WHAT TO WEAR?
The sport of Stand Up Paddle is growing rapidly, and for good reason. Stand Up Paddle exercises some of the body's most important muscles and joints, activating and stabilizing the body. The sport is challenging and it's just a great way to enjoy nature. But the big question is what to wear when you take your SUP board for a walk.
Before the SUP trip
Whether you're SUPing with family, friends or maybe the local sports club, it's always a good idea to check the weather conditions in the area. The right clothing has a big impact on whether the trip will be a success or not. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's always a chance of falling into the water, and that's where the wetsuit comes in. The wetsuit is designed to let the water warm the body so that the temperature is stable, not fluctuating. The most important thing is to keep your muscles warm, so the right choice of wetsuit can make a big difference.
Wetsuit selection
The Danish summer can be fickle, but the heat always returns, and it can also be a little too hot if you only have a 5 mm wetsuit. Stand Up Paddle is an active sport, and if the weather is 14°-18°, it will be too hot for many in a wetsuit over 3 mm. If you feel the heat makes it unmanageable in a closed neoprene suit, there are also options in a Long John. Long Johns have no sleeves, so they allow for extra cooling around the shoulders on hot summer days.
If you're also doing the sport on cold winter days, a 5 mm neoprene suit is highly recommended. It sounds like a small amount, but those few millimeters can actually make the difference between a cold or warm trip on the water.
A quick overview of temperature and wetsuit thickness
During the SUP ride
During the SUP trip, weather conditions can change, and it can be a long way to shore if you're not prepared for it. This is where the Lycra t-shirt comes in. The Lycra t-shirt protects against strong winds and the sun's harsh UV rays. Many Lycra t-shirts are also designed with extra breathability, so you can rest assured that the t-shirt will dry quickly if you go for a swim. Lycra has a UPF value of 50+, which means that only 2 percent of the sun's UVA and UVB rays break through the garment. Lycra is always worth taking on a SUP trip, especially if you're feeling a little extra sensitive to the sun's rays.
After the SUP trip
Your body needs to cool down after a successful Stand Up Paddle tour. You want to get out of the neoprene suit and into something less tight-fitting. The poncho is almost irreplaceable when you get there. Ponchos can be used as a towel that you just pull over you, and they are often in a super nice tile material. The poncho works perfectly for those cold moments when you just want something dry, but it's also incredibly comfortable on those late summer evenings when the team or family gathers on the beach.
