5 Top Tips For Solo Paddling
With most of the country currently in lockdown right now, for many of us, the only way to get out on the water and enjoy some board time is heading out solo. Paddling solo does carry risks, and it’s also a pretty daunting scenario for many.
While in most circumstances I’d always recommend paddling with a friend, in times like these it’s simply not possible! So after many requests from many of you (thank you! I love your topic requests!), here are my 5 Top Tips for Solo Paddling, whether in lockdown or in other solo scenarios!
Di’s adventure on the Nepean River
… FUN FACT!! All the photos used in this blog are captured by She SUPs paddlers out on solo paddles during lockdown!!
Have a float plan!
I can’t stress this one enough, always, always, ALWAYS have a plan of what time you’ll be on the water, your route, and what time you expect to be off the water and then SHARE this with someone who will have access to their phone that day. Chat with this person before you paddle so that you both know what they should do if they can’t reach you at your expected water exit time.
This person can be anyone you know, even be a random friend from work, but just ensure someone knows where you’re at, and if you’re not off the water by the time you said you would be (and they can’t reach you) then they can call a coastguard (or other) for help.
Take your mobile phone
This kinda goes hand in hand with the first point. You can’t let someone know you’re safe (or not) without a mobile phone!!
When it comes to solo paddling, having a mobile phone with you really is a necessity. If you’re concerned about your phone getting wet, check out this waterproof waist pack on the She SUPs Shop! (pictured below) This handy little bag has been tried and tested by many She SUPs paddlers and as long as you put your phone in the large roll top compartment, it will be super dry even if you take an accidental dip ;)
3. Play it safe
While you may be comfortable paddling some wild adventures deep in the National Park or far off shore with a group of friends, this is not a great idea when heading out solo. To ensure you’re feeling 100% comfortable and confident when heading out solo, stick to waterways close to the shoreline, and areas where you’re likely to see others in the area (e.g. perhaps a footpath crosses the waterway via a bridge, or perhaps there is a spot halfway where the water backs onto someone’s house).
Below is a photo from Lane Cove River in Sydney. This was a great option for Natalie’s first solo paddle as it’s a quiet, sheltered water, it’s easy to exit at multiple points along the river, there are houses that run alongside one side half way down the river, and there’s always a few people in the car park, and as you can see, there were also a couple of kayakers enjoying the river too!! So you’re not completely isolated if you need to call for help.
Natalie’s adventure on Lane Cove River
4. Keep A Positive Mindset
A lot of our fears and hesitations come from within - specifically our mind!! So believe in yourself! Trust your skillset, or equally, simply recognise your skillset and therefore pick a paddle location/route that matches it. There is no need to push yourself beyond anything you’ve not done before when heading out solo for the first time.
Before you paddle, rather than allowing your mind to think of alllllll the things that could go wrong, picture yourself paddling the route in your mind, and then picture yourself getting off the water safely once you finish, and note the emotions and feelings you will feel at the end! Keep this feeling front and centre as you prep to get on the water. I always find once I’m ON the water, it’s easy from there, it’s the pre-paddle bit where my mind goes crazy!
Similarly, if you find your mind is buzzing. Perhaps try noting the emotions you’re feeling and explaining them to yourself (i.e. ask WHY you’re feeling this way) as if you were supporting a friend on this solo mission…
“Ok, so I’m feeling worried I’m going to fall off when I stand up because I’m more nervous this time. Why? This is because my nerves are simply heightened right now as I’m going out solo for the first time, but that’s ok. The chances are I won’t fall as I have done this lots before. However what if I do? Well, I’ll simply climb back on my SUP or swim to the edge and either try again or if I don’t fancy it, I’ll go and celebrate my first solo adventure with a hot chocolate. Maybe I won’t get far today but that’s ok because at least I got out here solo for the first time. The next time it will be easier.”
Solo paddling is daunting, but if you play it safe, take it step by step then you can easily head out solo and embrace the great benefits of being on the water for mind and body!
Note: if you’re used to paddling an hour or so with friends, be kind to yourself if you feel like you’ve had enough after 30 minutes paddling solo. With no one to chat to, the first few solo paddles can feel daunting, or for some their mind may be running a thousand miles per hour for those 30 minutes so you may find yourself exhausted pretty quickly! Practice really does make perfect, and you’ll find that the more you go out, the more confident you’ll start to feel.
Kerry’s adventure in Dee Why! Kerry is a confident paddler and therefore is exploring ocean paddling as she progresses! What a beautiful day in Dee Why!
5. Remember you may be paddling solo, but you’re not paddling alone
This one is key, and one that I know has been supporting a lot of you through lockdown.
You may be paddling solo, but the She SUPs Community is here EVERY step of the way! Our amazing members of the She SUPs Community Hub have recently been setting up virtual paddle group chats on the Hub, where they set a time that they may go paddling (e.g. between 10am - 12pm on a Saturday) and then the live chat is live in that time for anyone who is on the water (solo and in their local government area) to send a message, share a picture or simply ask questions about where they are paddling!
I asked the ladies to describe in three words how having these virtual chats open while paddling makes them feel and they said:
“not so isolated”
“it feels connected”
“Like a team!”
How awesome is that!??! To have that feeling, WHILE actually paddling solo. So if you fancy finding out more and joining these virtual chats, head over to the She SUPs Community Hub.
And if you’re not a member of the She SUPs Community Hub, you can simply engage with us on socials! Share a photo with us, or post on a comment on Facebook or Instagram tagging @shesups_ so that we get notified and can be your virtual cheerleaders on your solo mission!
So there you have it. 5 easy points to assist you in solo paddling! And of course on top of this I recommend you take all normal safety precautions for paddling (whether in a group or solo) such as…
Always wear a leg rope (see our blog post 5 Tips To Wearing SUP Leashes HERE)
Check the forecast BEFORE you paddle (see our blog post on How To Check The Wind Before You SUP HERE)
Drop to your knees if the conditions get uncomfortable or you face a strong wind (see our blog post on How To Paddle Into A Headwind HERE)
Check the tides/currents (see the wind blog above!)
Know your paddle location i.e. is there a lot of boat traffic? Should you avoid certain areas due to submerged objects? Does this area get affected by tidal currents? etc.
Take all the necessities with you (see our blog post on What I Carry When I SUP HERE)
Ensure your iSUP is inflated to the correct PSI (don’t go by the squeeze test!)
And of course - HAVE FUN!!!