How would you like to walk on water?
Yes – you read that right. Just like any other water travel, SUP trips take you places that are impossible to reach on foot, and it also offers other fantastic features that other water travels don’t have – you get to walk on water (sort of). If it’s your first time planning a SUP trip, and you are unsure of how to plan the whole event to make it a worthwhile SUP experience, then you are in luck. In this post, I’ll show you a list of things to keep in mind when planning for your SUP camping trip.
Start Small And Simple
SUP trips come in different forms, it could be a broad day trip or an overnight trip, but one thing is very important – don’t be overconfident in your ability or that of your team. It’s always important to prioritize safety over fun. So, it’s always best to start small. Don’t worry, you will still have loads of fun without going overboard. There are some moves that are not supposed to be done by SUP beginners, so if you are new to SUPs, it’s best to stick to the basics.
Thoroughly Plan Your Route
Do you prefer paddleboarding through a commonly traveled waterway or in a remote area? You need to choose your route based on your preference, as well as some other factors such as the number of people traveling with you, the duration of the trip, the number of traveling miles per day, and also if you want to camp overnight. Before you make a final decision on your destination, you need to be sure you know camping is allowed along your route. This is why it is a great idea to make inquiries to know if you’re allowed to camp anywhere, or you only have access to designated campsites.
Trip Gears Supply
Going on a SUP trip, you’ll need boards, paddles, safety equipment, waterproof packs, camping, and cooking gear. The people at Stand Up Paddle Boards Review explained that It’s very important to choose your paddleboard after researching and knowing what is right for you. You should also know if your group has to bring the necessary equipment or whether these can be rented. If your trip will be managed by an outfitter, you can get a recommendation or route for your group based on your preferences and level of experience.
SUP Duration
You need to be aware of the experience of your group, their level of fitness, and how far they can paddle. Also, important is the choice of water you will paddle in. The intensity of paddling and risk differs from one water body to the other, so you need to be sure you and your group can paddle conveniently on the chosen water body, whether it’s a river, flat water, or an ocean.
Weather and Water Temperature
Follow up the weather forecast for the destination and time of year of your trip. This must be done at the early stage of your planning, and endeavor to go for as detailed a forecast as you can get to be better prepared. In case the weather would be unfavorable, consider changing your route or postponing your SUP camping trip to a later day. Also, know the water temperatures, as this will help you be sufficiently prepared for whatever surprises your SUP experience may involve.
Communication For Safety
Make sure someone knows where you will be going and when you are expected to return, as well as your route plan. Being out of the cell phone range for just a few days is still fair, but if you’re offline for more than a week, you should consider investing in a satellite phone to keep you connected in case of an unforeseen circumstance.
Bring All Necessary Safety Gear
Safety preparation is one of the most important things to consider when planning your SUP camping trip. You should make sure that you’ve got all the safety gear you need to stay safe while on your SUP camping trip, as this can make all the difference to your trip. Safety gear includes the basics like PFDs, a SUP leash, and a whistle. A first aid kit is also a must-have among your trip supplies. You should have more than one person on the team who knows how to use it in case of emergencies.
Depending on how well you plan, your SUP trips can be fun or a total disaster. Aside from the thrill and fun, your safety is very important. The good news is that these planning tips discussed will help you plan the perfect SUP camping trip.