First and foremost, the ocean or body of water you paddle on is always in charge. The water commands your attention, has the upper hand and is lying in wait to humble you. I grew up in Cape Cod, Mass. We were surrounded by the ocean, bays and salt ponds. The salty air and briny smells coursed through my blood as a young boy. Being involved with the “water” is a way of life for most Cape Cod residents as it is for us here in Florida, whether it’s surfing, kayaking, fishing, boating and now SUPing.
The water is fluid, constantly changing, never the same from day to day or even hour to hour as the tides and undertows ebb and flow. Lovers of the sea must contend with shifting winds, currents, wave heights and water temperatures always changing. Water commands your respect, and knowledge of the sea is crucial when it comes to safety. Knowing your limits based on your ability is the first step. It is easy and all too common for people to place themselves in harm’s way by virtue of being naïve. The biggest thing the ocean has taught me is to do my homework by: studying the tides, reviewing currents and looking at the wind direction before beginning a SUP expedition.
For example, the wind and current may be in your favor at the start of your expedition and highly against you on your return. If you are not conditioned to paddle against the wind and current, you may literally be paddling in place. The weather, including localized storms with lightning, are also a factor when paddling. Knowing where to take cover is essential for your safety. Localized storms can also produce wave conditions that jump from flat to 3-plus feet in a matter of minutes. In essence, a paddler, surfer or boater should be versed in the weather conditions and how it affects the body of water they are on during any given day.
Once you have Mother Nature under control, keep in mind the equipment factor. You simply have to have reliable equipment for the conditions you venture out in. Hitting the ocean waves or strong current backwaters on a SUP with subpar equipment not designed for the conditions will inevitably end up in disaster and quite possibly a life or death situation.
Since my first day on the water, I have learned that I do not have the upper hand. We are merely playing in the vast expanse of the sea. Knowing your limits, researching the weather and investing in equipment will allow you to maximize your performance and safety.
Mike McGann is a passionate SUP surfer and a pioneer of the SUP movement. He is the founder of 27 North, a Jupiter, Fla. paddle design company and owner of Florida Paddle Boards. He can be reached at mm@27usa.com; Facebook: 27 N; Instagram: 27north; website: www.27northusa.com; or call (561) 328-3208.
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