It’s fair to say, for as long as we’ve had paddleboarding we’ve also had digital photography. We’re now at a stage where we’re spoilt for choice with incredible optics on our phones, gimbals, affordable drones and DSLRs but a good photo won’t take itself. The adventure of photography is discovering new locations, perspectives, times of day even, and capturing that moment. Photography can add another element to your paddling sessions, giving direction and purpose to your search, and your session continues long after you get off the water as you work through your images looking for the pot of gold. We spoke to Allen Meyer to get some insight to setting up a great shoot…
“This summer we were constantly chasing new locations to paddle, using maps on my phone to find random bodies of waters in the mountains or additional fingers of lakes.”
FIND THE LIGHT
This is the main factor in turning an average image into a truly beautiful shot. Committing to waking up extra early so that you can catch some early morning glow and glassy waters will make a big change to the imagery you can create while out paddling, not to mention, this likely means you’ll have the lake to yourself.
Don’t be afraid to stay out late either – If you can stay on the water until the sun passes below the horizon, you’re likely to get some incredible colours. Always keep track of the water conditions and have your PFD and leash on hand especially if you are searching for those super remote spots.
BRING YOUR CAMERA OUT ONTO THE WATER
Settings: Nikon D810 // F-stop f/9 // Exposure 1/200 sec // Focal length 14mm
If you are in a situation like you see here, where the water is perfect glass and there’s no risk of tipping, be brave and bring your camera along for the journey. When I go out, I use the Red Original Deck Bag to carry several lenses, my camera, sometimes even my drone. This allows you to get up close and personal with your subject, or hop off at a different shore from where you started to capture a new angle.
I am a commercial photographer and videographer based in Cincinnati, Ohio. My goal has always been to capture imagery that inspires people to get outside and experience nature in a healthy way, for both the individual and the landscape they visit.
GRAB THE LONGER LENS
Settings: Nikon D810 // F-stop f/3.2 // Exposure 1/1000 sec // Focal length 75mm
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Turning Points
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At this time of year, the rate of infection for colds and flu normally tends to slow down as we enter warmer, springtime months. However, if you’ve been anywhere at all in the world recently, then there’s one word you can’t escape at the moment: Coronavirus. Infection rates, mortality rates and prognostic data are changing daily at the moment. As a new virus none of us have previously been exposed to it, meaning that currently, we have no immunity to it. It’s only through being infected by a virus that our bodies are able to make the right antibodies to not only enable us to recover but to also help protect us from any recurrent and future infection from it. If you’re keen to stay well and keep getting out on your SUP board this spring, then focussing on boosting your immune system is a positive step to take.
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SHADENFREUDE
TEST REPORTS
Desire Lines
We were on the outskirts of Helsinki, scouting a new destination for our sup camps. Just 45 minutes’ drive from the city, the untouched nature of the Nuuksio National Park stretched out before us. Mirror-smooth lakes, wild herbs and an impressive fauna waiting to be explored over on board or on foot via the many desire lines made by the land mammals.
Magical. Mystical. Epic.
Alexandra is a club ambassador and SUP racer for Bray Lake; relatively new to the SUP scene she completed her first race season in 2019. She participated in her first international event, the Gla Gla, 2020, and placed 1st Brit, 8th lady and 81st overall, out of a mass start of 637 paddlers. Here she shares the highlights of her first Gla Gla experience.
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Many of us have are staying away from the beach for a while, some are confined to our homes, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still train for the surf. If you try the following for just one week you’ll see results, never mind three months…
