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SAIL
April 5, 2022
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Once you’ve purchased your paddleboard (SUP), find out what you’ll need to get ready and get the most out of paddling on the water before, during and after the activity. Discover the recommendations of Claude Roussin, outdoor expert at SAIL.
So you’ve purchased a stand up paddle board (also known as a SUP). Before hitting the water, read this article to find out more about:
Stand up paddle boards Men’s swimwear
Women’s swimwear Watersport clothing
If you don’t have a cottage with a lake view, don’t fret! There are several bodies of water in Quebec and Ontario where you can enjoy your new paddleboard (as long as you drive there and your board is a hard board!).
There are many safe ways to transport your paddleboard on the roof of your car: paddleboard rack with straps, J-shaped kayak rack, pads mounted on loading bars, etc.
You will need additional straps if you want to secure your board and make sure it doesn’t move, or foam strips to protect the outer shell of your board.
Before selecting your roof rack, be sure to consider these different criteria:
An inflatable paddle board does not need to be carried on the roof of a car, as it can be stored deflated in a relatively compact bag that can be put in the trunk of a car.
The Thule brand designs models dedicated to paddleboards.
Whether it’s a hard or inflatable model, the paddleboard weighs a considerable amount, sometimes making it a challenge to get to the water.
Whether you need to carry it from the trail to the beach or from the parking lot to the water, paddleboard carrying straps or a paddleboard carry bag come in handy to get it from point A to point B solo without having to carry it at arm’s length. These paddleboard carrying accessories are also handy if you live in the city and can access a body of water by public transportation, for example.
There are also carts on wheels, primarily designed for kayaks, but which can accommodate a paddleboard. They allow you to put a small watercraft on them and pull it along paved roads, gravel paths or the beach while you walk.
Explore the different models from brands like SAIL, Sea to Summit or Malone.
Wondering what to wear for a paddleboarding session? First of all, it is important to adapt your outfit to the season and weather.
In summer
If it’s hot and sunny, you can wear quick-drying shorts or a tight-fitting swimsuit.
A rashguard isn’t an absolute necessity, but it does help protect your chest, arms, and back from the sun on cloudy and sunny days, as well as from the wind if it’s chillier.
Complete your ensemble with a hat or cap to protect your head from the sun, and grab yourself a pair of polarized sunglasses.
In fall
Watersport clothing, such as wet suits, are ideal for chilly days. They are generally made from stretchy synthetic materials (neoprene, nylon, etc.) that protect your skin from the cold while keeping the heat inside.
A drysuit which is completely waterproof, and isn’t as suitable for paddleboarding, as it is stiffer and offers less freedom of movement.
You can go barefoot when paddleboarding. However, if you have to make several stops and walk in the water, on rocks or in the sand, you may want the comfort of water shoes.
Choose a pair that is soft enough to feel the board under your feet and stay balanced.
If you have a hard paddle board, you will not need a pump.
If you have an inflatable paddleboard, a manual pump probably comes with the board. Inflating the board requires some strength and endurance, and it takes about 15 minutes to get the board fully inflated.
Alternatively, you can get an electric pump to inflate your watercraft.
The advantage of the electric pump is that it inflates boards faster and has greater deflation power once you are finished on the water. The downside is that you must have access to a power outlet.
Wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) ensures safe navigation from the moment you step on a paddleboard, until the day’s end.
Transport Canada requires you to carry a PFD on any small watercraft, even a paddleboard. You must also carry an audible signaling device such as a whistle and a waterproof flashlight, which is very useful if you go out on the water before sunrise or after sunset. You are not required to carry a bailer, anchor or fire extinguisher.
A paddle can change your entire paddling experience, whether you’re more into leisurely or long rides.
Consider these criteria to choose the right paddle model:
Check out paddles from SAIL, Aqua Bound, or Carlisle, depending on your needs.
If you want to simply float on the water, on a river for example, attach your paddle securely so as not to lose it.
Those with bad backs will want to bring along a lightweight, waterproof, freestanding portable seat. This allows you to support your back while sitting on the board.
If you plan to paddle board fish, you may also want to make a few strokes without having to hold your line at the same time, so consider adding a rod holder to your board.
Avoid losing your phone, keys or other important personal items by slipping them into a waterproof bag, also known as a dry bag.
You can even attach a small float if you want to make sure it floats. You can also hold your camera with a floating strap.
The majority of inflatable paddleboard sets include a strap, or leash.
This accessory is just the thing for beginners and those who paddle board surf. It allows you to attach to your board and be able to hold on and get back on easily if you ever fall in the water.
Simply attach it to your ankle (the foot you tend to keep back) or your calf, especially if you paddle very fast.
If you’re going on a long ride, you’ll want to bring a lunch, soft drinks and snacks in a small, lightweight, compact cooler that can float.
If you’re landing to refuel, an anchor is a nice tool to carry around to keep your board stationary on the water without having to go to shore.
Don’t leave without a small, airtight first aid kit that includes the essentials: bandages, tweezers to remove splinters and ticks, antiseptic wipes, tape, insect bite gel wipes, etc.
Slip in a tube of broad-spectrum sunscreen so you can apply it immediately after immersing yourself in water or every two hours of sun exposure.
Protect your paddleboard from the sun to prolong its life. A few times a season, spray it with a UV protector, according to the recommendations on the bottle.
If your inflatable paddleboard has a hole in it, repair it with vinyl glue and hole plugs.
Once the season is over, you will need to store your SUP indoors, in its storage bag for an inflatable board and on wall hooks for a hard board.
Be sure to store your paddleboard in a dark, dry room. Leaving it outside or in the shed is not appropriate, as moisture, sun and cold could damage the board.
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