Get into SUP Touring
Ready to explore further by paddleboard? This pathway introduces the skills, planning and safety knowledge needed to enjoy your first touring adventures with confidence. Follow each section in order to learn how to prepare, choose the right equipment and make the most of every journey on the water.
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Section 1: Planning Your First SUP Adventure
Learn how to plan a successful SUP tour, from choosing your route and equipment to packing your board and managing weight. Build the foundations you need to head out prepared and confident.
Discover what SUP touring is all about and how it can open up a whole new side of paddleboarding, from exploring your local waterways to taking on longer adventures.
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Getting into SUP touring & exploring / What is it?
Discover what SUP touring is all about and how it can open up a whole new side of paddleboarding, from exploring your local waterways to taking on longer adventures.
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A good tour starts before you reach the water. Learn what to consider when planning your route, including distance, conditions and the practical decisions that can make your trip more enjoyable.
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Getting into SUP touring & Exploring / Planning your SUP touring route
A good tour starts before you reach the water. Learn what to consider when planning your route, including distance, conditions and the practical decisions that can make your trip more enjoyable.
View VideoLearn what to pack for a SUP tour, from essential safety equipment and spare clothing to food, drink and useful kit that can keep you comfortable on longer adventures.
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Getting into SUP Touring & Exploring / What kit to take
Learn what to pack for a SUP tour, from essential safety equipment and spare clothing to food, drink and useful kit that can keep you comfortable on longer adventures.
View VideoOnce you’ve chosen your kit, learn how to pack it effectively, protect it from the water and securely attach your bags to your SUP ready for the journey ahead.
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Getting into SUP Touring & Exploring / How to pack your gear
Once you’ve chosen your kit, learn how to pack it effectively, protect it from the water and securely attach your bags to your SUP ready for the journey ahead.
View VideoWhere you put your gear matters. Learn how weight distribution affects your board’s trim, stability and paddling efficiency, helping you load your SUP correctly for longer journeys.
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How to load your SUP / The importance of considering weight distribution
Where you put your gear matters. Learn how weight distribution affects your board’s trim, stability and paddling efficiency, helping you load your SUP correctly for longer journeys.
View VideoSECTION 2: ESSENTIAL SAFETY FOR SUP TOURING
Touring takes you further from your starting point, making good planning and decision-making even more important. Build the safety knowledge needed to assess conditions, choose the right equipment and deal with problems on the water.
Choosing the right location is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make. Learn what to consider before launching and how to recognise whether a paddling spot is suitable for you.
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How to choose where to SUP?
Choosing the right location is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make. Learn what to consider before launching and how to recognise whether a paddling spot is suitable for you.
View VideoIf your tour takes you onto tidal water, understanding what the water is doing is essential. Learn the basics of tides and tidal flow so you can better plan when and where to paddle.
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Understanding Tides and Tidal Flow
If your tour takes you onto tidal water, understanding what the water is doing is essential. Learn the basics of tides and tidal flow so you can better plan when and where to paddle.
View VideoThe right equipment can make a huge difference when you’re further from your starting point. Learn what safety kit to consider carrying and how to prepare properly before setting off.
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What equipment to take paddling
The right equipment can make a huge difference when you’re further from your starting point. Learn what safety kit to consider carrying and how to prepare properly before setting off.
View VideoUnderstand the different types of personal flotation available, what they are designed to do and when a PFD should form part of your touring and paddling safety setup.
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What is a PFD and when should I use one?
Understand the different types of personal flotation available, what they are designed to do and when a PFD should form part of your touring and paddling safety setup.
View VideoYour leash is vital safety equipment, but the right choice depends on where you paddle. Understand the different leash options and when, where and how each should be used.
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What Leash should you use when paddling
Your leash is vital safety equipment, but the right choice depends on where you paddle. Understand the different leash options and when, where and how each should be used.
View VideoMoving water introduces hazards that every touring paddler should understand. Learn how rivers and flowing water affect your safety and why your equipment and leash choices need extra consideration.
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How to paddle safely on Rivers & Slow Moving Water
Moving water introduces hazards that every touring paddler should understand. Learn how rivers and flowing water affect your safety and why your equipment and leash choices need extra consideration.
View VideoConditions can transform a touring session very quickly. Learn how wind and weather affect your route, what to check before setting off and why understanding the forecast is so important.
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Wind & Weather
Conditions can transform a touring session very quickly. Learn how wind and weather affect your route, what to check before setting off and why understanding the forecast is so important.
View VideoEven with careful planning, things can still go wrong. Learn how to prepare, communicate, raise the alarm and manage a problem before it develops into a more serious situation.
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What to do when your SUP session doesn’t go to plan? Communication & Emergency
Even with careful planning, things can still go wrong. Learn how to prepare, communicate, raise the alarm and manage a problem before it develops into a more serious situation.
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