Standing up

SUPping has increased in popularity through lockdown but there are some pitfalls. Cheap boards are available and the kit is easy to assemble but pumping up, especially with an electric pump is time consuming and noisy.

Begin kneeling.

I headed to the Grand Western Canal. This is a lovely rural, waterway and a licence is required. After some time thinking about the hazards we suited up and got wet; water confidence first.

Part two, stood

Keeping the paddle on one side, draw this through the water, noting that the nose moves away from it. Then leave it on that side to create drag and shift the nose back toward the normal.

Once confidence builds, stand.

Using the T end

I asked my assistant for some SWaNS:

Strengths – Balance and balls … she had guts.

Weaknesses – direction; she wandered a little but lack of a skeg didn’t help.

Next Steps – strength. This is developed through practise. The repetitive good paddle strokes help to set the automated culture so,the head can be lifted and direction felt. We will return soon, with a canoe next time, as these are canoeing skills, primarily.

Idyllic location, even on a milder day.