Preparing For Winter

The prospect of dark mornings, dragging yourself back to the gym and laying up your paddling kit is not a cheery one. But why hibernate for the winter when with a bit of preparation, you can still go out paddle boarding?

Paddling in winter has its own set of challenges and rewards. Even a trip to your local lake that during summer was packed with kids on inflatable flamingos can feel like a mini-expedition when the temperatures are in the minus and the sun has barely risen above the land. The sense of achievement when you make your plan, carry out your adventure, and then debrief with your buddies in a warm inn with the flames of the fireside flickering on your faces is something else. The water always demands respect, more so when it’s cold, dark, and there are less eyes on it, so here are my considerations for paddling right through the cold months. First, check the conditions! Always be mindful about the forecast as it is a prediction and subject to change, and changes in weather factors in winter can be very volatile. We must also think about the wind chill factor which isn’t always forecasted, and also have a better understanding of the implications of us falling into the water as we are now entering cold water shock territory. Which leads us nicely on to…

“Hot drinks are good for morale, and if things have changed and you need to stop and make a new plan it gives you a chance to slow down and think about the situation.”