Take Things Up a Notch on Your Next Paddle Boarding Adventure 

Warmer weather is almost here, it may be a few months away, but that does not mean you cannot start planning your paddle boarding adventures! With the season so close, you may be looking to shake things up a bit. You want to make the most of your time on your inflatable paddle board. How can you take things up a notch?  

Here are a few quick and easy suggestions to really kick things up for your next on-the-water adventure. Put these tips to good use this weekend, or anytime you’re feeling spontaneous. If you want to kick off warmer weather with a paddle boarding extravaganza, these ideas are for you!  

Explore Somewhere New 

We all have our favorite paddle boarding spots. Maybe it’s the lake up the road, or it might be the reservoir with scenic views an hour outside of town. It’s the place you visit time and time again. But sometimes, your favorite paddle boarding locations can start to feel a little stale, especially as the summer wears on. Perhaps you just want to avoid getting tired of your local spots. 

Spice things up with a new paddle boarding location you’ve never been to! Pack up your inflatable paddle board and make a day trip out of it. Go somewhere you don’t normally visit, or you are excited to explore more. There’s something exciting about exploring unfamiliar waters and breaking up your routine. You never know what you might discover. And who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite spot. 

Find new SUP spots or mark down your favorite locations with the Blue Adventures app powered by iROCKER. 

Download Here

Go SUP Kayaking  

Stand up paddle boarding is fun, but have you tried SUP kayaking? It starts by turning your inflatable paddle board into a kayak. All you need is a SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit. This includes a kayak seat and a paddle blade that attaches to your existing paddle. How does this take things to the next level for your paddle boarding adventure? A SUP kayak unlocks all kinds of possibilities. For more information, watch this video. 

You can take your paddle board to spots where you might avoid typical stand-up paddle boarding. This includes faster or rougher rivers. An inflatable SUP kayak isn’t necessarily designed for extreme whitewater rapids, but you can take it on rivers and streams where standing isn’t always an option. You can also use a SUP kayak for longer excursions where standing might get tiring. Take a seat and enjoy the ride! 

Plus, if you don't want to kayak alone you can tandem kayak by attaching two kayak seats to your iROCKER paddle board! 

Make a Party Out of It 

Have you ever organized a paddle boarding party? It’s when you and your friends all get together on your inflatable paddle boards and bring coolers stocked with snacks and drinks. Find the perfect spot on the water near the shore and anchor all your boards together. 

Play games, listen to some tunes with a waterproof speaker, and have a blast! It’s a great way to kick off spring or summer while having a memorable paddle boarding adventure at the same time. It might even become your newest summer tradition. 

About iROCKER 

Since 2013, iROCKER has been the top online destination for all your paddle boarding needs. They have an inflatable paddle board for everyone. Explore their versatile line of all-around inflatable SUP boards. Or check out their ULTRA™ Collection. These lightweight boards are designed to go with you anywhere—no waterway is off limits. What about paddle boarding accessories? iROCKER has every angle covered. Find an electric pump for your blow up paddle board. Or get a cooler that straps right onto your board! Make your next adventure on the water an adventure to remember with iROCKER! 

Get all the gear you need for an amazing paddle boarding adventure at irockersup.ca

Warmer, sunnier days are just around the corner and you know what that means —time to prepare for SUP season! Trade in your skis for a paddle board and start preparing for your best season on the water yet.

Get Ready with Us 

How to Choose the Right SUP For You 

Selecting the right SUP is the first step to making sure you have the most memorable paddle season with family and friends. So, how do you select the right SUP? Let us help you! 

We have something for just about everyone no matter their skill level, body type, budget and activity preference! 

The iROCKER series of boards are the perfect mix of lightweight materials and durability. Great for those who have been around the lake a few times, the iROCKER boards are built with explorers in mind who are looking to enhance their paddling skills while providing enough room and flexibility for yoga lovers to enjoy as well! 

Are you an experienced paddler looking for features, speed and a more premium feel? The BLACKFIN premium series is perfect for anyone looking to set the pace and show off their skills on the water. These boards have the most action mounts and accessories available, making every trip better and more convenient than ever. 

The ULTRA™ Collection is perfect for those with the travel bug who want to bring their SUP on those epic vacations to gorgeous destinations. Our lightest, most compact boards we have ever created, the ULTRA™ boards are the perfect travel companion when you get the paddling itch! 

Start Practicing Your Balance 

Before you get back out on the water after the winter hiatus, make sure you have practiced your balance on land! Making sure you are comfortable on your SUP will make a huge difference in your experience, so make sure you plan your exercise or workout routines accordingly! 

Paddling on the water will utilize your leg muscles and core muscles to keep you standing when the water gets rough, or the wind gets gusty.  

For more SUP tips for those heading into your first paddle season with us, watch this video to help prepare yourself for a summer of fun on the water!  

Watch Now 

Plan Your Adventures 

To get the most out of your water excursion, a great rule of thumb is to make sure you have properly planned out your day. Nothing is more frustrating than getting all packed up to waste time and not enjoy your day as much as possible! 

Download the Blue Adventures App 

This new app is powered by iROCKER and is the perfect companion for a day on the water. Log, record, explore and evaluate all in one easy to use place! 

Get it on Google Play

Download on the App Store

Plan a trip with the Family or Friends  

Make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to location and duration! 

Pack the Essentials!  

PFD’s, sunscreen, dry clothes, sunglasses, towels, hydration, cell phones, dry bags etc. Make sure you have everything in case you take an accidental dip in the water or if it is an unexpected sunny day! 

If you are Traveling Far, ULTRA™ Boards are the Way to Go  

Whether it's by car, plane, boat or train, the super light and compact ULTRA™ collection boards are the perfect companions to bring for an awesome adventure. 

Plan on the Water Activities  

If you plan to fish, bring a pet, practice your downward dog pose, and anything in-between, make sure you bring the proper equipment and accessories to make things as simple as possible! 

Gear Up for Adventure 

You’ve got the board and it's all yours. Now what? Personalize your board and bundle your favorite accessories to make your time nothing short of perfect! No matter your hobby or skill, we’ve got the extras you’re looking for. 

Looking to customize your boards looks with a personal touch of color? Change out the bungees and handles with different colors that fit your mood! 

Want to relax and enjoy the water without paddling? To make things even easier, add the Kayak Conversion Kit so you can sit back and relax while you cruise around the lake! 

Looking for some rechargeable accessories? The VIBE Waterproof Bluetooth speaker lets you blast your favorite tunes wherever you are and the iROCKER Electric Pump Battery lets you inflate your board with ease no matter where you are. It also doubles as a power bank for your portable devices! 

 

It is never too late to start living your best life on the water, regardless of age! It is a new year, it can be a new you, too! 

See you on the water! 

Making natural connections with owner and adventure-lover James Headrick   

Island Life Expeditions may look out over Desolation Sound, but there’s nothing desolate about the landscape you’ll find here. Founder and owner James Headrick can attest to that. “We’re right on the beach, my shop overlooks the ocean [ … ] I’m surrounded by beautiful islands and reefs, warm water and whales and dolphins and fishing and temperate rainforests. It’s a magical place people don’t really know about yet.” But with his tour company, offering boat charters, paddle tours, and even heli-paddle tours, people from across the globe are discovering the beauty of this little slice of Pacific Northwest paradise.  

 

JOINING FORCES 

“They call it the Gateway to the North,” James explains of his shop’s location on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. And while today he spends most of his time in and around the water, it wasn’t always like that for this outdoorsman. Growing up on a farm in southern Saskatchewan just outside of a small town of about 800 people, James was used to the prairie life and raising animals. But when tough times took hold in the 80s, his parents sold the farm - literally - and moved the family out to Vancouver Island where his great-grandparents had already set up shop.  

While he helped out running operations and maintenance for the family business, a home for seniors, it was outside in this new environment that James found his true passions. “Pretty much all my time was spent building mountain bike trails, boating, and adventuring when I wasn’t working,” says James, adding, “And then I had a marketing business too, a content creation job on the side.” It was during a chance encounter at a young professional’s meeting that heli portion of Island Life Expeditions was born. 

PADDLE PERFECT 

Catering to many of the area’s resorts, Island Life Expeditions takes guests from around the world to experience the beauty of paddling a glacial lake. “I’m still a farmer as it happens,” James laughs. “I have to work with the seasons. As soon as the lakes start to open up, we can start going up there.” “There” being the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. The small, but magical window where the snow begins melting atop the ice is especially popular with his thrill-seeking guests. “You get these crazy emerald channels you can paddle,” explains James. “And then once the ice starts to break up [ … ] you have these great big mountain top lakes that you can paddle with floating ice bergs and hanging glaciers.” 

While all his guests share a love of adventure, that’s really where the similarities end. With visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and the states to name a few, “the level of experience is across the board, and I’ve had ages 10 up to about 74,” states James. And while the heli-paddle tour itself puts people out of their comfort zone by nature of being 5,000 feet up in the mountains, the stand up paddling portion of the tour does not. “That’s the wonderful thing about paddle boards. If people have that open mind, if you’re walking and able, I can get you into a safe, calm lake paddling experience,” he says.  

In order for his guests to spend more time on the water and less time on set up, James and his crew try to have the boards pumped and ready to go before the helicopter arrives on the mountain top. “The funny thing is, if I have everything ready before they get there, a lot of people are surprised that this is an inflatable paddle board [ … ] They’ll go, ‘Wow, this is really light!’” When James explains that the boards are inflatables, “they have to tap it and see,” he laughs. While he gets frequent requests for hard boards, a ride out on an inflatable is quickly changing perceptions around stability.  

CONNECTION MINDSET 

Always looking to take adventure to the next level, James is dreaming up new ways of immersing people in the entire landscape of the Pacific Northwest through an all-inclusive, potentially multi-day offering. “It’s a more sea to sky approach,” he explains, “where we do something on the ocean and then go to the mountains or vice versa.” The ultimate goal is for guests to spend their time foraging for ingredients in the rich landscape for an epic meal that caps off a day of wilderness exploration with a meal beside a fire. And he's already tapped several other guides in the area to help with this latest endeavor. “We all believe in having an activity, being in nature…having a mindset of connection is really the underpinning of what we’re doing when we take people out,” states James.  

“There’s just so much to do in this landscape. So, I really want to take people out by boat, anchor, go paddle, get on land, there’s amazing little hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes [ … ] just stretch it out a bit longer, so people go home and remember more,” he says. As if anyone could soon forget the freedom and intense beauty of stand up paddling through a glacial lake high above the clouds… 

 To learn more about James and Island Life Expeditions, visit islandlifeexpeditions.com 

Are you traveling soon and thinking about taking your inflatable paddle board along for the ride? Traveling with your paddle board can be an incredible experience. You get to explore new waters and enjoy new adventures. Sometimes, though, packing your paddle board for a trip can seem like a challenge. You’re already packing one or two bags of luggage. A paddle board adds another variable to the mix. But it doesn’t have to be daunting! Taking your inflatable SUP board on a trip can be a simple process and just about as easy as packing anything else. So, if you’re planning a trip and looking for the best way to bring your inflatable paddle board, here are a few ideas to make packing and traveling super simple. 

 

 

Get the SUP Clean and Ready to Go 

During the summer paddle boarding season, you may be out on the water every weekend. With all that time on the water, in the sand, on the dirt, and everywhere else, your board can accumulate all kinds of gunk. If you plan on packing up your inflatable SUP for a trip, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning before deflating and storing it. Warm soap and water are a great way to clean any paddle board. Or you can also use a dedicated SUP cleaner for a deeper clean.  

The goal is to wipe away all dirt, debris, residue, and anything else clinging to your board. Then let it dry completely, and it will be ready to fold and pack up. This is a good practice any time you fold and store your inflatable paddle board. It’s also a good practice when you’re done paddle boarding for the season if you plan to put your board away for a few months or simply won’t be using it quite as often. It keeps your board clean and ready for the next time you head out on an adventure—and it helps extend the overall life of your SUP.  

Deflate Your Inflatable Paddle Board for a Secure Ride  

Never drive with your inflatable paddle board strapped to the top of your vehicle or in a truck bed. Inflatable SUP boards are designed to be durable and resilient on the water, but traveling down the highway can bend or misshape them. Then, when you get on the water, you’ll notice your board isn’t performing as you expected. 

The best advice is simply not to risk it. Deflate your paddle board before heading out. If you have a travel bag, don’t hesitate to use it. Storing your inflatable paddle board in a travel bag adds another layer of protection in transit. Plus, it makes it so much easier to transport with your other luggage. If you don’t have a travel bag, they come highly recommended! 

Inflate and Deflate with Ease 

When you’re traveling, you probably don’t want to spend too much time inflating or deflating your paddle board. If you want to inflate your paddle board more quickly or efficiently, consider using an electric pump. Many inflatable paddle board models come with a manual hand pump. These work well, but they can take effort to get your SUP inflated. Electric pumps, on the other hand, inflate and deflate your SUP with the push of a button. Even better, many pumps travel well and are small enough to pack in your SUP travel bag. 

About iROCKER 

Since 2013, iROCKER has been the top online destination for all your paddle boarding needs. They have an inflatable paddle board for everyone. Explore their versatile line of all-around inflatable SUP boards. Or check out their ULTRA™ Collection. These lightweight boards are designed to go with you anywhere—no waterway is off limits. What about paddle boarding accessories? iROCKER has every angle covered. Find an electric pump for your blow up paddle board. Or get a cooler that straps right onto your board! Make your next adventure on the water an adventure to remember with iROCKER! 

 

Get ready for your next SUP adventure at irockersup.com

As stand-up paddle boarding soars in popularity as a summertime sport, more paddlers are beginning to venture out in the winter as well. And for good reason. Summer in Canada is beautiful, but it’s also short. If you don’t want your boards collecting dust for nine months of the year, you either have to fly south (like a Canada Goose!) or brave going out in colder weather. Fortunately, modern SUPs are fit for year-round use. And with the right skills and equipment, a reasonably confident paddler can extend their SUP season well into the shoulder months, and even winter. You can enjoy kaleidoscopic fall colors, bright snowy landscapes, or the budding freshness of spring, all from aboard your favorite SUP board! And you also get to enjoy the added calm absent summer crowds.

Naturally, venturing out in colder weather presents a whole new set of risks and challenges for the intrepid paddler. The shoulder seasons are relatively easy to manage, but winter paddling can be more hazardous and warrants some extra caution. Falling in the water can be a dangerous possibility in sub-zero temperatures. The risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and drowning are all elevated, and the realities of dealing with cold, snow, and ice, might surprise you with unexpected difficulties. It pays to think ahead and learn from the mistakes of others. So, without further ado, here are some lessons we’ve learned over the years paddling throughout our cold, Canadian winters.

1. Clothing for Paddleboarding in Cold Weather

For the confident paddler, warm winter clothing might seem adequate enough. A warm puffy jacket, winter gloves, a toque (that’s the Canadian name for a winter hat or beanie!) and some insulated pants and winter boots are certainly items you’ll want to bring along in cold temperatures. However, standard winter clothing will become heavy and burdensome if you fall in the water, making it hard to swim (no matter how infrequently you fall, you should always be prepared for it to happen!) and won’t do much to fend off the cold once soaked with water.  For those reasons, you absolutely should wear a lifejacket (hey, it’s extra insulation!) and a leash to prevent your inflatable paddle board from getting away from you!

To really cover your bases, I’d recommend a winter wetsuit. Neoprene wetsuits are surprisingly inexpensive, readily available, and only a fraction of the cost of a dry suit—and there are options designed to keep you warm in freezing temperatures. They provide an excellent insulating layer and unlike standard winter clothing, will protect you in the event that you fall in. We’ve remained quite comfortable in 5mm neoprene wetsuits well into sub-zero temperatures, and you can always layer dry winter clothing on top to stay comfortable. These won’t keep you warm if you plan to get in and out of the water, as they’re not as effective in the air, but will at least provide enough protection that you can get safely back to somewhere warm, in the event you fall in.

Neoprene gloves, hoods, and footwear are also available, and will suffice for modestly cold temperatures. However, these items don’t perform as well in the air as they do in the water, and for that reason I most often elect for some winter work gloves, wool socks in waterproof hikers, and a nice warm toque instead.

Of course, the best option is a full dry suit, but a good one will likely cost you more than your board. If you plan to do a lot of winter paddling, it might be worth the investment.

What you wear while paddle boarding in winter can make all the difference. Dressing for the water temperature—not just the air—is essential to stay warm, safe, and comfortable out on the water. Here’s a quick guide:

>75°F (24°C)

• Stick to lightweight, quick-dry clothing like wicking shirts and shorts.
• Keep a dry bag with a towel and a light layer for after your session.

60°-75°F (15°-24°C)

• Wear a 1-3mm neoprene wetsuit or hydroskin garments.
• Add neoprene socks and gloves for extra warmth.
• Bring a jacket and dry clothes in case you get wet.

50°-60°F (10°-15°C)

• Opt for a 3-5mm neoprene wetsuit or a semi-dry suit.
• Use neoprene gloves, booties, and a hood to protect extremities.

<50°F (10°C)

• A full dry suit is your best option, paired with synthetic insulating layers underneath.
• Neoprene gloves, hoods, and booties are essential to keep warm.

2. Prepare A Dry Bag & Emergency Gear Before Paddle Boarding in Winter

In the event you do fall in the water, you’ll want to have a towel and a stash of backup clothing and additional layers readily available. If we are planning to go any distance, we keep these supplies in a dry bag on the front of the board. A dry bag is one item that I rarely go without. It provides a secure place to keep your essentials and car keys and can be easily accessed on the water if secured to the cargo straps on the front of your board.

Choose a good quality dry bag to ensure your items don’t get wet, and keep in mind some materials become brittle in colder temperatures. As a side-tip, when you roll up the dry bag to secure it, make sure to trap some extra air inside (like a balloon!). If it’s airtight, it’s watertight, and the added buoyancy will ensure it doesn’t sink.

3. Water Access

In colder temperatures, it becomes more important that you stay dry. In the summer, it’s easy to wade out into the shallows to find enough depth for fin clearance and then start your paddle. In the winter, you will most likely want to avoid this so that your feet don’t get soaked and subsequently become ice-cubes once exposed again to the cold air. You’ll want to think ahead, and plan entry and exit where deeper water can be accessed right from shore, so that you can mount and unmount your board without getting your feet wet. If there’s ice along the shore, additional precautions should be taken (see below!).

What to Do if You Fall?

Falling in icy water is part of the adventure when paddle boarding in winter, but staying calm is key. If you take a tumble, resist the urge to panic. Focus on bringing your head above water and take a couple of deep breaths to steady yourself.

Locate your board, swim back to it, and climb on as calmly as possible. Once you're back up, paddle steadily to shore or a safe spot where you can warm up. Even if you’re wearing a wetsuit or drysuit, cold water can cut your outing short—and that’s okay! Warming up is more important than pushing through.

For extra safety, keep your paddling routes close to the shore, and always let someone know your plans. Paddle boarding in winter is exhilarating, but preparation and awareness make all the difference!

4. Beware of Ice

If there’s anything we’ve learned from the past few years, it’s that maintaining a healthy immune system is key to staying well. And there’s a bit more to it than just washing your hands.  

It’s important to exercise, get a healthy dose of fresh air, eat right, stay hydrated and care for your body from head to toe. And SUPing helps too! Discover 5 ways a healthy SUP lifestyle can help boost your immune system and help you live a fun and healthy life. 

 

#1: PADDLE BOARDING STRENGTHENS ALL OF YOUR MUSCLES 

If you’re a stand up paddler already, then you know stand up paddle boarding is a full body workout. From shore, it might not look like you’re working every muscle, but you are. 

In fact, SUP works just about every muscle of your body, from your neck, shoulders, and arms, down to your legs and feet. Most of all—and best of all—it really works your core. Core strength is beneficial for all of your body’s functions, and healthy bodily functions are key to a healthy immune system. 

SUP also improves your balance, another important factor in staying healthy. Learning to maintain a constant standing position on moving water takes full body concentration and effort. You’ll feel the effects of your workout and you’ll see it, too, with better tone and better balance on stable ground. 

Whether you opt for traditional paddling or try SUP yoga or SUP surfing, you’re going to benefit with a leaner, stronger, healthier body. 

 

#2: STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING BURNS CALORIES 

With a good paddle session, you’re going to burn a lot of calories. On average, you can burn up to twice as many calories with SUP as you would with speed walking on a treadmill. The harder, faster, and longer you SUP, the more you burn! 

Here’s a rundown on SUP calorie burn with different SUP activities: 

 

SURFING ON STAND UP PADDLE BOARD 

SUP surfing is a serious workout and a serious calorie burner. In one hour of SUP surfing, you can burn up to 600-to-750 calories. 

PADDLE BOARD RACING 

Racing will definitely get your blood pumping, and we all know that’s good for your heart. SUP racing also burns major calories. Depending on what kind of racer you are, you can burn 700 calories or more in just one hour. 

SUP YOGA 

SUP Yoga is one of the most popular forms of non-traditional SUP. It’s a great mind-body workout and a great calorie burner. An hour of SUP can burn around 400 calories and leave you feeling blissed out on the water.   

 

#3: PADDLE BOARDING GETS YOUR HEART PUMPING 

Let’s talk a little more about heart health. Exercising gets your heart pumping and in turn, your heart gets oxygenated blood to all of your muscles. By maintaining a healthy heart, you are taking giant strides toward boosting your immune system. Conversely, an unhealthy heart can lead to heart disease which can make you susceptible to all kinds of illnesses, including viruses like Covid-19. It’s extremely important to maintain a healthy heart by not smoking, eliminating bad fats and processed foods, and getting plenty of exercise. 

 

#4: PADDLE BOARDING BEATS STRESS  

Stress is another killer, and another contributor to heart disease. Unfortunately, while certain stressors are unavoidable, SUP is a proven way to help manage and relieve tension. It distracts you from your worries, forcing your attention on the process of paddling and balancing, and gets you in tune with Mother Nature.  

 

#5: YOUR BODY GETS THE FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE IT CRAVES ON A PADDLE BOARD 

Did you know an estimated 40 percent of people have a vitamin D deficiency? And that number only goes up during the winter months.  

Fresh air and sunshine are your friends when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system, and the vitamin D we get from being out in the sun is hard to capture in pill form. Besides, stand up paddling is much more fun than a multivitamin anyway! Of course, we need to remember to protect ourselves from too much sun, but a little bit every day is healthy. 

 

All of these factors add up to a healthier mind, healthier heart, and healthier immune system. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and get on your SUP! 

Discover the benefits of the SUP lifestyle for senior explorers  

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I just don’t think I could stand up on a paddle board,” or, “I’m too old for that,” think again! iROCKER paddlers range in age from young kids to senior explorers, all finding joy in living their best lives on the water. And for those more senior adventurers, paddle boarding is about more than just having fun on the water—it can actually help to improve balance and provide a low impact workout perfect for those with joint pain. If you’re looking for a new way to remain active, preserve muscle strength, and maintain your flexibility, get ready to SUP! 

SAFETY FIRST

Like with any water sport, safety should be your first priority when paddle boarding. This means having the right gear—including a personal flotation device and the proper attire—as well as checking the forecast, using your SUP leash, and employing the buddy system. If you’re planning to paddle solo, let a friend or family member know exactly where you’ll be heading and when you plan to be back. Better yet, opt to take your phone with you in a waterproof case. At the very least, you’ll be happy to have it to take pictures of your latest hobby!

KNOW YOUR LIMITS 

Again, as with any exercise routine, it’s important to know your skill set and your limits. Don’t set out to paddle further than you’re capable of, or in conditions you’re not yet comfortable in. Staying close to shore can help you feel comfortable and confident as you navigate paddling a SUP for the first few times. Plus, you can keep track of how far you’ve gone, and even have a friend keep a watchful eye from the shoreline should you need any assistance.  

GO AT YOUR OWN PACE 

Paddle boarding should be fun, not stressful! And no one becomes a pro overnight. It’s more than okay to start slow. Not sure whether you’re ready to stand up just yet? Opt for transforming your board into a kayak with the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit. This versatile accessory allows you to start seated as you gain confidence and build strength on the board. Once you feel ready, you can try standing up—again, always going at your own pace and taking in the scenery rather than racing to keep up with others.  

 

REAP THE BENEFITS 

In our opinion, the biggest benefit to paddle boarding is the fun you’ll have on the water, whether paddling solo or with family and friends. In fact, you may be having so much fun you don’t even notice the other, more hidden perks to paddling. As you’ve probably heard your doctor say, staying active past the age of 55 is crucial, helping to support your physical and mental health as well as your independence as you age. Without regular physical activity, seniors increase their risk of life-threatening issues including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and stroke, not to mention an increase rate of injuries.  

Providing a full body workout, stand up paddling engages your core, helping to improve muscle strength as well as overall balance. And even just recreational paddling requires the use of your cardiovascular system, helping to improve your endurance not only on your board but also in daily activities like walking. And when it comes to mental health, paddle boarding can even help improve your mood. Just getting outside and in the sun can turn your entire day around, and paddle boarding is the perfect way to alleviate long-term depression and take a break from life’s daily stressors.  

So, what are you waiting for? You’re never too old to pick up a new skill! 

Find the perfect SUP for you.  

Fall is here! For many paddle boarding enthusiasts, that means yet another season of adventure. Summer often gets labeled “paddle boarding season,” but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up all your gear at the end of September. In fact, you can do just the opposite. Those hot summer days under the scorching sun are over. Cooler temps are in the forecast—finally—and that makes for excellent paddle boarding conditions. Of course, as the seasons change, there are some important variables to keep in mind. Safety is always the number one priority on the water. As you grab your inflatable paddle board and hit the water this fall, here are a few tips to make fall paddle boarding even more fun.  

#1: Keep an Eye on the Sky  

Summer days can go by with barely a cloud in the sky. However, it’s increasingly common to see more frequent weather changes in the fall. As temps fall, be vigilant. Keep a close eye on the forecast as you plan your inflatable SUP board excursion. Then, keep an eye on the sky as you hit the water. If there is a shift in weather, be ready to paddle back to shore. Windy conditions can create choppy waters, which can be hard to navigate. Being safety conscious—and instilling safe paddle boarding habits—is the best way to achieve paddle boarding success this fall.  

#2: Watch the Clock  

There’s nothing like a long summer day out on the water. When summer turns to fall, those longer days slowly fade away. One moment, you’re cruising along on your inflatable SUP board in the sun, and the next, the sun has already disappeared behind the trees. With the days getting shorter, it’s important to keep an eye on the clock. This doesn’t mean you have to pack up all your gear once the sun sets. It’s just about being prepared. You don’t want to get caught out on the water in total darkness. If you think there is any possibility that you’ll be out past sunset, be sure to pack some lights. Many paddle boarders prefer waterproof headlamps to keep their hands free during the twilight hours. But a good, waterproof flashlight is just fine if you plan on staying close to shore. Plus, having a light ensures you’re visible to others who may be on the water, and it can help you navigate back to shore. 

#3: Dress for the Occasion  

As temps drop, dressing for the occasion makes all the difference. During the afternoon, it might be fairly warm, and you could enjoy paddle boarding in your summer gear. But in the early mornings and into the evenings, it can get chilly. So, don’t forget to pack those long sleeves and various quick-drying articles of clothing. Of course, it can depend entirely on where you decide to have an adventure. But it’s yet another reason to do some research on the forecast so you can plan accordingly. As fall drifts into winter, then you’ll really want to break out the full body wet or dry suits. 

About iROCKER 

When you need a new paddle board, iROCKER has the perfect option for any excursion. For nearly a decade, they’ve been your go-to source for all things inflatable paddle boarding, offering boards and equipment for all skill levels and interests. Need an inflatable SUP built for stability? iROCKER has it! Need a board made for touring? Find it at iROCKER. Already have a board but need accessories? iROCKER delivers everything you need, including beverage coolers, fishing attachments, waterproof speakers, paddle board pump, and much more.. As you set out on your next adventure, iROCKER has everything you need. Leave no lake, pond, river, bay, or coastline unexplored, thanks to iROCKER! 

Fall paddle boarding season awaits at www.irockersup.com 

Discover how this Florida Keys native is capturing and conserving the natural world around him 

Splitting his childhood between the Florida Keys, his mother’s native Nicaragua, and his father’s native New England, outdoor photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro has never strayed far from the water. While travels and job opportunities have taken him around the globe, Ian has made the Florida Keys his homebase, and their crystal-clear waters his calling.  

PURPOSEFUL DAYDREAMING 

“I wasn’t the best student growing up,” he admits. “I was just a daydreamer, constantly just in my head, thinking of things I wanted to do or places I wanted to travel to.” Spending winters in Latin America with his mother’s family opened Ian’s eyes to a world of possibility, one that of course involved the ocean.  

“I was always around water. Nicaragua is where I learned to surf and fell in love with the ocean. Of course, the Keys are where I was first introduced to it and the clear water diving and underwater coral reefs and fisheries and things like that, and then Nicaragua expanded into the ocean sport-side of things,” Ian explains. 

But it’s not just the lure of good waves that draws Ian to the ocean. “I’ve always kind of been interested in science and the reason for why things happen,” he says. “I grew up observing the rapid changes in my home archipelago, and so I picked up on the decline of the greater ecosystem really quickly and realized we weren’t heading in the right direction. And I’ve taken that interest and run with it.”  

CONSERVATION CONVERSATION  

“I really enjoy documenting passionate people in their element. And more specifically, people who love the ocean, who love being outdoors on the water or underwater, and are passionate and respectful of those environments,” he states. “Whether that’s fisheries management or biologists or coral biologists out in the field […] I find their work just incredibly interesting. The natural system of how everything works in the environment has always fascinated me.”  

A self-taught photographer with a keen eye for detail, Ian uses his photography to highlight the conservation efforts of those around him, as well as his own. “The conservationists, the scientists, they don’t necessarily get a lot of the credit. Their work might, but the individuals might not, so it’s always really fun to kind of help bring them front and center.” 

Last August, Ian spent the entire month as the artist-in-residence in Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100 square mile park located almost 70 miles west of Key West. Comprised of mostly open water with seven small islands, the Dry Tortugas are accessible only by boat or seaplane. Here, Ian lived in the historic lighthouse keepers house on Loggerhead Key, spending his days capturing images of the local marine life.  

That unique experience has since blossomed into Ian’s latest “big project,” a “large format coffee table book highlighting the Dry Tortugas and the many ecosystems found in the park, with an emphasis on ecosystem preservation, conservation, sustainability, and of course, the people that work there,” he explains. “I’ve been really lucky to have great relationships; there’s a lot of great people there doing really cool stuff.” 

In addition to Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks, Ian works closely with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a Florida-based conversation group dedicated to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. “They do a lot with the environments that those fish live in, so I’ve found there’s a really nice balance there between sport, photography, and conservation of the natural landscape,” states Ian.  

“I love shooting big schools of any sort of fish—fish or shark or tarpon—whenever they’re engaged in a natural pursuit and they’re just completely oblivious to things happening around them, and you’re just watching them. Whether it’s bonefish on a shallow water flat or tarpon in deep water or grouper or whatever it is, I just really love being like a fly on the wall for natural behaviors on the grand scale. I really love finding myself immersed in those moments,” says Ian.  

TAKING IT SLOW 

“Any day it’s glass calm and at sunset, I’m on a paddle board,” states Ian. Enabling him to arrive quietly, his SUP allows him to stealthily “get up to wildlife and interact. He adds, “As long as you’re conscious of being quiet, it’s like an underwater safari where I live, so it’s super important to have that access.” 

Working on, near, and around the water most days, Ian reflects on his appreciation for the natural world and just how much the ocean has to offer. “It just brings me comfort, it’s where I can go to refocus myself and remember what matters. If career things or life things are throwing me for a spin, then that’s where I go to re-center and come back to life with a kind of reinvigorated approach and refreshed perspective.”  

His advice to others exploring our world’s waterways? “Remember to go slow and focus on the world around you at a more detailed level. Being on the water and on a paddle board, you can be tuned it to this secret, kind of hidden world happening around you if you’re observant enough. And remember how special it is to have places to paddle and clean water and pursue that in all aspects and encourage others to do the same.” 

To learn more about Ian and view his work, visit https://ianwilsonphoto.com/ 

Or follow along with his adventures on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ianwilsonn/