Need a little reminder on why winter SUP is a fun activity to participate in even while the temperature drops? Then check out these five reasons why winter SUP should be your go-to even during the colder months!
Did you notice it?
Just a few short days ago...
The calendar clicked over to November.
This change can mean many different things for different people.
But for us?
Well, it just means we get to continue to SUP under different conditions...
And different temperatures.
Because we believe in the necessity of continuing to do what we love all year long.
Maybe you're not convinced...
You like the warm temps, the sunny skies, the ability to swim wherever you decide to paddle.
We can't blame you, summertime temps are quite nice.
But before you go and pack away your SUP for the season...
Let us at least try to convince you why it's just as fun to try winter SUP...
With these top 5 reasons.
Starting at number one...
The Season
We all love pumpkin spice lattes, fall foliage, a slight chill in the air, and the holiday season...
Right?
Of course!
But that isn't the season we're talking about.
We're talking about your SUP season.
It is common practice for most paddlers to pack away their gear once the days become shorter and the mornings more difficult to rise early.
But you're not most paddlers.
And you understand the opportunity you have to continue paddling well into winter and maybe even extend your SUP season all year long!
By doing so, you can sharpen your paddling skills and continue to grow as a paddler.
Long breaks in between sessions can cause even the best athletes to suffer setbacks when it comes to technique, understanding the waterways, balance, and more!
By continuing through the cold months, and giving winter SUP a try, you won't need to shake off the rust for summertime fun...
Rather, you'll be good to go right away!
The Challenge
In life...
What forces us to grow?
To push past our boundaries and explore sides of ourselves that we never knew to exist?
A good challenge!
And what is more challenging than conquering the cold and pushing yourself to get on the water, even when you don't exactly feel like it?
In paddle boarding...when it comes to winter SUP, nothing comes close!
(Except maybe a long distance race. Or maybe a long distance race in the cold. That would certainly be a challenge.)
Embrace the challenge of the cold and see how far you can go (and grow).
The Scenery
The summer is beautiful.
Blue skies, green trees, and blue open water.
But you know what else is beautiful?
Trees full of red and yellow leaves, lining a nearby lake or river, as you paddle under a chilly setting sun, after a long weekend in the wild...
Followed by a warm campfire, a home cooked meal, and a warm sleeping bag underneath the stars.
That sounds pretty great as well, right?
Well, it can be yours if you decide to give winter SUP a try!
Plus if you can convince your friends to join you...
You can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Embrace the beauty of every season and watch as your love and appreciation for our world expand.
The Solitary
Okay, so we just mentioned inviting your friends along with you...
But you don't have to!
If you are more into silence and solitary, fall and winter paddling should interest you.
As the seasons change, the tourists leave, and most people spend more time indoors...
Leaving you the opportunity to explore your local paddling spot by yourself!
This can give you plenty of time to reflect in nature, feel the calm of the natural world, and unplug from your devices.
You'll be able to take in the scenery, unbothered by the noise of other visitors and watercraft.
This is the time to unplug, unwind, and relax in nature...
All by yourself.
The Exercise
Yet another casualty of the winter weather is a lack of exercise.
Combine that with celebrating a holiday centered around candy, followed by another one centered around a giant turkey feast, and yet another one centered around candy canes and cookies...
And you have a not-so-great great combination.
But if you continue to paddle well into the winter SUP season - you can still get your exercise in.
And do it in a fun way that will never leave you bored or frustrated.
Convinced?
We thought you might be!
But, before you head into the cold, be sure you know the conditions, and more importantly...
What to wear while you're out there!
Otherwise you may find yourself in a dangerous situation. To know exactly what you need to put on for cold water paddling, check out our article entitled, "What to Wear for Fall and Cold Water Paddling.
And check out this short clip of what it's like to paddle in a winter wonderland:
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