There are still a great deal of water babies that don’t see the point of  stand up paddle boarding.

‘Why not ride a surfboard?’ ‘What’s the point of sticking a sail on a SUP?’ ‘Why would I want to paddle in breezy conditions?’ Why not just use a kayak in the river?’

These are all common questions and comments that come from the uninitiated.

Tools for the job

If you’re a windsurfer then chances are you’re never going to be converted to ‘doing downwinders’ when it’s nuking. However, if you’re the type of sailor that doesn’t fancy sailing around in marginal conditions with big kit then maybe paddling a SUP will give you the fix you’re looking for?

The fact is, if your regular choice of sport is suddenly not delivering then looking towards a new discipline could reinvigorate your H20 sessions and, most importantly, give you more time on the water.

If you’re a surfer and the waves are small – ride a SUP.

If you’re a high wind windsurfer and it’s marginal – ride a SUP.

If it’s flat calm – ride a SUP.

If you’re a kayaker looking for a new challenge – ride a SUP.

If you live inland and need a weekend option – ride a SUP.

You get the idea…

Not just for the mediocre

The fact is, stand up paddle boarding is such a diverse animal that it lends itself to almost any type of watery environment.

Many paddlers get involved with the sport to fill the void between their regular pastime when conditions aren’t right. Pretty soon, though, SUPers realise that even when things rev up, stand up paddling still fits the bill.

Yes, SUP is perfect as an alternative when the weather isn’t playing ball, but stand up paddling also fits the bill when things get serious.

Becoming a SUPer just gives the rider more options – which is no bad thing.

Excuses, excuses

Chances are that if you’ve been tempted to try SUP for the first time then you realise just how accessible the sport is and what benefits will be had if choosing to purchase your own stick.

One of the biggest barriers for newbies is the sheer size of the equipment, particularly the boards, needed.

For city dwellers with limited space or anyone with transport issues, owning your own board and paddle is often a no go. In recent years, however, the iSUP (inflatable) has taken off. Technology is now of a high enough standard to makes these types of board applicable to all forms of SUP, apart from the highest pinnacles of the sport.

The fact that iSUPs pack down to a manageable ruck sack size now means that anyone, everywhere has no excuse not to own their own piece of paddling joy.

Paddles come in telescopic and three-piece form as well, and while not the highest performing pieces of kit, they’ll certainly do the job of getting you on the water.

Tez Plavenieks is a freelance watersport journalist and Digital Content Manager. Participating in a number of different disciplines, as well as residing on Hayling Island, he produces regular articles and features, writing across many different areas of action sports.