The scorching bank holiday weekend that much of the UK experienced at the start of May might have put you in the mood to get outside and make the most of what will hopefully be a long, hot summer.
If you’re keen to try new outdoor pursuits in Cheshire this year then stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is definitely one you should put on your list.
This is a great activity whatever your age or ability, and it appears that more and more people are discovering the joys of getting on the water on a paddleboard.
Last month Yachting and Boating World revealed that 190,000 more people tried SUP in 2017 than in 2016, while canoeing also grew in popularity, with an incredible 345,000 more people engaging in this activity in 2017 than a year earlier.
One of the things that makes SUP such a great choice for a day on the water is its versatility. You can have a relaxed and sedate paddle, simply enjoying being out on the water, or you can make it more strenuous by getting involved in SUP racing. If you are on the coast you can even try SUP surfing.
If you’ve never tried SUP before and want to have a go, it’s advisable to have lessons initially to help you get your confidence on the board and to learn the correct paddling techniques. This will mean that you enjoy your time on the water that much more.
Just remember that conditions vary from place to place. Inland bodies of water, like the lake at Trafford Water Sports Centre, are the perfect place to learn because they are calm and enclosed.
Once you’re comfortable paddling in a range of conditions, you can take your new-found skills to other places for more adventurous paddles, exploring rivers, lakes and coastlines all over the UK.
