) in windy conditions. They cover awareness of the conditions and some techniques for paddling in wind. Paddle boarding can be glorious fun, but weather can change quickly.
Windy conditions can be dangerous when paddle boarding. And it’s best to not go out when it is windy. But there are times when on a long tour or sup camping that you get caught in unexpected strong winds.
Lots of variables...not the least of which... what kind of board you paddle. In my case, on short surf SUP, 15mph for longer, 20mph for very short distances, above that, I go backwards. I frequently paddle when the wind is over 20mph, but I plan my trips to be protected by a bluff along a bay or river.
Wind can be deceiving – an offshore breeze makes it difficult to paddle back – especially on a paddle board. Paddle boarding is more enjoyable at lower wind speeds with flatter waters and is dicey and really wet when wavy. Even when wind is in the safe range, we’re still watching the waves, as gusts can increase the water choppiness.
You might find that you just need to paddle harder or sweep more on the windy side of your kayak to keep your boat going straight. If you have waves coming in from the side as well as wind, keeping your course can be even more difficult.
It can also be useful when it is too windy and rough. But for beginners, it can be a way to introduce themselves to SUP. You will get a feel of the sport, learn your board, and master the basics.
And when paddle boarding, you definitely shouldn’t forget to tether yourself to your board with a leash. Your board becomes your life-saving device when you get tired, lost, or when you find yourself a little too far from shore—and you can easily lose it in windy or stormy conditions if you’re not tethered to it.
Not centering your weight on the board As with most things in life — and especially paddle boarding — balance is key. You’re looking for the ‘Goldilocks’ principle here. Not too far forward, not too far back, juuuust right — in the middle. Start by kneeling on the board and paddling until you feel comfortable.
Consider, too, board length in regards to your type of car, home storage situation and length of walk to the beach or shore (longer boards are more difficult to carry, especially in windy places). Average size surf style paddle boards (10' to 11'6'): Beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed outing with no particular destination in mind will likely ...
Wind can be deceiving – an offshore breeze makes it difficult to paddle back – especially on a paddle board. Paddle boarding is more enjoyable at lower wind speeds with flatter waters and is dicey and really wet when wavy. Even when wind is in the safe range, we’re still watching the waves, as gusts can increase the water choppiness.
A wider board will always be more stable than a skinny board, but keep in mind that a wide board can be slower and, if the board is too wide for you, difficult to paddle. SUPs are made in widths ranging from about 25 inches up to 36 inches to accommodate a variety of needs.
And when paddle boarding, you definitely shouldn’t forget to tether yourself to your board with a leash. Your board becomes your life-saving device when you get tired, lost, or when you find yourself a little too far from shore—and you can easily lose it in windy or stormy conditions if you’re not tethered to it.
Not centering your weight on the board As with most things in life — and especially paddle boarding — balance is key. You’re looking for the ‘Goldilocks’ principle here. Not too far forward, not too far back, juuuust right — in the middle. Start by kneeling on the board and paddling until you feel comfortable.
Consider, too, board length in regards to your type of car, home storage situation and length of walk to the beach or shore (longer boards are more difficult to carry, especially in windy places). Average size surf style paddle boards (10' to 11'6'): Beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed outing with no particular destination in mind will likely ...
Since getting paddle boards I have sold my yacht. It is so easy to put a board on a car and get a good paddle. When the coast is windy, rivers are calm. Being in Opua there is always somewhere to paddle.
A wider board will always be more stable than a skinny board, but keep in mind that a wide board can be slower and, if the board is too wide for you, difficult to paddle. SUPs are made in widths ranging from about 25 inches up to 36 inches to accommodate a variety of needs.
Windy days when it is too rough to go out for a paddle; Wind conditions between 5-20 mph; Small surf- head high waves and below; Scenic paddle across the lake or down a river; Excellent core workout; Perfect for cabins or lake homes; Easy to lean and fun for all ages; aaaaaaaaaaa
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout. And, since you stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon.
On these super windy days, it's fine to paddle board, but it's best not to explore too far and to stick close to shore. Public sound accesses are also available in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, particularly near the Kitty Hawk Sate Reserve .
For flatwater SUP, the Wasilla Lake in the Matanuska Valley will give you the ultimate experience on your inflatable stand up paddle board. If you want a spot that is not too windy but has views that you cannot get elsewhere, try the Eklutna Lake. There are just very many kayaking and SUP spots in Alaska; you can barely exhaust them. However ...
Have your kayak and surf it too. With our stand up paddle boards, the swiftness of a surfboard and the durability of an Ocean Kayak hull all add up to one unforgettable ride. Stand up for a workout or take a seat for a relaxing cruise. Whatever you choose, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy the water.
Trying a paddle board for the first time can be a thrilling adventure. However, there are risks that come with it. Here are paddle boarding safety tips for you!
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers a fun way to play on the water, with the added benefit of a full-body workout. And, since you stand at full height on your board, it gives you a unique vantage point for viewing what’s down under the water and out on the horizon.
On these super windy days, it's fine to paddle board, but it's best not to explore too far and to stick close to shore. Public sound accesses are also available in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, particularly near the Kitty Hawk Sate Reserve .
A good quality inflatable paddle board is also less expensive as opposed to a good quality hard board. Good quality inflatable paddle boards will run you anywhere from $450- $800. Fiberglass (or Epoxy) paddle boards are in the $600 – $1500 range.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding: Tips from a Pro. Stand up paddle boarding may just be my new favorite outdoor activity. Not only do you get a healthy dose of Vitamin D and get to be out of the water, it’s also a great form of exercise for toning up those abs.
Have your kayak and surf it too. With our stand up paddle boards, the swiftness of a surfboard and the durability of an Ocean Kayak hull all add up to one unforgettable ride. Stand up for a workout or take a seat for a relaxing cruise. Whatever you choose, you’ll never run out of ways to enjoy the water.
Wind can be deceiving – an offshore breeze makes it difficult to paddle back – especially on a paddle board. Paddle boarding is more enjoyable at lower wind speeds with flatter waters and is dicey and really wet when wavy. Even when wind is in the safe range, we’re still watching the waves, as gusts can increase the water choppiness.
You might find that you just need to paddle harder or sweep more on the windy side of your kayak to keep your boat going straight. If you have waves coming in from the side as well as wind, keeping your course can be even more difficult.
It can also be useful when it is too windy and rough. But for beginners, it can be a way to introduce themselves to SUP. You will get a feel of the sport, learn your board, and master the basics.
And when paddle boarding, you definitely shouldn’t forget to tether yourself to your board with a leash. Your board becomes your life-saving device when you get tired, lost, or when you find yourself a little too far from shore—and you can easily lose it in windy or stormy conditions if you’re not tethered to it.
Not centering your weight on the board As with most things in life — and especially paddle boarding — balance is key. You’re looking for the ‘Goldilocks’ principle here. Not too far forward, not too far back, juuuust right — in the middle. Start by kneeling on the board and paddling until you feel comfortable.
Consider, too, board length in regards to your type of car, home storage situation and length of walk to the beach or shore (longer boards are more difficult to carry, especially in windy places). Average size surf style paddle boards (10' to 11'6'): Beginners or anyone seeking a relaxed outing with no particular destination in mind will likely ...