How To Prepare For Your Summer SUP Adventures

With summer on the near horizon, it’s a great time to start thinking about embarking on your very own SUP trip with a Red paddleboard. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a paddleboarding veteran, there’s always something to do in the vast selection of amazing summer SUP spots across the Aussie coast. Read on for our short guide on some of the most important steps you need to follow to prepare for your very own summer paddleboarding adventure.

Choose The Right Kind Of Board

There are a wide variety of paddleboards out there, each suited to different situations. Depending on your level and skill and what kind of summer SUP experience you’re after, you’ll want to make sure to choose the right type of board before you hit the water. Our range of inflatable paddleboards includes something for all kinds of adventure, so consider what you want to get out of your experience as you select one of the following types of SUP:

• All-Round SUP Boards - Highly versatile, great for beginners and incredibly durable with a sturdy MSL construction. Our all-round boards offer sublime performance whether you’re chilling at the beach or heading out on the water all day. 
• Touring SUP Boards - Touring boards are designed for the adventurer, ideal for long-distance paddles on open water. They’re lightweight, which makes them easy to transport.
• Racing SUP Boards - Offering great control and high speeds, Racing paddleboards are designed for top performance. They’re the ideal pick for any kind of summer SUP racing event.
• Multi-person SUP Boards - Paddle together with the whole group on a Multi-person paddleboard. These unique boards are sure to provide a real thrill for your paddleboarding adventure this summer.

Make Sure You’re Equipped With The Right Accessories

You’ll also need to make sure that you have the right paddleboarding accessories as you get prepared for your summer SUP outings. Consider the essential safety equipment before anything else, but do give some thought to how you’ll transport your belongings too. 

• Paddle Leash - Always be sure to attach yourself to your board with a leash. If the water becomes dangerous, the last thing you want is to get separated from your board.
• Personal Floatation Device (PFD) - Wearing a PFD isn’t a legal requirement, but it is highly recommended when you’re out on the water. Always keep your PFD on, just in case you do end up in the water.
• Waterproof Deckbag - A waterproof deckbag is a great way to carry all of your kit and snacks without having to worry about them getting soaked. It also fits perfectly onto the front of your board and is easily accessible whilst on the water. 
• Sun Protection - Summer SUP adventures are always loads of fun, but it’s important to ensure that you’re properly protected from the intense UV rays that come with summer. High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat will all help you stay safe from the sun.

Learn Some Basic SUP Techniques

If you’re new to the paddleboarding scene, or just a bit out of practice, then it’s a good idea to brush up on your paddleboarding basics beforehand. Get comfortable standing up and balancing on the board, work on your forward and sweep strokes to get yourself moving and ensure that you practice falling off so that you know what to do if you end up losing your balance. These basic techniques are something that you benefit from being familiar with before you head out on a summer SUP adventure.

Plan Your Summer SUP Destinations

There are plenty of exciting locations along the coast and waterways further inland to explore this summer. Make sure that you’ve planned your route in advance. Research the location and identify any potential hazards so that you can plan accordingly. You’ll also want to start reaching out to friends and family to see if they want to come along too - a summer SUP adventure is always better when you’re part of a group!

We hope that this summer SUP preparation guide has been helpful. If you have any questions about any of the incredible SUP products that we sell at Red, you can get in contact with our team here for professional advice from the experts.