While stand up paddleboarding is at its most popular in the summer, you must not disregard the opportunity to enjoy the waters throughout the autumn and winter seasons. During the colder seasons there are fewer people on the water, creating a peaceful environment. However, the colder conditions come with their own set of challenges; with the right equipment and health and safety procedures, winter SUP can be both safe and enjoyable. Here are some key pieces of advice to acknowledge when venturing the waters during the winter.
One of the most significant dangers of SUP in the winter is the risk of hypothermia due to the cold waters and can be best avoided by wearing either a wetsuit or a drysuit. A wetsuit is designed to heat the water trapped between your body and the suit, whereas a drysuit is completely waterproof. At Asgard we recommend that you wear a wetsuit between 3-4 mm in thickness for mild winter conditions and a drysuit for freezing temperatures and prolonged exposure to cold waters.
If you are an experienced paddler or are paddling on calm waters, you may not need a wetsuit as you may not think you will fall in, so neither a wetsuit nor a drysuit is needed, however, we would recommend inexperienced paddlers to always wear protective gear such as a wetsuit or a drysuit. If you are racing, your body will overheat whilst wearing a thick wetsuit so you may require other appropriate waterproof clothing that is thinner and more flexible such as neoprene.
Winter weather is unpredictable, so plan carefully by checking the forecast for temperature, wind, and precipitation. Look for days with mild weather and low winds for the most enjoyable paddling experience.
- Wind Speeds: Lower wind speeds are ideal, especially for inexperienced paddlers, as strong winds can make it difficult to paddle and increase the chill factor. Anything over 10 mph (16 km/h) can be challenging for most paddlers.
- Snow and Rain: While light snowfall can add to the beauty, heavy precipitation can impair visibility and balance. Be cautious of ice forming on the paddle or board, as it can make surfaces slippery.
- Daylight Hours: Winter days are shorter, so plan to paddle during the daylight hours. Start your paddle early to avoid getting caught out in the dark.
Winter SUP isn’t the time to push limits or try out new tricks. Paddle conservatively, stay close to shore, and keep your pace steady.
- Stay Near Shore: Paddling close to the shore minimizes the risk of long swims in cold water if you fall. It also helps you return to your starting point faster if weather conditions suddenly change.
- Avoid Sudden Movements: Quick movements can lead to imbalance and increase the risk of falling. A relaxed, controlled paddle stroke will help conserve energy and minimize splash, keeping you drier and warmer.
- Keep it Short and Sweet: In winter, short paddle sessions are safer and more comfortable. If conditions are good, you can extend your time, but shorter sessions are safer overall when paddling in cold weather.
Benefits to paddling in the winter
Winter brings a quietness to the water that’s hard to replicate any other time of year. With fewer people around, you can enjoy the silence and stillness that provide a perfect escape from the usual hustle and bustle.
- Natural Winter Therapy: Studies show that exposure to nature is a powerful stress reducer. The sights and sounds of a peaceful winter landscape can help alleviate anxiety, calm your mind, and improve overall mood.
- Reduced Crowds and Noise: During the winter, lakes, rivers, and bays are usually much quieter, creating a more serene experience. You’re free to paddle without interruption and fully immerse yourself in the peacefulness that comes with an empty waterway.
Cold-weather paddling brings a unique set of physical benefits that warm-weather paddling doesn’t offer. Your body works harder to stay warm, increasing calorie burn and boosting overall strength.
- Increased Caloric Burn: When you paddle in colder temperatures, your body has to work harder to stay warm, which can increase calorie burn by up to 30%. Plus, winter’s additional clothing layers add a little extra resistance to your movements.
- Enhanced Muscle Endurance and Core Strength: Because of the extra focus and strength needed to stay balanced on the board in winter conditions, you’re engaging muscles throughout your body, especially your core. Over time, this improves strength, endurance, and balance.
- Boosted Circulation and Resilience: Exposure to cold strengthens the cardiovascular system, as your body has to pump blood more efficiently to keep you warm. This strengthens your circulation and helps increase overall resilience.
Winter paddling adds an element of adventure and excitement that summer paddling often lacks. The starkness and beauty of winter provide a memorable experience, making each outing feel more like an adventure than a workout.
- Pushing Boundaries: Many paddlers find that winter SUP pushes them out of their comfort zone. The skills and focus developed through winter paddling can improve mental toughness, making you a more versatile paddler.
- Building your network and community: Winter SUP isn’t for everyone, so it can also become a way to connect with like-minded paddlers who share your appreciation for adventure and the beauty of the cold. Joining winter SUP groups or paddling with friends who enjoy the challenge creates a sense of community and camaraderie.
Final thoughts
Whilst paddleboarding in the winter can be daunting to some due to the number of precautions and health and safety risks, it is a rewarding experience that pushes paddlers out of their comfort zone and provides beautiful views and a tranquil experience like no other. It is important to remember to wear winter protective gear, to paddle near the shore, budd up, check the weather forecast and paddle during sunlight to ensure maximum safety during the colder seasons.