#irockerpaddleboards

The beach calls. The ocean beckons. Will you answer? Paddle boarding on the ocean makes for a unique adventure. It’s just you and the tide. Sometimes, the waves are relaxing. Sometimes, they’re challenging. Either way, ocean paddle boarding offers a distinct experience that can’t be matched when paddle boarding on a lake, pond, or river. If you’re new to paddle boarding on the ocean, there are plenty of variables that can take you by surprise. But that shouldn’t discourage you from heading out and experiencing the ocean for yourself! Check out these tips, grab your inflatable paddle board, and get ready for a memorable session on the water!

NEVER PADDLE BOARD ON THE OCEAN ALONE

It’s a good rule of thumb to use the buddy system any time you’re on the water. From swimming to paddle boarding to jet skiing, partnering with someone who can have your back in an emergency is a must. When you’re paddle boarding at sea, stay where you can see others. It could be other people you’re out on the water with or some friends on shore. This is especially important when you are paddle boarding in areas where a lifeguard might not be present. When you rely on the buddy system, you always have someone who you can call out to for help or who can offer assistance if you need it.

WATCH FOR RIP CURRENTS

One of the biggest challenges of paddle boarding at the beach is rip currents. These potentially dangerous currents are hard to see. If you get stuck in one, it can be hard to get out. Rip currents can look like darker spots in the water. There’s usually a lack of waves in the surrounding water, as well. If you see a spot on the water that looks suspiciously dark and calm, stay away. If you unexpectedly find yourself caught in a rip current, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Try to relax and focus on paddling (or swimming, if you’ve fallen into the water), parallel to the shore. Your goal is to get back into choppier water. If you paddle directly toward the beach, you risk the chance of getting swept in the opposite direction, away from shore—and you’ll end up expending a lot of energy. Keep calm and paddle parallel!

ALWAYS USE YOUR LEASH

Most inflatable paddle boards come with an ankle leash. And if you don’t have one, you can—and should—easily get one. One end of the leash attaches to your ankle and the other stays connected to your SUP. Whether you’re cruising in calm waters or surfing with your board, the leash keeps you attached to your board should you fall into the water. Because the ocean is huge and currents can be unpredictable and dangerous, staying connected to your SUP is essential. You don’t want it being taken away by a wave. An ankle leash ensures you always have a way to get back to your board and back to safety. And that’s really what safe ocean paddle boarding is all about: expecting the unexpected and being prepared, just in case.

ABOUT IROCKER

Paddle boarding season starts right now, and iROCKER is your partner on the water! They’re your number one source for all the paddle boarding gear you could possibly want. From inflatable paddle boards to hard boards and inflatable docks, iROCKER has something for everyone. Already have a SUP? Don’t worry! They also have plenty of gear and accessories to take your adventures to the next level. Get a cooler to strap to the back of your board and bring the party onto the lake! Want to turn your inflatable SUP into a kayak? iROCKER has the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit for you. And don’t forget a waterproof Bluetooth speaker! It doesn’t matter if you’re a paddle boarding newbie or you’ve been getting out on the water for years, iROCKER helps keep you inspired for your next excursion.

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 don’t let cold weather get us down. We simply plan a winter paddle board holiday somewhere warm! We’re 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.  Then you’ve 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 you’ll have the winter holiday every SUP junkie dreams about. Remember: A bit of planning now promises perfect SUP time after you arrive. When you’re 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 that’s 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, there’s 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 you’ve 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 you’re 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: Don’t 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, it’s a bit smaller. To make the most of your time away, consider these important details:

Travel time required

Estimated travel costs

Perfect paddle spots for everyone in your group

Security and safety

With those things top of mind, here’s our short list for some perfect winter SUP destinations.

UNITED STATES

Florida in the United States is a tried and true favorite for any winter holiday. For SUPers, it’s 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:

Florida’s First Coast. This region in the state’s northeast corner includes the major metropolitan city of Jacksonville and America’s oldest city, St. Augustine. There’s 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 “best beaches”. We know why! Long, wide stretches of pure white sand, warm water all year ‘round and a casual vibe from residents and visitors. In the medium-sized town of St. Petersburg, you’ll 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.