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Paddling in strong winds

Paddling Techniques for SUP Newcomers - Part 5

SUP - Foto: Fotolia

To have to paddle against the wind while standing on the SUP board can be very strenuous and even dangerous in some situations. Especially in strong winds you run the risk of drifting off course. Depending on how much the wind is picking up, it is not always enough to kneel down. Maybe you have to sit down or lay flat on the board and paddle with your hands.

Step 1

The basic rule is very simple: The less surface you present to the wind to attack, the less the danger of drifting off! Bend your knees slowly. The paddle helps to keep the balance. Support yourself with your hands and paddle until your knees are on the board.

Step 2

Once in a stable position, you can straighten up on your knees and start paddling again. When paddling while lying down, you simply clamp the paddle between body and board and simply takes the hands, as when paddlimg with a surfboard out into the waves.

Safety when paddling on the sea

If you are not familiar with the conditions at a spot by the sea, you should always first ask at local surf schools or talk to local SUP paddlers about local conditions at the spot. Especially in places on the coast with strong, off-land winds your SUP trip may otherwise easily end up on the open sea. Especially unknown currents can be quite dangerous, something you may have heard of before - but the power of the wind is easily underestimated! But anyone who has ever paddled against a steady wind of around 20 knots knows how exhausting this is.