HOW TO PLAN A PERFECT WINTER PADDLE BOARD HOLIDAY
Does a long, cold winter sound like the worst thing ever? To most stand up paddle boarders, it does. It certainly does around here at iROCKER but we donât let cold weather get us down. We simply plan a winter paddle board holiday somewhere warm!
Weâre talking 26 degrees, tropical drinks with the little umbrella thingie and paddle boarding every day in sunshine.
If this sounds like your kind of winter, then read on, mate. This post is all about how to plan a perfect winter paddle board holiday.
HOW TO PLAN A PERFECT WINTER PADDLE BOARD HOLIDAY
TOP WINTER SUP DESTINATIONS
HOW TO PLAN A PERFECT WINTER PADDLE BOARD HOLIDAY
Like most good adventures, an ounce or two of good planning up front will guarantee pounds of fun down the lane. When it comes to a perfect winter paddle board holiday, the little details make all the difference.
Knowing where to go at the right price and with the ideal paddle spots takes a bit of planning. Â Then youâve got to consider other details like budget, travel time and safety.
If your perfect winter paddle board holiday includes paddle mates, then you need to get their opinions and ideas into the mix, too.
In the end, the small up-front effort will pay off in spades and youâll have the winter holiday every SUP junkie dreams about.
Remember: A bit of planning now promises perfect SUP time after you arrive.
When youâre working on your winter SUP holiday plans, we recommend investing in some solid research:
Research perfect destinations. If you and your mates only have a week of holiday time, then you want to find a destination thatâs easy to get to. Australia and Bali might sound dreamy (and they are) but flying to those places takes days.
Identify the best places to sleep. Surf motels and camps are easy enough to spot and of course, thereâs also AirBnB and VRBO. Wherever you stay, you need to make sure your host is set up for a group of paddle boarders and their gear. Is there room in a secure spot for your board? Is there a hose to clean your gear? What about safety, security and access to the prime paddle spots? Ask all of your questions before booking your reservation.
Find the prime paddle spots before you go. Depending on the type of paddler you and your mates are, the paddle spots might be just as important as the destination. Do you want the thrill of a surf or the calm of a gentle brook? Discuss, decide and then make sure that postcard-perfect destination youâve chosen has the perfect paddle spots to suit your type.
Plan to handle a few surprises. In spite of even the best planning, little surprises can interrupt any holiday if youâre not prepared. So listen to your mum and be prepared with some extra gear, a patch kit and a good dry case to protect your mobile.
Tip: Donât forget pics and vids! Even better if you or one of your mates brings a GoPro.
TOP WINTER SUP DESTINATIONS
The world may be your oyster but when it comes to planning a perfect winter SUP holiday, itâs a bit smaller.
To make the most of your time away, consider these important details:
Perfect paddle spots for everyone in your group
With those things top of mind, hereâs our short list for some perfect winter SUP destinations.
Florida in the United States is a tried and true favorite for any winter holiday. For SUPers, itâs a sure thing.
Flights to Florida from major cities in Europe are fairly affordable and efficient. Once there, a hired car will give you all the freedom you need to roam all over the state. Visit Mickey and friends at Disney World, test the epic surf at New Smyrna Beach on the east coast, and soak up the sun on white crystal sands on the west coast.
Our absolute favorite places for Florida stand up paddle boarding are:
Floridaâs First Coast. This region in the stateâs northeast corner includes the major metropolitan city of Jacksonville and Americaâs oldest city, St. Augustine. Thereâs no end to affordable paddle-friendly places to stay and awesome spots for paddling.
The Gulf Coast. This west coast of Florida always makes the lists of âbest beachesâ. We know why! Long, wide stretches of pure white sand, warm water all year âround and a casual vibe from residents and visitors. In the medium-sized town of St. Petersburg, youâll find gobs of fun nightlife, great food and lots of live music from a water-loving crowd. Our absolute favorite beach on the Florida gulf is Clearwater Beach. Plan to go there for at least one full day of sun, surf, shopping and a fresh Florida grouper sandwich.