Paddle boarding is a great watersport for all the family. The accessibility – certainly for flat water fun – is tangible. With a few prior sessions to (literally) find your feet and dial in those paddle strokes, SUP is ripe for all comers. From mum and dad’s point of view, it’s a brilliant way to get your kids enjoying the water, outdoors and get them away from all that pesky tech.
Paddle boarding for all.
Whatever age your offspring are paddle boarding works. Even wee ones can enjoy the sport. Having chosen a safe, flat water location (and the right day, devoid of wind, swell and bothersome weather) it’s all go!
You don’t need any more than one stand up paddle board set. Of course, if you wish to have a few (which makes mass SUP sessions possible) then go for it. But it’s not necessary. You also don’t need the highest performing stand up paddle board. An inflatable 10’6 is fine. Then simply pop your kids up front and enjoy a spot of ‘sweeping’ fun.
Kids play, with paddle boards all day.
Something else to consider – especially with inflatable SUPs – is how good they are as a kid’s beach toy. Your children will adore jumping off, clambering back aboard, and then repeating until the day is done. This is actually good groundwork for progressing into other board sports or down the path of paddle boarding specifically.
The same can be achieved with hard SUPs but there’s a greater risk of damage. Which isn’t the case with inflatables.
Paddle boarding equipment longevity.
Purchasing a good quality stand up paddle board – such as the models NCW sells – will see longevity from your equipment. Quality SUP manufacturing ensures iSUPs last a long time. Couple this with plenty of versatility and you have a ‘toy’ which won’t end up landfill after a few uses.
You may choose to upgrade in time, at which point selling your original paddle boarding gear should fetch a keen price. Inflatable SUPs tend to hold their value quite well (mostly). Or, keep hold of it. There’s nothing wrong with a quiver of SUPs to call upon when needed.
SUP safety.
What we will suggest is that all paddlers observe good SUP safety practises. Wear a leash with release belt, avoid hazardous locations and weather and be mindful of going anywhere near or in water. Wear appropriate paddle boarding clothing – such as NCW wetsuits – and stay alert to changing conditions. This way you and your family will enjoy SUP to the max.
If you haven’t already seen NCW is running a 20% off stand up paddle boarding sale currently. This runs until the end of May 2023. All full SUP packages start at just £320! You can find to more here or give us a shout at The Rubber Shack for more info.