Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)

The boys recently tried Stand Up Paddle boarding during a recent half term Smash Camp at Stubbers. In fact they enjoyed it so much that when they got home they asked if they could sell their kayaks and buy a SUP. So earlier this week we treated them both to a cheap entry level inflatable SUP. The treat was supposed to be being held back pending whether they got a good school report, but we decided to let them have them early as the weather was so good this weekend.

It was touch and go whether Joshua was even going to be able to go as he has got a severely injured wrist from going over the handlebars on his bike last Monday. Luckily after nearly a week his wrist is starting to get better and he gave it a go today, but he was clearly hampered and after a while gave up using the ore and instead used it more as a surf board paddling with his hands.

Brandon took to the SUP like a fish to water and didn't seem to mind falling off in to the cold water either. A year or 2 ago and he would avoid going in the water at all costs. Today he was messing around in and out of the water all day with Josh to the point where his lips were slightly turning blue when he eventually decided enough was enough.

They say you cant teach an old dog new tricks, but I did decide to have a go on Joshua's SUP and I for sure did not take to it like a fish to water. Whilst I did not fall in, I was very, very wobbly and did not seem to get on with it one bit. The SUP is supposed to be suitable for children and adults up to 100kg, but I found it very unstable and would want a bigger, wider and thicker SUP if I was to ever take this up more seriously.

Joshua testing out his new SUP, struggling a bit due to his poorly wrist.

Brandon was a natural on the SUP and really enjoyed himself today.

Joshua was first to fall in, but that was always going to be a given.

A safer way of using the SUP on your knees.

Me and H in our inflatable boat and the boys on their SUP's.

We had tonnes of fun and spent nearly 5 hours down Papermill Lock today.

Joshua resting his wrist a bit and having a sit down on his SUP.

Great shot of Brandon going under a bridge.

And who said you can't walk on water.

Holly chilling in our inflatable boat.

Joshua's wrist starting to hurt so using his SUP as a body board.

Me and H in hot pursuit of Joshua.

Teaching an old dog new tricks.

OK time to brave trying to stand on this thing.

Didn't feel very stable and the board sat very deep in the water with my weight.

I think everyone watching on thought I was heading in the drink at this point.

Action shot of Brandon going overboard.

Both boys seemed to be able to pull themselves out of the water and back on to the board OK.

Holly wanted to go in the water like the boys, so I gave her a dunk. She screamed her head off with the cold water.

But little Holly braved a go on the SUP and sat on the front whilst Joshua took her for a ride.

Then mid water she bravely transferred across to Brandon's SUP.

Holly fell off the SUP and in to the water once. She then started to get cold and jumped back in the boat. Meanwhile I took a relaxing chill.

You can't go to Papermill Lock without enjoying some of the delicious cakes.

Holly actually finished a while slice of chocolate cake for the first time.

The boys didn't take long to finish their cake and then it was back on the water.

For the last hour or so they gave up on the ores completely and just had loads of fun on the SUP's giving each other different challenges. It was funny seeing them try to run the length of the board!!!