As cooler weather sets in for much of the northern hemisphere, many people put their favorite outdoor activities on hold until spring. From swimming to biking to stand up paddleboarding, enjoying them in the colder months can be present new challenges. The air has a chill, the water has a bite, and the days are shorter. But do you really need to give up your favorite activities during the fall and winter months? Do you have to put your trusty paddleboard away? The answer is no! Even if it’s cold outside, you don’t need to say goodbye to your favorite inflatable paddle board just yet. It all comes down to planning. If you’re prepared, you can paddleboard your way through fall and into winter in some areas.
Why Should You Paddleboard in Cold Weather?
Let’s get this question out of the way first. Why should you paddleboard when it’s cold out? The obvious answer is because it’s fun, but the less-obvious answer is because it keeps you active. Once cold weather hits, many people have a habit of spending more time indoors. They might get some exercise at the gym or at home, but generally speaking, we tend to slow down during the cold season. Paddleboarding is an excellent way to stay fit during the winter months. It’s also a great way to burn off those holiday meal calories too.
Getting Ready for the Chill
As temperatures drop and chilly weather sets in, it’s necessary to prepare before hitting the water. Consider your attire. Shorts are out—wetsuits (or drysuits) are in. Wetsuits are great if you plan on being in the water itself, rather than just on the board. They let water in, but body heat warms the water, keeping you comfortable. Drysuits keep water out entirely and help keep you warm. What you go with is up to you, so long as it helps you keep warm while enjoying a paddle sesh. Another thing: Be sure you have a board leash and that you use it. Falling into cold water can be disorienting, and you don’t want to lose your board after taking a spill. Although it’s easy to forget to attach your leash to your ankle or wrist, it’s a necessary step in staying safe.
Staying Safe on the Water
You’re ready to hit the water with your blow up paddle board; what comes next? Before heading out, check the weather report. Then, while out on the water, keep a close eye on the sky. This is good advice for any time of the year, but this goes double during colder months when the risks are higher, and a sudden change in weather can be dangerous—that, and the fact that there are fewer people out on the water. If you get into trouble, your options may be limited. That said, never go out on the water alone. With a partner nearby, if something does go wrong, you have help. One more thing: With the days getting shorter, keep an eye on the sun. You don’t want to be on the water in the dark, which can make navigating back to shore a challenge. A good rule of thumb is to head back to the shore a good 20 to 30 minutes before sundown so you can pack up everything and head home for a nice cup of well-deserved hot chocolate.
About iROCKER
Adventure awaits at iROCKER. Since 2013, they’ve been a premier online destination for stand up paddleboards and everything you need to make the most of your fun on the water. Find inflatable paddleboards, hard boards, inflatable docks, towables, coolers, and a wide assortment of SUP accessories and outdoor gear. But iROCKER is more than just an online store for all things paddleboard-related—they’re also dedicated to helping you get the most out of your SUP. Explore their blog, videos, and other resources to learn about awe-inspiring paddleboard destinations, as well as tips and tricks to maximize your SUP experience. iROCKER has everything for SUP newbies and long-time enthusiasts who live life on the board.
Get ready for cold-weather paddleboarding in style with iROCKER at https://www.irockersup.com/
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