When the temperatures rise in spring and the sun shines more often again, the first SUP boarders dare to go out on the water. Many athletes also start tours in January and February - but the majority of stand-up paddlers start in March or April at the earliest, when spring is really here. And even then, stand up paddling can still be quite tricky and sometimes risky. What do you have to consider when SUPing in spring? My tips will help you start the season for the first tour of the year.

After the long winter, many fans of Stand Up Paddling Can't wait to finally get back on the board and start the first SUP tour of the year. Quite rightly of course! Because if you haven't been doing SUP in the winter, you've probably been taking a break for months now. But especially in spring at the start of the season, there are a few things that athletes should definitely pay attention to. Because even if the air temperature is already pleasantly warm in some cases, the water is usually far from being warm at four to seven degrees Celsius.

Stand-up paddlers should therefore plan their tours carefully and use appropriate equipment to keep themselves as warm and dry as possible. In particular, a wetsuit when SUPing in spring keeps you nice and warm and makes the stand up paddling tour a relaxed experience. In this way, hypothermia can be avoided and the paddler is well protected even if he falls into frosty water. I have the most important ones for you SUP tips and arrangements put together for your trip in spring.

Stand up paddling in spring

• Spring is the perfect time to start stand-up paddling again.
• However, after the winter break, athletes should venture back onto the water slowly to avoid physical overload.
• A neon suit and warm clothing are essential while the water temperatures are still in the single digits.

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My experiences with SUP in spring

After a long winter, it's sometimes not easy, even for real SUP enthusiasts, to get back into the sport. Especially in February and March, the water is still extremely cold and it gets dark early. Anyone who manages to overcome their inner weakness will be rewarded in many ways. The first tour of the year is usually an unforgettable experience because returning to the water is very unusual at first.

A full body workout in spring

In addition, the movement sequence that has not been carried out for a long time is good for training the whole body. Keeping your balance and paddling uses almost every muscle group. After my first tour of the year I usually have a lot of sore muscles. SUP also burns a lot of calories. A look at the sports watch after the workout shows: One or two hours on the stand up paddling board burns almost 1000 calories. And thirdly, you can experience nature up close when you venture out on the water - and enjoy spring on the SUP with all your senses.

I usually start the new season with this SUP on the Alster in Hamburg. Stand up paddling on the Dove Elbe is also a good place to start in spring. Especially on the first tours in March and early April you have the reservoir in the middle Hamburg still completely on its own. It's a great feeling to be completely alone in the middle of the city with over a million inhabitants and only surrounded by water. However, there is a reason why there is no one else there: the water is still extremely cold - and booties and a thin wetsuit are a must. Because when the water is still very fresh in spring, stand-up paddlers have to take care of their safety. Falling into the water can be life-threatening.

Start small first

And the length of the tours should also be a little more relaxed at the beginning. After a whole winter without stand-up paddling, the body has to get used to the new movement routine again. The next day you usually have a lot of sore muscles. You should also have a pleasantly warm drink and warm, comfortable clothing ready after the tour. Everything should be as easy, pleasant and relaxed as possible - after all, stand up paddling is, first and foremost, fun, especially when you do it as a couple or in a group. If you do it right, you will remember the first SUP round in spring all year long.

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A must for a SUP in spring?

Opinions differ when it comes to the right clothing for SUP in spring. I definitely recommend not getting on the stand up paddling board in jeans, sweaters, street shoes or even a winter jacket. You can always see newbies using it on the board. This is extremely problematic: If you fall into the water, these items of clothing will soak up ice-cold water - a very unfavorable situation.

Severe hypothermia or even thermal shock (cold shock) can occur. As long as the water is still in the single digits, I highly recommend wearing a wetsuit. You can get cheap SUP wetsuit models from Decathlon or Amazon. Alternatively, you can of course also ask for a thin wetsuit at a stationary surf shop or even a diving school.

Temperature	suit
<10 ° C	Wetsuit with at least 5/3 mm and socks, gloves and hood if required
10 - 15 ° C	Wetsuit with at least 4/2 mm; Booties or neoprene socks
16 - 20 ° C	Wetsuit with at least 3/2 mm; Neoprene socks
> 20 ° C	Shorty or light functional clothing such as swim shorts and UV shirt

Wearing a wetsuit while SUPing in spring is not entirely pleasant - even when the air temperature is relatively low, you quickly start to sweat in it. As a self-confessed frostbite, I once went on the water in a 9mm suit in the dead of winter. I still got so warm that I had to open the wetsuit to cool down.

5mm or 6mm neoprene should be sufficient in very cool air temperatures and provide sufficient protection if you fall into the water. You don't stay in the water, you get out again as quickly as possible. For safety reasons, a wetsuit is required when SUPing spring Highly recommended, as you are relatively well protected if you fall into the water.

Buy wetsuit and wetsuit accessories

The most important tips for SUP in spring

1. Stay fit over the winter by doing exercises at home with a balance board and also regularly work on your balance - for example by riding a longboard
2. Check the condition of your SUP equipment at home after the long winter break and repair and replace parts that no longer work properly
3. Wear a wetsuit and booties on your first tours in spring while the water is still very cold - even if the air temperature is already pleasant
4. Always wear a life buoy or life jacket when stand up paddling
5. Bring food such as a hot drink and warm, comfortable clothing to warm up quickly after the tour
6. Inform at least one contact that you are going stand-up paddling - it's best if you go out on the water with at least two people - that's more fun anyway
7. If you sweat a lot in your wetsuit, you should drink plenty of water and take care of yourself

FAQs Stand Up Paddling - the most important questions and answers about SUP in spring

Below I have put together the most important FAQs about SUP in spring for you. As is often the case, preparation is the be-all and end-all. So do your research carefully before you go on your first UW tour.

With the SUP in spring on the water is a can and not a must

“If you can’t get yourself up to stand up paddling in February or March, there’s no shame in that. My favorite SUP locations aren't in German waters either - especially not when it's still very cold. I also prefer other stand-up paddleboarding destinations. My experiences were the most beautiful SUP in the Maldives and at SUP on Phuket. You can paddle around relaxed in shorts and see fish, turtles and even sharks in the crystal-clear water.

SUP on the Baltic Sea is also an incredibly relaxed affair. What I want to say: If you enjoy going on a SUP board in the cold in late winter, you will have a great experience. But there's no shame in waiting for a few warmer days or simply going stand-up paddling on vacation in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Whatever is fun is allowed. Anyone who puts pressure on themselves will miss the goal of this great hobby.

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SUP in spring - preparation is everything

My conclusion

Most days, SUP in the spring is not for chilblains. Even though the air is no longer too cool, the water is still very cool. Until May, the water temperature in some lakes and rivers can still be in the single digits. Stand-up paddlers should therefore approach the first tour of the year slowly and with good preparation.

A wetsuit is actually a must. The unusual movement sequence should also be taken into account - the next day you could experience severe muscle soreness after overexertion. If you prepare well, it's worth overcoming the cold in spring: the first stand-up paddling tour of the year is always an exciting experience because it's something special after a long absence.

When does the SUP season start for you? Where is your favorite place to ride your board? Share your experiences in the comments.

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