Preparing for ISUP Board Trip

Going on your first ISUP (Inflatable stand up paddle board) trip here are some thing to keep in mind when preparing: Boards, Supplies, Clothing, and Food.

1. Picking the right board.

Think of this as an investment, you want to pick the right board for what you are doing. It is suggested that the thicker the board the more volume it can hold and there for more stable. As well as the thickness you should also think about length and width, where as the longer and thinner SUP's will go faster and are more for racing you might want a generally shorter and wider board for cruising. The Board that got me though my first trip was 10' 6" long 36" wide and 6" thick it worked very well for what I needed, but what I did find is the paddle that came with the board did not cut it. Next time I will be bring a double ended paddle they are much easier to use and get your self going at a good and consistent speed. My single paddle was very hard to use going against the current and I got turned around a couple of time's.

2.Supplies/ Gear

ALWAYS... let me say that again ALWAYS bring a repair & safety kit. the last thing you want is to be out on the lake or in the bush and your ISUP has a leak or you get hurt and no way to contact help. Along with repair/safety kit's it is recommended to bring shelter, I brought a hammock that came with bug netting and ran fly just incase (Which came in supper handy when a surprise storm came by). Depending on what months you chose to travel I suggest bringing the appropriate clothing items. We did go in May, the days are very nice but nights can get a little chilly. Bring a good sleeping bag that can easily be packed in your bags. The last thing I can tell you you will need will be a solar panel charging station for phones and flash lights or any other electronics you might need. a few other thing you could bring are: camping stove (Mini), utensils, rope, lights, and maybe some toilet paper for when … nature calls.

3. Clothing

Depending of the time of year will determine what you will need to bring with you. I went in late may, weather can be unpredictable and all over the place so do your research. here are some clothing items to think about brining: Water shoes, Rain jacket, Fast drying pants/shorts, bathing suit, towel, as well as personal hygiene items(undies/Bra), some breathable shirts, and warm pajama's for those colder nights, one last thing I can not Stress enough is a sun hat you will be in the sun for long periods of time protect your neck! In May the bugs were horrible I suggest bringing some long sleeve shirts and pants to protect your self.

4. Last but not least.... FOOD

What kind of food should you take with you on your ISUP trip? well think of things that just need water, since it will be your only resource available at the time. Bringing food that's a high in protein is the best option since you don't want to bring a cooler and meat remember everything need to fit on the paddle board. the most important thing to bring is a good water filtration system so you don't get sick, you could boil water but this is safer. I brought food such as oak meal and instant potatoes, might not be your first choice but after a while out in the woods they taste amazing. Meat sticks for protein and trust me I did not forget instant coffee. All in all I found we did eat well and probably brought more food then necessary.

What else can I tell you.. make to have have FUN and relax and enjoy what nature has to offer, we have very busy lives and it is always nice to slow down. Take as many pictures as you can you will want them in the future, the last piece of advise is to help out as much as you can, if everyone pitches in then everything is a lot less work.