Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP)

20/11/16 Kate my step daughter is in Brisbane. She only took up SUP 3 years ago but with grit and determination she now holds a world ranking, last time I looked 17th. She is living the life.....


22/09/14

SUP in Christchurch Harbour

 Fantastic morning, no wind and the tide was gently flowing out of the harbour. Paddle boarded all around the harbour and then carried it over the Spit into the sea. Had a bit of a swim (water still ok without a wetsuit) and then paddled over to Georges café near Steamer Point. They make great coffee and cake. The back up the run into the harbour (made the mistake of going too close to the sea wall and got some waves rebounding off and took my 1st fall of the day. Better to stick near the spit on the way back into the harbour and then cross up near the ferry drop off point( a lot calmer).

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

08/06/14 We were out on the SUP's as soon as the tide allowed, with the tide flowing into the harbour we used it to make our way up into Christchurch. The place was alive with groups learning to paddleboard, kayakers and the full range of powerboats from little tenders with a 4hp engine on the back to the big ribs with 2 x 250hp on the back, packing a powerful punch, (but limited to 4knots in the harbour). We made our way up to Tuckton tea rooms and after a bit of faffing about tied the boards up to a pontoon and enjoyed cake and cappuccino on the grass. Just below us, a family of swans with five cygnets came looking for a free meal. We then leisurely made our way back down stream, the tide had turned and now helped us. The wind however had turned and was against us heading down the river. Made it and queued up in the Beach House for lunch, only had to wait 10 mins or so and enjoyed a great meal. Then we carried the boards over the spit onto the sea and practiced fast tail turns, much to the amusement of some friends as we have not exactly perfected the method and ended up in the sea on numerous occasions. The water was refreshing and about the right temperature. We then followed this with a paddle around the spit and up the run, this time at slack water. Back in the harbour we then had the tide on our side again and made our way back to Inveravon.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

21/04/14 The sun came out and the Easterly wind (which we had blowing over the Easter weekend) died. The tides were just right and the water was like glass. Perfect for getting out on the 11' paddleboard in just shorts and a rash vest. Water felt warmer than the same time last year, less cold spells in the winter I guess. Bring on the summer.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

07/08/13 I started to think about paddleboarding as something to do when there is no or little wind and sailing is out of the question. In 2012, I borrowed a friends board, I think it was a Naish, and got in the water. It really was difficult at first as I did not have my balance and my feet were in the wrong place and this was just on flat water. But it was great. My mistake was to rush into buying a board, I can only say that it is really worth trying out as many options as you can. Your weight and if you are flat water or coastal water paddling are major factors. I will add further information as time allows. But go out there and try it- go and rent a board or try a demo unit.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset

06/08/13 The National Watersports Festival 30th August - 1st Sept 2013 is at Hayling Island, P011 0AS. There are three SUP disciplines, sprints, long distance and surfing. Free rash vest if pre- entered by 10th Aug. Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing watersports today. I have had some experience and will start to give some tips and hints on what I have discovered so far.

Waterside, Self catering holiday accommodation for Mudeford, Christchurch, Avon Beach and Hengistbury Head and The New Forest in Dorset