Stand Up Paddle Boarding

It was  not a great forecast today and time was short so a quick paddle out from St Brelade's on the stand up paddle boards was an ideal compromise.  I have had a board for about nine months and have found it to be an excellent addition to sea kayaking.  It assists with balance, core strength, swimming etc.  After 30 minutes in the surf on the board I am generally exhausted, that is probably because I am having to climb back on board so often.  

Most people who I have encountered have come into stand up paddleboarding through a background in surfing and so have excellent balance whereas I have come into the sport via kayaking and have paddle skills.  Overall I think that it is easier to progress if you have balance!

Stand up paddleboarding is becoming increasingly popular and it is interesting to note that the British Canoe Union has become involved.  In the latest edition of CoDe there is the following statement:

"Due to the rising popularity and relevance to paddle sport it has been decided to add Stand up Paddle Boards (SUP) to the list of craft that it is possible to complete the Paddlesport start award, 1 and 2 star and also enable individuals to have SUP as their main craft within the BCU/UKCC L1 coach award.

There is a foundation module in development for coaches interested in introducing SUP to novices in the sheltered water environment.  It is anticipated that this will be rolling out for the summer of 2012."

 

These pictures were taken with my GoPro, which I set to take a photograph every minute.  These were the best of 40 plus pictures.  Not great quality but they give an impression of the rather indifferent weather and sea state.

Roll on summer!

 Heading out from St Brelade's.  The wind was increasing and a front was approaching with significant rainfall, which had an impact on the quality of the photographs.  In this persistent rain, water droplets on the lens were a real problem.

 We headed out to the headland between Beauport and St Brelade's.  Progress beyond the headland into the wind was proving pretty difficult, if not impossible.  So we decided to turn into the wind and head into St Brelade's before repeating the circuit.

 St Brelade's ahead, the pier is visible on the left.

Just leaving the board.  The hand is off the paddle and a swim is imminent.  I took six swims in 40 minutes, which considering the sea state wasn't too bad for me.