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Your essential read for SUP this autumn! New November SUP Mag UK available nowPay by credit card with Stripe or Paypal. Purchase here. Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/Mc2dQ&AsAdviceTravel and adventuresPaddle UK featuresInclusive SUPBehind the brandGear shedSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.The latest November 2025 issue of SUP Mag UK in print is available to purchase now Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/Mc2dFeaturing a huge array of SUP stories from across the planet and the crme de la crme of UK stand up stories, its a must have read for anyone into the art of propelling themselves forward on a board with a paddle.Available to order now.Any questions? Give us a call on 01480 465081 we will be glad to help.

Emma Love by Warwick RedwayInterview: Peter TranterPhotos: Graham Woollven, Warwick Redway, Kat Parkin, Rita Filippova, Del Clare, Charlie Hewitt, Ruben Starmer, Wendy Atkinson & Emma LoveAs this marks the final issue of SUPM, we felt it was fitting to explore Emmas journey, from founding Wotbikini Stand Up Paddleboarding to becoming a Paddle UK Delivery Partner in 2021. Over to you, EmmaBefore we start, Emma, please tell our readers a little about yourself, your background, your family, etc.Growing up in Norfolk, my childhood memories are of climbing (and falling out of) trees, long bike rides, and walks on the beaches. Weeknights were packed with school netball, gymnastics, and hockey practice, and the weekends meant team matches or sailing our little wooden dinghy with my brothers my dads favourite, if rather short-lived, hobby.I would have loved a job in sport or the outdoors, but in the early 1980s, those kinds of opportunities for women were pretty much unheard of. After filling out one of those first-generation computer questionnaires, my school careers officer confidently told me Id make a very good secretary!Instead, I followed a different path: training and working in the visual arts. Later, after moving to the East Midlands (where Im still based), I took a leap into something new qualifying and working as a full-time youth worker in both the statutory and charity sectors.Tell us about the start of your SUP journeyI thought it would be very cool to take my young son lazy river paddling while on a family holiday in the South of France. It was one of those commercially run activities where you hired the gear, paddled the route, and a minibus dropped you back at the starting point. In the run-up to it, I decided Id better be a responsible mum and, at the very least, learn how to hold a kayak paddle the right way round!Off we went for a pay & play session at our local water sports centre, and both quickly agreed that sit-on-tops were boring. It was my son who spotted the paddleboards and, after a bit of negotiation with the staff, we swapped our craft and spent the rest of the session SUPing! Ruben loved launching himself into the water with huge whoops of laughter, while I focused on whether I could stand up, paddle, and stay dry in the process. I could and I was hooked.And the lazy river paddling? Turned out I neednt have worried the water was barely six inches deep!I began losing motivation for paddling flat water, in the main, because I had no community to paddle with. To put this into context, it was still very unusual to see other paddleboarders; kayak/canoe clubs were resistant to adding SUPs to their fleets, SUP communities were rare, and Paddle UK (then known as British Canoeing) had yet to formally recognise the sport. A friend suggested I speak to Barry Hughes, who had recently set up an informal peer paddling group called Nottingham WW SUP. This small group consisted of Rob Edgar, James Norman, Dean Jefferies and Barry. Alongside Anthony Ing, Chris Kippers Bond, Louise Royle, and Dave Jackson (who are all based around the UK); these hugely talented and experienced whitewater kayakers were having a lot of fun taking SUPs onto whitewater, a new paddlesport in the UK that had originated in America. The Nottingham WW SUP crew had managed to negotiate partial access and were having a lot of fun exploring paddleboarding on the Holme Pierrepont whitewater course.I, on the other hand, had no technical paddling skills, no experience with whitewater, and no background in board sports. Every week, Id turn up, be handed a board, climb on, fall off, get scooped out of the white water, and repeat the process. Again, and again. Then one icy evening, just a few weeks before Christmas 2016, with my eyelashes laced with ice, I did it! I stood up and successfully paddled the Daleks section without falling off the rush was incredible.When, where and why did the idea of coaching SUP come about?It was never really part of my plan to coach. I just loved being part of a brilliant and supportive whitewater SUP community, helping out here and there and posting our weekly social media updates showcasing what we had been up to.A lot of kayakers were intrigued; they would attend a session (or two) to try out this new and what many considered an off the wall sport! With Barrys guidance and encouragement, I started doing some of the peer-to-peer support. Anthony Ing (Stand Up Paddleboard UK), Louise Royle, and Phil Hadley played a significant role in supporting my development as a paddler and aspiring coach I was extremely fortunate. In 2020, I became the third person to achieve the newly launched British Canoeing WW SUP Coach qualification. That same year, I was selected as a #ShePaddles Ambassador; it was because of this role that my passion for specialising in and supporting women on the water began.In between the numerous lockdowns, I decided to start my business, Wotbikini SUP.What gives you a buzz from coaching?I find coaching incredibly difficult and consistently fascinating. What gives me the buzz? Those moments where theory and practice beautifully entwine; coaching is so experimental. I believe it is about me being open, intentional, vulnerable, being prepared to fail and learn from each experience.Its a very exciting and (I find) extremely challenging space to be exploring.I recently started my Performance Coach pathway and am now looking forward to exploring my coaching practice in greater depth with the support of Paddle UK National Trainer Jenna Sanders.As part of this pathway, I am looking forward to attending Paddle Scotlands Performance Coach Community of Learning event (Grandtully) this November. I am hoping to come back even more inspired!You do plenty of teaching to paddlers how do you prepare, and do you ever get nervous?Interesting question, do I get nervous? As my coaching practice develops, Id say less so, mainly because I no longer believe I must have all the answers.Looking back, I realise I spent a lot of time trying to control and correct what students did on the water.With hindsight, I was simply replicating my own educational top down experiences and (unintentionally) holding people back by creating barriers to their progression. I suspect this may have undermined some of their confidence to learn from the incredibly dynamic environments we paddle in.This will sound very clumsy, but its still a work in progress. Heres where Im currently at. How can I, with the paddler I am supporting, jointly seek out opportunities for action?Finding those invitations within exploratory and creative spaces and selecting with intention.Marianne Davies captures it far better than I can with her phrase,Handrails, not handcuffs.Come back to me in a few years and, hopefully, I will sound much more succinct about my coaching practice.How is WotBikini going, and how did that name come about?Anthony Ings wife, Lianne, took a photo of me getting on my board at the start of a river run in north Wales. It was winter, and I was kitted out in knee/shin pads, elbow/ arm pads, a dry suit, and a full-face helmet.No surprise that kayakers often nicknamed us, Robocops!I posted the photo on Instagram as a response to the endless adverts featuring women on SUPs in bikinis. And created #Wotbikini.It still amazes (and frankly appals) me that women are so often dressed and photographed for the male gaze when it comes to selling SUPs. When it came to naming my business, which at that time specialised purely on supporting women on the water, the name Wotbikini Stand Up Paddleboarding was the obvious choice and still makes me smile.My coaching business is going well. I have delivered over 300 Paddle UK personal performance award courses and have been shortlisted for two consecutive years for two of the Paddle UK Delivery Partner Awards (Quality and Engagement).Really exciting and amazing to have their recognition. More recently, I have enjoyed working with Paddle UK on some of their safety films, as well as promoting their courses. In addition to my own business, I have spent the last few years working for the Canal and River Trust on their Waterways Wellbeing program (South Leicestershire), which is hugely enjoyable and great to support so many inspiring individuals and volunteers.It is a brilliant project and a terrific opportunity to bring my skills as a Youth and Community Worker and a SUP Coach together. Currently, I am working towards gaining various Paddle UK Provider and Tutor qualifications; a challenging and very lengthy process, but equally one I enjoy. I am especially proud to have delivered my first SW SUP Coach Training this year and have dates in the diary for 2026!There is tremendous enthusiasm amongst women for SUP why do you think that is?I think Jess Phillip summed it up beautifully in her interview for SUPMag UK in 2021, where we discussed why so many women were qualifying or about to qualify as WW SUP Coaches.Her take on it was, Because our sport is completely new, we dont have a stereotype as of yet.For example, with white water kayaking, the image that comes to mind is typically a guy dropping big whitewater falls; canoeing is maybe a big guy with a beard. Four years later, and I think we can apply this across the SUP scene because it continues to be accessible.Many women positively disrupt clichs, including what we wear, our body shape, our motivations, what our bodies can or cannot do, age, etc. Which brands do you work with, and how do they specifically help you?I am very aware of what you need to do to get brands to notice and support you, but this is a game that I feel little motivation to play. Who are your role models, and who/what keeps you motivated?For motivation, I turn to theorists and podcasts. One of my all-time favourite sports scientists is Dr Alex Lascu. Her writing, From the Thought Garden (Substack), is always creative and constantly underpinned by ecological dynamics.I regularly tune into the brilliant River Tiger Podcast from Dynamics Coaching by Marianne Davies. Craig Morris (until recently part of the coaching team for the British Slalom Olympians) is always refreshingly candid about his coaching journey and the theory he inhabits.These are but a few examples of practitioners who keep me motivated, challenge my thinking, and inspire my creativity.If you could capture just one feel good moment in your time paddling, which would it be and why?Getting up before dawn, I took my paddleboard down a long, winding, and steep path, and paddled to the centre of a ginormous lake nestled within an ancient volcano. It was incredible to be floating all alone and in complete silence.I can still recall watching the light slowly flickering across the walls of the volcano as the sun rose and eventually blazed with golden light. It was an awe-inspiring (and intimidating) landscape one of those extraordinary experiences that puts everything into perspective, and I will never forget it.You look like a very happy and contented woman whats the secret to your good feelings?I use social media as a curated space to share photographs, capture a feeling, a mood, or an essence. For me, images hold extraordinary power; they can stir memory, emotion, or imagination and I prefer to leave room for the viewers own interpretation.Do you have any overseas SUP trips/expeditions lined up?I am really interested in micro-adventures, which I am planning to invest more time in over the next few years.Last year, I had such a fun experience using public transport to get to a paddling location. I loved the logistics, challenges and being environmentally friendly. And I would love to extend this to overseas expeditions. Wouldnt it be very cool to go to say, Norway, by train with all the gear in your paddleboard bag and then spend a few months exploring by SUP?Now that would be an adventure!Which paddling locations in the world would be on your bucket list?In an ideal world, somewhere extreme, testing and very cold near the Arctic Circle would be extraordinary. Equally, it is such a delicate environment, so I rule out using it as a paddling playground. What, in your opinion, is the one crucial thing you can teach a SUP paddler?Trust the environment you are paddling in to shape and develop your technical/tactical paddling. Explore more demanding environments, e.g. if you always paddle very sheltered water, book in with a coach and try sheltered water or open water (upper remit) in the long term (and with the right support) it will increase your proficiency as a paddler because you are able to adapt and respond to the information around you.You do seem to have a connection with nature. What is it about being outside and on the water that makes you feel good?I am fascinated by how powerful the iPhone camera is and its editing capacity. I use it to capture the beauty of nature around me, be it a seed, a landscape, icicles or a tree on the horizon. Blue/green spaces are wonderful and give such amazing respite, both mentally and physically.I am constantly saddened that humanity still views these as commodities to be sold, built on or managed in such a way that it has a negative impact on nature and ultimately on our wellbeing. Whats the most enjoyable encounter with wildlife that youve had whilst paddling?Seals! Beautiful, jaw-dropping, huge, impossible to photograph, playful and mesmerising. Do you have an eco-message for fellow paddlers?As paddlers, we are experiencing climate change firsthand, and I believe we need to take responsibility for our impact on nature locally and further afield. This means making difficult choices, including changing our paddling habits. For example, is it OK to jump on a plane to travel halfway round the world, so that we can tick a river off our bucket list? Or complete a paddling challenge for social media recognition? What legacy does this leave future generations? A big question how does SUP keep progressing in your opinion?Safety!There are so many amazing, vibrant SUP communities around the UK, but when I look at social media or go out on the water, I am worried by seeing so many examples where there is a lack of basic safety knowledge. This is an area where we need to make progress.What are you looking forward to in the next year or so?Embedding ecological dynamics theory within my practice would be an enormous achievement. Plus, specialising in supporting aspirant SUP instructors, leaders and coaches that would be pretty awesome!Who are your SUP buddies?I run a womens paddling community called Cake with WotBikini.We meet monthly, paddle our local waterways in the East Midlands and further afield. It is such a highlight to meet, catch up, paddle and of course eat cake! OK life isnt all about SUP so what else interests you when you get the time?Come back and ask me in 12 months!I am now on that journey as life is changing again, with my son recently starting university. I have a sneaking suspicion it will be another board sport would really love to nail snowboarding once and for all!Quickfire fun questions:Who would it be if you could paddle with anyone, dead or alive?The writer, Margaret Atwood and visual artists, Mona Hatoum, Frida Kahlo and the incredible Louise Bourgeois. If your board had a name, what would it be?Ive never understood why we name inanimate objects! Isnt that a thing that blokes get obsessed about?Whats the strangest thing youve seen floating in the water?Nothing strange, I can think of the worst raw sewage! What essential gear do you always bring?My safety bag never go anywhere without it!If your board could talk, what would it say about your paddling skills?So much room for improvement!If you could only bring three items on a SUP trip what would they be?Can I call my dog an item? Plus, of course, his BA and a dog treat!If you could only paddle to the beat of one musical track, what track would you choose?Insane Flume featuring Moon Holiday. It was featured in a short film showcasing USA WW SUP and included Corran Addison & Dan Gavere. It was the first time I had seen what could be achieved on a SUP. The song still sends an excited shiver down my back!Whats the strangest thing youve ever tried to transport on a board?Nothing strange, more memorable. I once tried to rescue a beautiful collie by trying to get her onto my board.She had decided that swimming across the River Trent was a good idea!I ended up herding her back to her owners. Whats the oddest snack youve ever eaten while paddling?If only my life were that exotic!Whats your most unusual board ritual or superstition?My van must always be packed in a specific way, not due to superstition but down to being menopausal.I would never find anything otherwise!Whats the ultimate SUP superpower you wish you had?How much time have you got?Finally, any shoutouts?I would like to give a big shoutout to Desperate Measures, in Nottingham, who have given such excellent customer service to all the students I have signposted their way. Huge thanks, Emma, for taking the time out for this.

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SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA: UNSTOPPABLE!SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA: UNSTOPPABLE!We caught up with the 34-year-old Aruban, Sarah-Quita Offringa, after her incredible victory at the Aloha Classicher fourth win at this iconic event (2016, 2019, 2023 and now 2025). That victory pushed her count to an incredible 28 world titles as she continues her unstoppable role in womens windsurfing. Even more impressive? For the second consecutive year, Sarah has claimed three world titles in a single season.From the beaches of Sylt to the waves of Maui, Offringa continues to redefine consistency, resilience and pure competitive fire. Whether shes battling jetlag, challenging heavy surf or silencing doubts after a rare off result, Sarah always finds another gear and delivers exceptional performances when it matters.Photos: World Wave Tour / PWA Fish Bowl Diaries.WINDSURF: How were you feeling mentally going into the Aloha after a poor result (for your standards in Sylt) Were you feeling any pressure?SQ: Hmmmm! Well, yes I think it did mess with my head a bit. I was actually so prepared going into Sylt after sailing so much in Brazil and then all of a sudden it was over in 15 minutes. I made all the wrong decisions and I was out, no second chances. So even though going into Maui I felt confident about it being starboard tack, my mind was definitely playing games with me, so yes maybe I didnt go into the Aloha with 100% confidence. But all of that happens on land. As soon as I got on the water, I felt much better mentally.WINDSURF: Were you excited by the forecast and did you get much time to dial into the conditions?SQ: Yes I was very excited about the forecast. Its finally clicked for me where I actually enjoy the big waves. I used to be scared, and now I cant wait for the rush. There was not much time between the events unfortunately, so not really that much time on the water.WINDSURF: What was it like transitioning from Sylt to Maui in the space of a week?SQ: The hardest part was getting over the jetlag and travelling fatigue. The jetlag was brutal for a couple of days and can make it a bit hard to function! With the 12 hr difference I would get super drowsy around 2-3PM. Or just fall asleep at 6PM but then be up from 2 AM onwards haha. But besides that, Maui is such a lovely destination. Its all about the feel good vibes so its a pleasure to battle jetlag in paradise.WINDSURF: What gear were you ridingthe board looked like it was working well?SQ: I was on the Starboard Hyper 88, which is a quad setup and used 4.7m and 5.0m NeilPryde Combat. I sailed a lot of Starboard tack in Brazil just last month, so I think that helped me to get right in the groove of things.WINDSURF: How nervous were you during the heats?SQ: I was extremely excited to compete in the first heat, and as soon as the red flag went up, I became really nervous. So, as I said before, I do think I didnt start 100% confident, simply because you can be as prepared as you can be, but things can still go wrong.But thats part of the game and after that heat my mental game improved.WINDSURF: Once Sol was eliminated in the semi-finals, that meant you had the title in the bagWas it still important to you to win the event?SQ: Right after I had clinched the title, I was actually very relaxed and even thought whatever happens now really doesnt matter. I could finish 4th! And then the heat started and I really wanted to win ha ha, but its different when your main goal has been achieved already. It wasnt a do or die situation like with the men or like I had in 2019. So, it was just a pleasure to be part of another final in the Aloha and winning would be the cherry on top.Maui Ultra Fins Windsurfing SUP Kite MUF MUFinsWINDSURF: Talk us through the finalI looked like you had a pretty sick heat?SQ: I had a good heat and scored when it mattered! There were very little waves/sets coming through, which made it hard to decide whether or not I wanted to go on the smaller waves or wait for the sets. I think now finally after a few years Im able to be patient and wait for the bigger waves and make sure that I have longer rides that score more. I think my best wave was two turns and a hit which I was happy about that!WINDSURF: How did you feel about your sailing during the event?SQ: I was very happy about my sailing, I improved some things here and there. but not as much as I would like to. Definitely have some regrets not coming to Maui as often as I would like to since Covid. But I would like to make a change in that the upcoming year and improve my riding.WINDSURF: How did you celebrate?SQ: We did a girls dinner which was very cosy! There is such a good vibe between the girls on the beach so its a pleasure to hang out with everyone!WINDSURF: What are your plans for the rest of the winter?SQ: I am not planning too much yet for the moment. Will take a break and in a few weeks set some goals!The post SARAH QUITA OFFRINGA: UNSTOPPABLE! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

SAMMY FERRERO: FIRST TIME TO MAUI!SAMMY FERRERO: FIRST TIME TO MAUI!Its hard not to smile watching the pure excitement of young Italian wave sailor Sammy Ferrero as he touches down in Maui for the very first time. After years of dreaming about Hookipa and studying every video he could find, Sammy finally got his chance to experience the worlds most iconic wave sailing spot in personand he made the absolute most of it! His genuine stoke levels were off the charts and to top it all off, he nailed an incredible 3rd place finish in the U21 Boys at the Aloha Classic. What a debut! Nice energy to the clipdont miss it!Im Sammy, and in this video I show you what every windsurfers dream looks like! Coming to Maui and windsurfing at Hookipa! One of the best windsurfing spots in the world and home to the final of the world cup. Subscribe to my channel, a video about the most important competition of the year is coming soon! See you in the waterThe post SAMMY FERRERO: FIRST TIME TO MAUI! appeared first on Windsurf Magazine.

Words: Sarah Thornely (www.supjunkie.co.uk)Photos: Antony Thornely for SUPjunkieSo, what happens when you turn up to an event knowing ahead of time that the conditions are going to be a little challenging and hey presto, they really are!This happened recently at the Big Dippa race in Northumberland, and the conditions were probably one of the most difficult I have seen in all my years of racing, including two tough years at BaySUP on the south coast. So how do race directors make their decisions, and what makes paddlers put themselves into what others might perceive as danger?I was one of those paddlers who, after years of not racing, decided to get stuck in I felt that if the race director had decided it was okay, then I was prepared to go out. I struggled to stand, although I did stand, I got battered by the shore dump and was eventually encouraged to leave the watery playing field and call it a day. But do you know, I was absolutely buzzing after.I was also frustrated that I had let someone else decide my fate on that day, and I would probably do it all again. My pride was intact, and the only thing I lost was my watch, which was dragged off my wrist whilst the waves were hurling about me.Several comments on social media came up suggesting the race was dangerous and should not have been run, so here are some very valid thoughts from race directors and paddlers alike from a good cross-section.This happened recently at the Big Dippa race in Northumberland, and the conditions were probably one of the most difficult I have seen in all my years of racing, including two tough years at BaySUP on the south coast. So how do race directors make their decisions, and what makes paddlers put themselves into what others might perceive as danger?I was one of those paddlers who, after years of not racing, decided to get stuck in I felt that if the race director had decided it was okay, then I was prepared to go out. I struggled to stand, although I did stand, I got battered by the shore dump and was eventually encouraged to leave the watery playing field and call it a day. But do you know, I was absolutely buzzing after.I was also frustrated that I had let someone else decide my fate on that day, and I would probably do it all again. My pride was intact, and the only thing I lost was my watch, which was dragged off my wrist whilst the waves were hurling about me.Several comments on social media came up suggesting the race was dangerous and should not have been run, so here are some very valid thoughts from race directors and paddlers alike from a good cross-section.PAUL SIMMONS:The conditions thrown up by the North Sea for this event were exactly what I enjoy most, with breaking waves, chop and swell making for a true test of a paddlers sea skills.Watching the top athletes (male and female) throwing their 14-foot boards around in the surf and negotiating the chest-high whitewater was impressive.It highlighted how those who are prepared to train and challenge themselves in ocean conditions build confidence in the surf and sharpen skills like board handling, timing, and using the paddle, to the point where racers perceive wavy conditions as fun rather than scary!I would love to see more SUP racing in waves, and with racers putting in more time training in the surf. Spectacular SUP racing on the sea could become commonplace, making for more exciting racing, more appealing to sponsors and spectators alike, plus, more importantly, the most fun of all race disciplines to participate in. BRING IT ON!EMILIA SOULSBY:I was nervous about entering the Big Dippa race in Whitley Bay, so I waited until the last minute to sign up, but Im thrilled I took the plunge! The event was an incredible experience, and Im so glad I pushed past my doubts.As someone whos used to paddling on rivers, the sea conditions were a challenge. The waves were tough, and I was disappointed to miss the second lap of the tech race. However, the organisers made the right call, prioritising safety.Despite the challenges, I gained valuable experience and knowledge about ocean paddling. The following day, I attended Susanne Liers race clinic, which was an excellent opportunity to learn from her experiences and expertise as a four-time world champion, particularly in ocean paddling.The event was also an excellent opportunity to meet new people from across the country who share a passion for paddleboarding. Watching Annie and Hectors masterclass was inspiring, with their skills and talent on full display, which was great for all ages, especially the children!Im grateful to everyone who contributed to making this event a success. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to host one, and I appreciate the effort that went into creating a fantastic day despite the challenging conditions. Im already looking forward to next years event and working on improving my technique and training plan.ANNABEL PAGE:I train on the North Sea, so Im familiar with its wild conditions. Even so, the nature of the waves and the high-tide shore dump were factors I had to consider during the race. That said, I was happy to take the win and successfully surf a wave to the finish at the end of the technical race.ALICE STROYAN:Despite the conditions being a little worrying to look at, I am someone who loves the sea, a challenge and any sort of risk factor, so I was ready to give the challenging conditions a go. I remember laughing with other paddlers on the way round about how Id barely been able to stand up and never raced sitting down before, and that I couldnt wait to ride the waves back in! I had a great time, and the organisers of the event were fabulous. I really appreciate all they do for the sport and the inclusion of everyone!SARAH PERKINS:On any given day, I might check Surfline three or four times in case theres surf to be had! In the run-up to the Whitley Bay race, I was getting excited. Swell was forecast. Conditions came in as expected, maybe a bit windier, but it made for a great race that was a super challenge. Everyone who took part was pushed and came out feeling theyd achieved something. Annie and Hector, taking the wins, took it in their stride, and Ive certainly seen them being chucked out in much tougher conditions in international races. Races like this can only help us up our skill level. Were an island nation, and mastering choppy conditions should be our secret weapon for international races.We also caught up with Brendon Prince, Race Director of SUP Twelve and the SUPER Festival, which also often face challenging ocean conditions here he gives a blow-by-blow account of the process of decision making:BRENDON PRINCE:As a race director, one of the most challenging responsibilities I hold is deciding whether a race can safely take place. Every competitor, volunteer, and spectator wants the event to go ahead. The planning, training, and anticipation that build up to race day are immense, so calling a race off is never taken lightly. Yet my first duty is always safety, and this means weighing up multiple factors before making the final decision.The process begins with consultation. I work closely with the safety team, who provide a clear picture of the capabilities and readiness of our on-water rescue resources. This includes the availability of trained lifeguards, the positioning of rescue craft, and the number of personnel we have in relation to the size of the fleet or number of participants. If the safety team raises concerns about stretched resources or reduced visibility due to conditions, their input carries significant weight in my assessment.Alongside the safety team, the boat crew are a crucial voice. They understand the local waters in real time and can report on how the sea state is affecting navigation and rescue potential. Swell height, chop, and tidal pull may not look extreme from the shoreline, but once on the water, they can create situations where even experienced crews are at risk. The boat crews feedback tells me whether conditions are manageable for quick responses or whether rescue times would be dangerously slowed.Weather experts provide another vital perspective. Forecasts on wind speed and direction, visibility, and changes across the day allow me to judge whether conditions will improve, hold steady, or deteriorate. In coastal racing, wind shifts can transform an otherwise safe course into something unmanageable, while sea fog or sudden squalls can catch participants off guard. I rely on expert forecasts but also on my own experience of interpreting how the weather behaves along the coast. Years spent on the water have given me an instinctive sense of patterns, microclimates, and sudden changes that models alone may not capture.Tides and currents are another factor I consider closely. Understanding how the tidal flow interacts with wind direction and coastal geography is essential. A strong outgoing tide against a building onshore wind can create steep, breaking conditions that are beyond the ability of most competitors to handle. As someone experienced in reading seawater movement, I can assess not only what is happening now but also what will happen hours into the event. It is not just about whether the start is safe, but whether the finish will still be manageable for the slowest competitors.The final decision rests with me, and it carries a heavy weight. Cancelling or postponing a race will always cause disappointment, but it is far better than risking an incident that could endanger lives. The responsibility of leadership is to protect those who put their trust in me, even when it means delivering news that no one wants to hear. Every consultation, every forecast, and every instinct feeds into that decision, but ultimately it is my judgment that determines whether the race goes ahead.Final thoughtsWere you at the Big Dippa and did you make the decision to get out on the water? In that case, we applaud you ocean racing is one of the most exciting disciplines in SUP and those paddlers on the continent regularly deal with conditions that most of us find challenging so, maybe its time to upskill and spend a little bit more time (safely) messing about on the sea!Thanks to all of those who contributed their thoughts for this article.

When it comes to catching your first waves on a SUP there are a few things that can make the whole experience way easier and more fun!In this SUPboarder video we look at some of the key points to get you moving in the right direction towards the beach.The kit used in this video:In wavesBoard: Fanatic Stubby 87Paddle: Red Paddle Co Ultimate CarbonFlat waterBoard : RRD Long SUP 94Paddle : Naish Alana Carbon adjustableThe post Catching your first waves on a SUP / SUPboarder How to video appeared first on SUPboarder Magazine.

Your essential read for SUP this autumn! New November SUP Mag UK available nowPay by credit card with Stripe or Paypal. Purchase here. Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/Mc2dQ&AsAdviceTravel and adventuresPaddle UK featuresInclusive SUPBehind the brandGear shedSUPM supports and gives airtime to the UK SUP scene 100%. And were the only mag that does.The latest November 2025 issue of SUP Mag UK in print is available to purchase now Digital edition available @ https://joom.ag/Mc2dFeaturing a huge array of SUP stories from across the planet and the crme de la crme of UK stand up stories, its a must have read for anyone into the art of propelling themselves forward on a board with a paddle.Available to order now.Any questions? Give us a call on 01480 465081 we will be glad to help.