Stand Up Paddle Surfing/Boarding/SUP in Devon - South West

SUP SHOP | SUP NIGHT BLOG | WEEKLY SUP NIGHT

History
Stand up Paddle (SUP) originated like Surfing in Hawaii in 1940's when the local surfers paddled out standing up to take pictures of the tourists in Wikiki, standing up to ride alongside, to get the right shot.

Why Stand up
Stand up paddle has two sides to it, one is a very relaxing, gentle workout, the other is awsome fun and a great workout just like windsurfing.

1. SUP Flat Water.
Why stand on a massive surfboard and paddle it around? Flat water SUP is very accessible to almost anyone. The new SUP Boards of 30" and wider offer a very stable platform to cruise around on giving you a very comfortable paddling position. (Why does anyone sit down and paddle?) The boards come in different sizes and widths to suit any size rider. The longer boards are more flat water or larger rider oriented, these boards glide through the water smoothly (less wind the better) giving a stable comfortable ride. Standing up means you see alot more, (News to our surf or kayak friends) paddling and looking down you can see through the water (fish, seaweed, bottom etc.) as well as around. A half hour paddle on flat water uses lots of muscles you may have forgotton about, across your shoulders, whole back and core as well as your legs and gives a low impact all over workout (you won't want a 5/3 wintersuit on!). In general SUP Flat water is sociable, a good sensation and an easy workout, alot more exciting than the gym!

2. SUP Surfing.
If you live next to a barreling reef break that works every time you're off, and you can surf a 6ft board then you don't need a SUP Board. However if you want to try surfing in easy small waves or want to spend more time riding waves than sitting on you're board, then SUP Surfing is for you. Why SUP Surf? On a big long board you can catch any wave 6 inches high to 15 foot high on the same board. Paddling with a paddle gets you on to waves super early meaning you can catch waves alot earlier than a normal surfboard. Riding with a paddle means you can paddle through any flat spot on the wave meaning you can literally ride the wave from way beyond any surfer all the way up to the beach if you want to. If youv'e never surfed before you'll find the easiest way is on a SUP Board, no scrambling to your feet, jumping up on a wobbly board. You are already standing up, all you need is a gentle paddle onto the wave and you're up and riding and even have a paddle to lean against on the wave like a stabiliser to make it more controlable. Surfing is a fantastic sport but requires lots of time and practice in the right conditions to perfect. SUP surfing is easier not as radical but alot more accessible for more people. Surf already, Why SUP Surf? Having surfed all around the world for over 20 years at some of the worlds best breaks myself and coming home to a busy crowded, less than amazing conditions. Doesn't make me want to rush out and sit in the line out for less than ideal conditions. SUP makes even the less than perfect days great. On average I'd say I get 5 times as many waves, alot longer rides and best set waves on my SUP unless its too windy, then its hard work! On lighter wind days catching more waves not wearing boots, gloves, hood, just a warm summer suit in the winter is great fun. Paddling a SUP in surf can take a bit of getting used to. The first time you may find it difficult if you're with another first timer as its really funny! Watching your friend running forwards or falling down on the way out or being washed of his feet and falling on his backside on the way in, is endlessly funny, my ribs hurt from laughing so much, the first time I went out in the waves! Whats it really like to Surf a SUP? Stand up Paddle Boards are like being towed-in on a long board, not as radical as a short board, but you can get more waves and you can set yourself up to the right part of the wave way before you would normally be on it. More time riding, more waves, not as extreme, easier to surf more.

Where to go SUP
Based in Plymouth at Reactive we have probably some of the best SUP locations in the UK. The South Hams has lots of beautiful, quiet picturesque estuarys to cruise around, these offer relaxing easy paddling, great for first trips or exploring with friends and most of them have gentle sand bar waves at the mouth. This sort of location is perfect for SUP as you'll have a deep water channel to paddle out in (no breaking waves) and easy uncrowded waves to ride. The river Yealm, Erme, Avon and the Kingsbridge Estuary all provide great SUP waves on their day. When surfing a SUP you can explore other reef breaks further afield, further than would would ever paddle a surf board, the journey is all part of the experience. Catching larger waves on your SUP is not always that simple. If you're looking for bigger waves getting out can be a bit tricky. Getting over a head high breaking wave is not too difficult, but getting over 8 feet of white water isn't going to be too easy, always look for a channel around the white water. Venues with lots of white water are less suitable for SUP, it simply makes it more difficult to get out. Start in smaller surf and as you become more experienced try some bigger stuff. We are currently running a SUP Night every wednesday click here for more information.

SUP Etiquette
Being a SUP rider in a busy surf break is not going to make you many friends (just like canoes, kayaks and windsurfer's). Always start well away from other water user's, being hit by a 11ft surfboard isn't going to go down well. If you're riding with other surfers always let surfers drop in if they like (they don't usually). But never paddle on to a surfer's wave (he'll have spent a long time getting into the right place to catch it) you can also catch the next one alot easier. Simply give way to everyone else and stay well away from crowded surf. You can always paddle 200m away in no time and then have plenty of waves to yourself.

SUP Lessons
1. First step Intro to SUP - 1.5 hours £30 book 2+ people for only £25 each!
Mount Batten - Plymouth Hoe and beyond. This first taster session shows you: Board handling skills, Different paddling techniques, Correct stance, Basic and fast turning, Rough water paddling technique and balance exercises. This session is for people wanting an easy 1st step into SUP. (SUP does require a basic fitness level.)

2. SUP River and Surf Safari - 3 hours £49 book 2+people for only £35 each!
This great trip will not only show you all the Intro techniques but will take you into the beautiful South Hams estuarys to your very own surf break to ride your first SUP waves in amazing scenery. This 3 hr trip for the more adventurous surfers will also show you SUP surfing techniques to get out and back in easier. An awsome trip.

3. Extreme SUP Excursion day £120 (4+ £60 each!).

An awsome SUP day , Big river runs , Downwinders, Coast cruising or wave action day! This is a great day trip stopping for lunch (not provided). We'll take you on the best trip you'll have on a paddleboard in some of the best locations in the UK , truly an awsome day trip, great for groups too. We'll happily make these days as easy or testing as you like!

Boards
At Reactive we have a good stock of and access to the Starboard range of SUP (the market leading range) as well as Naish and Oxbow boards.
Click here to see our full range in our online shop or pop in and have a chat and see the boards and paddles in store. Starboard boards come in two constructions, Sportech (wood) and Tuffskin (more robust and cheaper). Tuffskin comes in Camo or Sportline graffic (all boards also have windsurf option too!).

Paddles
Black Aluminium "Cut to size shaft" Alround paddle with plastic blade. Starboard Full Carbon - This fantastic looking super lightweight paddle gives more performance per storke and feather light too "Cut to size shaft" or custom fit.

SHOP WINDOW:

CLEARANCE: Thunderbird T3 Sail £335.00 ADD TO BASKET

USED: Fanatic Falcon '09 110L £749.00 ADD TO BASKET

Tushingham RD Wave 100 Mast £269.00 ADD TO BASKET