When is the best time to Paddleboard?

Summer - Thanks for coming to our Blog talk. 

Just kidding, if you’re really wondering what the best time of the year is for paddleboarding? Stay with us on this article. It can all be subjective on who you ask. Having paddled around icebergs, we know the alternatives to the warmer months.

We’ve probably all heard that adage that there is no such thing as bad weather, but bad choices of clothing. The same can apply to paddleboarding. Paddlers do go all year round, but it’s a serious game in Canada and shouldn’t be taken lightly if you’re wanting to go outside of the regular season. We strongly suggest always paddling with a partner for safety, and besides, having a partner is good for social aspects + having a photographer.

What time of the year is best for paddle boarding?

There are four seasons in Canada, some say 2, if you class construction being the other season to summer. So, when is the perfect time to paddleboard? The answer is that this sport is suitable for play in all seasons. However, you will have to choose the proper equipment for each season.

Source: Internet 

Paddleboarding in summer

This is a favorite season for many people when the temperature is high and suitable for playing water sports like stand-up paddle boarding. Also, there is less wind and rainfall during the summer, and the air and water temperatures are at their warmest, the most suitable SUP riding conditions. You can paddle from early morning till late evening sometimes (if you have the energy). You can get up to 16 hours of daylight daily for paddle boarding in some of the June days. 

We suggest you use a website like Windy.com to get a handle on the wind conditions. Many make the mistake of checking the consistent winds, but we suggest looking at the gusts as they’ll tell you what it could get up to. We would suggest sticking to winds under 16km per hour if you’re a beginner. Also, pay close attention to which direction the wind is blowing. Many paddlers suggest paddling into the wind when you have your strength, then using it as a tail wind when coming back. By looking at the apps, and the water, you can assess what that might be. When looking at the water, check out the tides and what the fetch on the water is like. If it’s a large open body of water, then the wind will be able to create larger waves. 

It’s also worth it to look at the UV index. Out on the water, it’s far too easy to burn. So keep in mind a hat, sun protection and other items to help in the elements. Water is essential, for not just paddleboarding, but also for drinking. We will cover packing in another blog. 

In terms of water temperature, we’ve included a table below - the credit for this comes from the National Center for cold water safety. It’s important to know the water temperature, otherwise you could be in for a shock. 

Paddleboarding in winter

Stand-up paddle boarding in the winter months is reserved for the brave and experienced paddlers who rarely fall off their board. Few people will head out on the water during winter, so it's highly probable you'll be on your own on the water. Being out there alone is one of the most peaceful things, but on the counter side, it’s the most dangerous. We would strongly not suggest going out alone in the winter months, infact highly discourage it. We also suggest you have a dry suit, a partner and a plan in case you go in the water. 

There is a great course sponsored by the Canadian government call “baby it’s cold outside” - This is free course which will teach you what to do should you or someone you are with encounters hyperthermia. It is taught by Dr. Gordon Glesbrecht (AKA Professor Popsicle), Professor of Thermophysiology at the University of Manitoba. The course is very helpful for a range of scenarios and should you complete it, not only will you gain knowledge that could save your life, you’ll get a certificate to boot.

When heading out in winter, some items we suggest to put in your dry bag: flask with warm fluids, first aid kit, hat, gloves, towel, hand warmers, compass, whistle, rope, throw bag, torch, food (energy bars), tarpaulin, multi tool. This list is not exhaustive, there are many more things you could bring but it's a starting point. 

Paddleboarding in Spring and Fall

The weather in Spring and Fall can be unpredictable, but if you choose the right time for each day, you can still get out on your SUP. Both seasons are good for different reasons. Spring - depending on where you are located, there is usually melt water from the ice which can make some places accessible that were not before. It can also be dangerous too given the extra flow of water. There is a great free course on Mountains called Mountains 101. This is a MOOC - Mass Open Online Course which you can access here.

In doing this course from the University of Alberta, you can learn all about Mountains and how the water flows off of them. It also teaches about the weather and what cold/hot pressures do to the climate.

Conversely, in the fall, it’s a great time to see the leaves change and have less bugs (if you’re not a fan). Just be sure to not underestimate the weather and wear a dry suit if your region is classed as cold. 

How to paddle board on the sea?

To ensure you have the best time on your stand-up paddle board (SUP), let’s use our top paddle boarding tips below:

Source: Internet

• First of all, you need to learn basic SUP paddling techniques. This is very important because basic skills help such as knowing how to get back on your board if you fall off. You also need to learn how to keep your balance and control your paddle on the sea. You can find starter courses here. 
• Secondly, choose the days when the sea is calmest and flattest. Avoid selecting the time of days with big waves because even if you are an experienced paddler, you could be knocked down by the waves, and it will take a lot of effort to paddle which can really take the fun out of it. 
• Thirdly, don’t be afraid to kneel down when you’re out on open water. We know it’s not called sit down paddleboarding, but who cares. The aim is to have fun, if you think you’ll have more balance kneeling, then go for it. If you are able to stand, then bend your knees slightly to help ride the fetch.
• Fourthly, make sure you are fully equipped with tools and protective equipment when paddling. Sometimes putting your paddle in the water will help with your balance

Conclusion

We hope this article has provided a lot of helpful information about the best time to paddle board and shared some good resources for further education. If you’re new to SUP or even if you just want to have a chat, give us a call! We have lots of paddleboards at reasonable prices in Canada and we'd be happy to talk, learning and community is a 2 way street.