Wherever you may live, chances are your SUP-ing sessions have been impacted by the weather. Whatever the variable in question may be—heat, cold, precipitation, or anything else—it has had an effect on you, your comfort, and your time on the water. Of course, it is easy to overlook one of the most important components of any good paddling experience, the wind. That’s right, if you’re constantly fighting against the wind, then you’re probably not enjoying yourself. Now, this raises the question: when is it too windy to go paddle boarding? As always, our team at Atoll Boards has everything you need to know, so keep on reading below!
Read more: Best Tips for Paddle Boarding on a Rainy Day
What is the Best Weather for SUP-ing?
Perhaps the easiest way to begin this conversation is with an idealistic question, “What is the best weather for SUP-ing?” In terms of temperature, for example, it really depends on one’s skill level. While new SUP-ers typically prefer warmer outings, expert paddlers often opt for slightly cooler climates. To learn more, check out our related blog, ‘What is the Best Temperature for SUP-ing?‘ Aside from what the thermometer reads, if you ask our team at Atoll Boards, we would say that the absolute best paddling conditions are a little bit cloud coverage, a very light breeze, and just enough warmth that you never feel cold; in our estimation, this is simply perfection.
Our Advice for Beginners
Unfortunately, you can’t always have the perfect paddle. With that in mind, our advice for beginners is to only go out on the water when the wind speeds are below eight miles per hour (mph). While it is certainly possible to still have a good session, the simple fact of the matter is you’ll have a much better experience when you don’t have to deal with such aggressive gusts of wind. Trust us, when the wind is a nonfactor, it’s a whole lot easier to learn the ropes, master the basics, and become a better paddler. In other words, if you pick your spots and only go out when the weather is cooperating, then it won’t be long until you evolve into a much more capable, confident, and consistent SUP-er.
Veteran Paddlers Can Comfortably SUP in Higher Wind Speeds
On the bright side, once you surpass beginner status, you’ll be able to push yourself a little bit more, test the waters, and challenge your skills to your heart’s content. That said, veteran paddlers can comfortably SUP in higher wind speeds of up to 15 mph. Even then, however, most SUP safety experts recommend staying away from the water when the winds are more than that 15-mph benchmark. In short, SUP-ing in the midst of 15-plus-mph winds is considered excessive, dangerous, and irresponsible to one’s safety, health, and wellness.
The Line Between Doable and Enjoyable
With that in mind, please note that the line between doable and enjoyable is an invaluable distinction. While we fully support our community members embarking on ambitious paddles, we certainly don’t want anyone to end up in uncomfortable, unmanageable, or unsafe situations. In other words, please be sure to know your limits, pace yourself, and, above all else, please paddle as safely as you possibly can.
Read more: How to Stay Hydrated While Stand-up Paddle Boarding
Contact Our Team at Atoll Boards
We hope this helped to answer your question, “When is it too windy to go paddle boarding?” If there’s anything else we can assist you with—such as any further questions, some general information about our signature Atoll Boards, or anything else—then please feel free to contact our team at Atoll Boards today. To do so, simply give us a call at 877-698-8581, send an email to customerservice@atollboards.com, or, for more options, click here. Regardless, whatever works best for you, we hope to serve you soon. Until then!
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