Get up paddle boarding is a superb out of doors exercise for households – we’re completely hooked. Nevertheless, you want greater than one thing to journey to check out this enjoyable water sport. Right here’s what we suggest you put on paddle boarding within the UK in the summertime and winter.
*This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
What to put on paddle boarding in the summertime
We began paddle boarding in the summertime within the UK, which is the perfect time for anybody to begin with hotter, calmer climate whilst you familiarise your self with SUP.
For those who’re questioning what to put on to your first time paddle boarding right here’s the package we began out with and a few bits we’ve got since changed:
Moist fits
Moist fits ought to be high of your thoughts when questioning what to put on paddle boarding, particularly within the UK.
Our youngest (four-years-old on the time) inherited a Jakabel toddler wetsuit* from her older sister once we began paddle boarding. It initially had inbuilt floats which have been nice for when the women have been splashing round on the seaside.
We might all the time advise sporting a buoyancy help for water sports activities (see beneath). Pool floats or arm bands will not be ample for water sports activities.
Our eldest daughter has had just a few shorty moist fits, beginning with a Nalu youngster’s wetsuit* which we picked up throughout a day trip at a rustic park. It’s actually versatile and lasted so long as it fitted her. Our youngest inherited this too.
Mr Tin Field purchased a XCEL shorty wetsuit from an area surf store. There’s comparable ones on Amazon*.
Wetsuits may be a clumsy match so typically going to a store the place you possibly can strive them on before you purchase is a good suggestion.
In the meantime, I picked up a £30 wetsuit from our native grocery store to see what the standard distinction was. It was positively thicker and fewer versatile, but it surely did the job.
It lasted two seasons earlier than the seams began to present in! Right here’s a comparable one on Amazon*.
We spent a bit extra on my subsequent shorty wetsuit* in order that I had one thing extra versatile and cozy to put on for longer.
The Mystic Diva is 2mm thick, so wetsuit for the summer time. The lengthy arms imply I don’t want to fret a lot in regards to the solar. Nevertheless, I’ve discovered the brief legs roll up a bit across the high of my thighs.
Extra slimline women will in all probability not have the identical problem. I’m a measurement 16 and have the XL. The DIVA is out of inventory with Mystic in the intervening time however there are comparable kinds.
UV protecting swimwear
If you’re paddle boarding in the summertime or in hotter climes then you possibly can in all probability ditch the wetsuit and go for normal swimwear.
I do know from expertise that you could burn simply when on the water – ouch! When doing any form of water sport like paddle boarding put on UV protecting swimwear, rash vests and hats to guard you and the youngsters.
Paddle boarding sneakers
For those who’re questioning do it’s a must to put on sneakers when paddle boarding, that is very a lot a private alternative.
I favor to be naked foot as I discover it simpler to maneuver them on the board with no grippy sole. Nevertheless, I typically put on seaside sneakers to get to the water.
Non-slip, water sneakers make it simpler to stroll throughout shingle seashores.
We have now used KEEN Stingray water sneakers for the youngsters, that are fab.
Solar glasses
For those who’re out on the water you’re sure to be choosing up loads of daylight reflecting off the floor of the water.
Good sun shades will assist to guard your eyes and your children’ eyes.
Within the water, you may also like to purchase snorkel units to your children.
What to put on paddle boarding in winter
If you wish to take pleasure in paddle life all 12 months spherical then you should ensure you have the best gear for paddle boarding in winter.
We’ve kitted ourselves out for the UK’s colder months in addition to the summer time. Right here’s what we suggest you put on for paddle boarding within the colder months:
Wetsuits for paddle boarding in winter within the UK
After feeling the water temperature dropping over the autumn we knew we would wish lengthy wetsuits for winter paddling within the UK.
Mr Tin Field went for the Xcel 5-4mm Axis X wetsuit from a surf store native to us in Devon.
I wanted one thing that allowed for my curves. Circle One do wetsuits for ladies as much as measurement 18. I’ve the Kona 3mm wetsuit. It’s a summer time wetsuit however the lengthy legs and arms have stored me toasty throughout our winter swims and SUP adventures.
Our eldest has a Circle One Faze children 3/2mm wetsuit and our youngest has an Australian Board Co Pulse 3/2mm wetsuit. These are additionally lengthy summer time wetsuits, that are nice for the brief intervals of time the women are within the water. They’re principally splashing about.
We have now had hassle discovering correct winter moist fits for youngsters, so we solely plan brief SUP journeys within the winter.
We additionally make certain the women’ fingers and toes are toasty…
Wetsuit boots and gloves
I didn’t perceive why individuals raved about wetsuit boots and waterproof gloves till I attempted them myself. OMG, they’re a revelation.
The easy model of the science is that in case your fingers and ft are chilly then your entire physique feels chilly. So, maintaining your extremities heat means you possibly can have enjoyable for longer.
So, in the event you’re questioning easy methods to preserve your fingers and ft heat whereas paddle boarding, boots and gloves are a should!
Mr Tin Field has Xcel boots and C Pores and skin gloves, whereas I’ve Circle One boots and these 3mm PAWHIT gloves*.
We have now additionally acquired the women boots, wetsuit socks and gloves.
Having stated all this, I truly discover it tough to paddle board in boots. I a lot favor naked ft as a result of it’s simpler to maneuver them on the board. I reserve my boots for swimming.
Learn our ideas for paddle boarding in winter for extra info.
Altering robes
Whenever you get out of the water after paddle boarding within the winter you want one thing you possibly can throw on shortly to maintain you heat.
We’ve invested in a few Dryrobes for Mr Tin Field and I and Moonwraps for the youngsters. These do the job splendidly.
They’re massive sufficient to vary in and have large pockets for maintaining necessities like telephones and keys secure whilst you climb in or out of a wetsuit.
You can even pop them on over your swim swimsuit for the automotive journey house for a scorching bathe; minimising the period of time altering on the seaside.
Learn out full Moonwrap gown overview.
What to put on paddle boarding in Spring
Because the climate modifications we transfer from our lengthy moist fits and gloves to shorties. So our paddle boarding gear in Spring transitions between the Winter and Summer time package lists above.
Nevertheless, don’t transition totally too quickly. The ocean temperature takes an extended whereas to heat up after the winter even when the air temperature is feeling summer-like.
If you’re paddle boarding within the UK you possibly can test sea temperature, wind course and climate forecasts utilizing Windy.com.
Don’t neglect to make use of solar cream. It’s very easy to get caught out by vivid Spring days.
Extra stuff you want for paddle boarding all 12 months spherical
Don’t neglect these essential extras whether or not you’re paddle boarding in the summertime or winter:
Buoyancy aids
Whether or not you’re paddle boarding in the summertime or winter you want buoyancy aids for you and your loved ones.
One thing that we didn’t have earlier than beginning paddle boarding have been buoyancy aids for the youngsters.
We picked up a Gul from Go Open air and a Circle One from a surf store. Related ones are obtainable on Amazon*.
It’s a good suggestion to speak via the varied choices or search recommendation from knowledgeable to ensure you get an applicable buoyancy help to your child primarily based on their peak and weight.
Learn extra of our ideas for paddle boarding with children.
After we borrowed boards from Pink Paddle Co in addition they provided us with two Airbelt private flotation gadgets. Consider these life jackets they use in security demonstrations on planes however tucked away in a waist belt that you could shortly put over your head and inflate do you have to get into hassle.
These have been specifically designed for Pink to provide the reassurance of carrying a buoyancy help with out it getting in the best way.
After we purchased our personal boards we discovered these buoyancy floats*, that are very comparable. You put on them like a belt and hardly discover them.
They’re simple to take care of – simply fastidiously unwrap the floatation bag and air dry it water every use. For those who do want to make use of your Restube alternative cartridges* can be found.
The paddle boards
Our first paddle boards have been borrowed for a summer time from the producer Pink.
We liked them and the actual fact they’re a Devon firm – not that we’re biased!
However once we determined to purchase our personal we opted for Sandbank SUP Fashion boards. The distinction between the 2 manufacturers? The value.
If you’re weighing up the prices of shopping for a premium model paddle board verses a mid-range board learn our Pink paddle board overview and our Sandbanks SUP Fashion paddle board overview.
Sports activities watch
For those who like monitoring your out of doors actions a sports activities watch like a Garmin will preserve a report of your SUP adventures.
I’m not what you’d name a ‘sporty particular person’ however I discover it satisfying realizing how far we’ve paddled. I additionally use my Garmin smartwatch to maintain observe of my steps, sleep and stress ranges utilizing the Garmin Join app. It’s been a little bit of a revelation.
I’ve the Garmin Venu 2S*.
Mr Tin Field is a long run consumer of good watches to trace his train routine. Learn his overview of the Garmin Fenix 6 Sapphire.
Altering towels
Donning a wetsuit on a seaside or in in a carpark is not any imply feat.
Having a altering towel* makes this soooo a lot simpler in the summertime months. They aren’t wind resistant like a dry gown however they’re good for hotter days.
Cool bag
If you’re planning an expedition along with your paddle boards then chances are you’ll wish to take a picnic with you.
Pink make a waterproof, insulated cool bag* that’s perfect for this with loads of contact factors so that you can safe it to the webbing in your board. It’s pricy but it surely retains issues chilly for ages so can also be perfect for festivals and tenting too.
Dry bag
When you find yourself utilizing a public seaside to launch you’ll want to take dry bag for important gadgets you don’t wish to depart in your automotive.
Cell phones, automotive keys and money, in addition to a microfibre towel* and alter of garments may be stored drip free in a dry bag*.
Cell phone case
If you might want to preserve your cell phone accessible, which is all the time helpful if you’re paddle boarding off shore, a waterproof cell phone case* is a should. You can even slip a bit of money into this.
Have you ever been paddle boarding? What package do you all the time take with you?
Need extra concepts for household holidays and days out? Learn my ideas for smashing household journey and join my publication.
Disclosure: this publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks. For those who click on on a hyperlink marked with * and make a purchase order then I could earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the worth you pay.
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