Is it okay to paddle board in the rain?
Rainy conditions paddle boarding in the rain can be a peaceful and unique experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Waterproof gear: wear a waterproof jacket and consider using a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry. One of the most challenging elements of stand-up paddle surfing is just getting through the whitewater and crashing waves. Before you can even think about how you’re going to catch a wave, you actually have to get out into position beyond the breaking waves. Having a huge sup board makes this all the more difficult.All paddle boards have maximum weight guidelines, if you’re nearing these weight limits (remember to include the weight of belongings, pets and passengers!Outdoor storage: For many paddlers, keeping a giant board indoors isn’t feasible. It’s perfectly fine to stow your SUP outside, you just need to take certain precautions to protect it from the elements.Stand up paddleboards are generally faster than kayaks, as they have a longer waterline and can glide more easily through the water. This makes them ideal for exploring open water, such as lakes, rivers, or even the ocean. Kayaks, however, are easier to steer in tight spaces.Winds above 15 mph are generally not recommended for paddle boarding. Paddle Technique: Learn and practice proper paddle techniques to navigate windy conditions more effectively. Stay Close to Shore: In strong winds, it’s safer to stay close to the shoreline to avoid being blown off course.
Can you paddle board in cold water?
Your best bet for paddle boarding in cold water is wearing a wetsuit or neoprene paddlewear, designed for cold conditions. The thickness of the wetsuits and neoprene products determines their efficiency in insulation, which means the thicker the wetsuit the better protection you’ll get in case of cold shock. Cooler Conditions (10°C – 15°C): Opt for a thicker full-length wetsuit, around 4mm to 5mm. This thickness will keep you warm in cooler waters without restricting movement too much. Cold Conditions (Below 10°C): A full-length wetsuit with a thickness of 5mm to 6mm, possibly with thermal lining, is necessary.Insulated Clothing: For cold-water activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, insulated clothing designed for cold weather can be an alternative to a wetsuit. Drysuits: If you’re engaging in diving or other activities where you want to stay completely dry, a drysuit might be a better option.For many women, the simplest and most common choice is to wear nothing under their wetsuit. This option ensures: Maximum flexibility: No extra fabric to bunch up or restrict movement. Streamlined fit: Allows the wetsuit to conform closely to the body as it was designed for better insulation.If you’re heading out somewhere hot or hitting the water in the height of summer, then a wetsuit won’t be necessary. However, if you’re paddleboarding in cold weather or in winter, the extra insulation provided by a wetsuit will offer invaluable benefits both in terms of safety and your general comfort.Your clothing choice should align with the water’s temperature. For waters below 70°F (21°C), a wetsuit or dry suit is essential. In even colder conditions, below 50°F (10°C), prioritize a dry suit for its superior protection against the cold.
Should I wear water shoes when paddle boarding?
The conditions you’ll be paddle boarding in should also guide your footwear choice. For colder weather and water conditions, opt for insulating footwear like surf booties. On the other hand, if you’re paddle boarding in a local lake or calm flat water during summer, water shoes or even barefoot might be the way to go. In the winter, SUP shoes are a must, but in the summer, we suggest you go barefoot. In the cold months, you’ll need to wear a neoprene shoe or bootie. That said, if you’re launching your board in a shallow spot where there are rocks or sharp debris under the water, shoes are a good idea.For some, neoprene shoes or boots are ideal to keep their feet warm. Others prefer to use a neoprene sock then a water boot or shoe of some kind. Regardless of what you use, make sure you keep your feet warm.
Can I leave my paddle board inflated overnight?
Yes, you can leave your paddle board inflated for short periods, but it’s essential to regularly check its condition and inflation level. Over Expansion in Paddle Boards There is no rule saying you can’t leave your paddle board inflated; however, we strongly recommend that if you’re leaving your paddle board in storage for long periods of time, you should deflate it to keep it in its best possible condition.Most manufacturers will specify a maximum amount of time that the board can be left inflated without damaging it. Paddle Co. For long-term storage, we recommend letting a little air pressure out of the board.With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.