If you could do good and have a killer time on the water, would you take us up on it? The iROCKER team and our global community of adventure lovers paddle waterways of every shape and size all over the world. These bodies of water all have one unfortunate thing in common—pollution. Sure, the views are beautiful, and the sunshine makes the water sparkle, but nothing ruins the scenery and a perfect day of paddle boarding like a floating pile of trash. 

Serving your community doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Grab some friends, inflate your iROCKER paddle board and head to your closest body of water. Whether it’s the retention pond in your neighborhood or the sprawling Atlantic Ocean, SUPing your way to a trash-free environment is the best way we know how to give back. 
Check out our GWP collection of paddle boards to help create a cleaner ocean!

You don’t need to remove hundreds of pounds of trash to accomplish something important. It can be as simple as a few bottles and some plastic bags. But first, you’ll need to be prepared with the right gear. 

Staying hydrated is key to a successful cleanup. The Cooler Deck Bag is the perfect accessory for keeping drinks and snacks cold without taking up too much real estate on your board that can otherwise be used to store trash. Even better, once the cooler is empty, it makes the perfect receptable for storing plastic bottles and other small trash items you come across on the water. The bag uses a bungee system to securely attach to the front of your board and uses a sanitary liner that’s easy to clean when you’re done. 

Another accessory for making your SUP clean up even easier is the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit. Adding a seat to your SUP puts your arms as close to the surface as possible, making it easier for you to pick up pieces of trash that may be floating by or stuck near the shoreline.  

Converting your SUP into a kayak is as easy as can be. Take a look at our step-by-step video instructions here. 

BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF 

We’re all about having a good time out on the water, but sometimes the universe calls us all to do more. There are massive ocean cleanups all over the world and your local swimming hole could probably use some TLC, too. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced conservation knowledge to make a difference. 

One of the top reasons to use a paddle board instead of a boat or kayak to clean up your beach is the clearance levels you can reach. Paddle through even the shallowest parts of the water to reach trash caught in shrubbery or rocks. You can’t do that with a boat! 

A great inflatable paddle board is your first step toward becoming an ocean conservationist. Need some further inspiration? Read about The SUP Garbage Man and start planning your next cleanup. 

Here in Calgary, Canada, at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, paddle boards have risen in popularity. A great addition to an active, outdoor lifestyle, you can use your paddle board year-round to access spectacular remote locations, drift scenic glacial rivers, or fly-fish idyllic alpine lakes. Many enthusiasts relish the portability and carrying utility of these boards. Others enjoy the stunning views and the feeling of "walking on water" amongst soaring peaks and glassy mountain tarns.  

It's important to note that mountain weather is incredibly varied and notoriously nasty. Temperatures plummet to well below -30F (-35C) in the winter and soar above 90F (35C) in the summer. Summer days in the alpine region can begin calm and tranquil, then quickly develop into monstrous thunderstorms, with raging winds and lightning. It's rare to have a day where conditions don't change, and therefore it's a good practice to get used to paddling in various weather, including rain, snow, and wind.   

UNDERSTANDING HOW WIND AFFECTS YOUR INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARD EXPERIENCE  

Something many first-time paddlers will notice is that inflatable paddle boards are very susceptible to wind. When standing, the paddler essentially becomes a sail, which can significantly affect where, how quickly, and how confidently you can travel. The effect of the wind can be diminished noticeably by shifting to a kneeling or sitting position. But like any wise sailor, it is better to go with the flow than fight against it!  

1. START YOUR PADDLE BY HEADING INTO THE WIND

This is perhaps the most helpful advice for first-time paddlers who haven't yet developed the confidence to put the power down and move swiftly across the water in high-wind conditions. If you are paddling on a large body of water and intend to return to your starting location, it is best to begin your float by paddling directly into the wind.  

As you tire, you will drift back towards your starting point and avoid you having to paddle aggressively against a headwind. I've battled headwinds for many miles in windy mountain passes, which can be exhausting and frustrating. Savvy paddlers take note of the winds and enjoy a leisurely drift home.  

2. KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

In the Rockies, we have a saying, "If you don't like the weather, just wait an hour." Conditions in the mountains change rapidly. I've experienced sweltering heat and snow-showers in the same afternoon and temperature swings of over 30C (90F).   

A clear day in the alpine region can quickly turn to pouring rain or blanketing snow as weather systems pass through and mother nature sends humbling reminders of who's in charge! It's a good policy to research the weather in advance, and the more extended or remote the outing, the more thorough research required!  

In the summer, pay particularly close attention to the chance of storms, prevailing winds, and UV indices. Typically, the hotter the day, the more convective energy to drive currents and build thunderstorms. All these factors are intensified at higher elevations, and it can make the difference between a relaxing paddle and an "old-man-versus-the-angry-seas" sort of a day.   

Winter paddling can present some excellent conditions, as the colder weather typically brings stability and clear sparkling winter scenery. But due to sub-zero air and frigid water temperatures, you must take special considerations to stay warm and dry.   

3. PLAN TO DRIFT FACING DOWNWIND

Inflatable paddle boards are fantastic platforms for fishing, providing better visibility into the water than kayaks or canoes. This is due to the higher angle of refraction and a comfortable standing position for casting on your SUP. However, they can be tough to manage in the wind, as your hands will likely be occupied fishing and only sporadically available to work the paddle.   

In the standing position and windy conditions, the inflatable paddle board will naturally want to turn to face downwind (your back to the wind). You can use this knowledge to plan your float, starting upwind of the desired track, casting forward off the bow, and letting the wind push you precisely where you'd like to go.   

4. POSITION YOUR INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARD PERPENDICULAR TO THE WAVES

High winds mean larger waves and more difficulty maintaining your balance on a SUP. If you're struggling to stay on your feet, it's usually easier to face directly into the waves and the wind. Lateral rolling and yawing motions do a far better job of throwing a paddler off-balance than pitching up and down. Also, small waves are easier to manage when they are visible directly ahead. And it helps to keep paddling. The paddle strokes stabilize and provide thrust as you top out on chop or small white caps.  

5. LOOK FOR LEE, AND CRAB  

If you can't resist a paddle on a windy day (I know the feeling), you can often find more manageable water on the leeward side of islands or trees, or near shore, where the currents are slower. In any case, it helps to focus on good paddling technique and consistency, and if you still can't make progress, crabbing at an angle to the wind may help. If all else fails, attempt to reduce the size of the sail (that's you) by kneeling or sitting on the stand-up paddle board and simply taking the easiest path back to shore.     

EQUIPMENT THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL:  

Are you paddleboarding in windy conditions or trying to fish in a current? The iROCKER SUP Anchor will keep you pinned down and secured so that you can get the great catch without the hassle!  

The SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit will allow you to rest comfortably and continue to paddle in rough or windy conditions from a seated position for a more stable paddle.  

These are just a few tips to help you better manage your SUP in windy conditions. If you have other suggestions, anecdotes, or helpful tips for fellow paddlers, feel free to drop a comment below!  

Happy paddling!   

Kayle.  

IG: life.of.luft  

About the Author:  

Hi there! I’m Kayle Luft, a life-lovin’ Albertan with a passion for adventure and the outdoors. I’m a professional pilot, musician, business manager, photographer, writer, and a travel and fitness enthusiast. I’ve travelled around the world, run ultra-marathons, scuba-dived exotic shipwrecks, flown remote skies under the northern lights, survived avalanches and nights lost in the wilderness, and motorcycled, skated, skied, camped, climbed, paraglided, paddled and fished countless hours in the backcountry and all over the Canadian Rockies. An old friend once told me, “The more you LIVE, the more you’ll want to live forever.” He was right, and it’s become a goal of mine to share the joy abundant in life’s adventure. Here's to a wonderful journey! 

Paddle boarding is a versatile sport. You can paddle board on lakes, rivers, around marinas, and along the coast. Basically, you can paddle board anywhere there’s relatively calm water. And when you’re out on your board, you practice yoga, fish, bask in the sun, or paddle to new and hard-to-reach locales. You can also take your board touring. The practice of paddle board touring is becoming popular with a lot of people. They’re going from cruising around their favorite lake to spending hours exploring larger waterways. Maybe you’re thinking about giving it a try. If you’ve been thinking about going for a tour with your inflatable paddle board, here are a few tips to make it a success!

Know the Difference Between Conventional SUP Boards and Touring Boards

Yes, there are dedicated touring paddle boards! These are typically long and narrow so they can cut through the water and travel longer distances with ease. The overall design can be slightly different, too. The front end may have a sharper point, and the back fins may be configured to keep the board straighter as it glides through the water. These design elements can slightly reduce overall maneuverability, but they optimize stability. However, if you already have a SUP board or you want more of a multipurpose or all-around inflatable SUP, you can simply go with that option over the touring board. Just keep in mind, for touring purposes, all-around boards won’t be as quick on the water so you may exert more effort as you explore.

Get Ready for Your Tour

Whether you go with a dedicated touring inflatable SUP board or you have an all-around board, there are a few things to do before you start your adventure. One of those things is packing for the day. This means you want a dry bag you can wear or strap to your SUP board. At the minimum, you want to pack a hat, food, water, a first aid kit, sunscreen, and a personal flotation device. Touring can mean you’re out on the water for long hours, so you’ll need plenty of calories to keep going. Energy bars are always a good option, but any of your favorite snacks work, too. And because you’re out in the elements and sweating, staying hydrated is absolutely essential. Lastly, as always, you should be prepared for the unexpected. A first aid kit and a PFD can come in handy in a pinch. Beyond those essentials, other things to pack can include an inflatable SUP repair kit (just in case), a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and your cell phone in a waterproof case.

Plan Your Tour from Start to Finish

Since you’re likely going to be out on the water for an extended period, it’s good to have a plan in place. You want to know where you’ll be and when, roughly. That way, people know where you are should anything come up. You want to plot your general course from where you’ll start to where you’ll finish. At the same time, keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day of your tour. Whether you’re exploring coastal inlets, mountain rivers, or expansive bays, changing conditions can be dangerous. Storms and bad weather can kick up wind and create choppy conditions making navigation difficult. If you start your adventure with clear skies and the weather starts to change, be prepared to get off the water if you need to. No matter the situation, having a plan gives you a guide to follow. If it’s your first time touring, having a detailed plan is a must!

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 paddle boarding tour at irockersup.ca

From fear to career, this free diver and ocean photographer gets up close and personal with sharks.

Growing up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” John Garza could have easily let sharks become a lifelong fear. While never having been bit himself, John carried several friends from the water after altercations with sharks while surfing. Enough to turn anyone away from the ocean for life.

Long-lining for sharks as a teen in Florida, John wouldn’t have another close encounter with sharks until many years later after moving out to Hawaii in pursuit of world-renowned surf breaks. While the original draw was epic waves, John quickly became entranced with diving and the clarity the water there provided. “I fell into a group of marine biologists and photographers. They were shark biologists, and they took me under their wing and taught me everything they knew, and I just fell in love with it,” he says, adding, “And now I’m here.”

“Here” being a published underwater photographer, the captain of Purely Blu Charters, a luxury catamaran experience based in the Bahamas, and co-founder of lifestyle brand Ocean Outcasts.

A COMPLETE 180°

Together with his partner, Chief Stew Hannah Patten, John aims for Purely Blu Charters to change the way people view and interact with sharks and other marine wildlife. “Growing up, I had this [ … ] fear of sharks, and now I’ve done a complete one-eighty,” he says. “So, I like to tell people my story [ … ] I know it’s scary, but all it takes is for you to get in the water with the sharks for the first time and it’ll completely change your mind. It’s actually calming to me watching the sharks swim around. I feel like I could stay in the water with them forever,” he says.

Though John has traveled the world in search of dive spots and different species of sharks, from Tahiti and Tonga to Bali and Japan, “My favorite location is always going to be the Bahamas,” he says. “There’s this spot out there called Tiger Beach and tiger sharks are definitely my favorite to interact with out of all the species I’ve done dives with.”

Along with simply being in the water and experiencing sharks in their natural habitat, John has found a way to capture these ancient creatures through underwater photography. Having been introduced to photography by the same group who got him into diving, John began hosting his own underwater photography workshops. “I would take people diving and teach them all about interactions with animals in the water and their characteristics, while also teaching them about photography and how to use their cameras, how to edit,” he explains.

Realizing that he was pigeonholing himself by offering expeditions only to those interested in photography, he realized he needed to broaden his horizons. Together with Hannah, the “backbone and brains” of the operation, the pair created Ocean Outcasts.

SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURE

Established in 2020, Ocean Outcasts is a lifestyle brand with the goals of bringing awareness and compassion to the ocean and inspiring others to “take a stand for our planet and ocean.” With several platforms under the Ocean Outcasts umbrella, including John and Hannah’s expeditions as well as a media team, John describes the initiative as “our way of bringing people on board and showing them why we love the ocean.”

“The ocean means everything to me,” he says, adding,” it’s a place I’ve gone to when I’ve had hard times going on in my life, and I can let go of everything and find peace”. Protecting this great blue wonder is something Ocean Outcasts takes seriously—using reef-safe sunscreens, teaching the importance of sustainability and sustainable fishing practices, and providing ocean education in addition to a day of adventure on the water.

A RESPECTFUL GUEST

The main takeaway for John when it comes to diving with sharks is respect. “Obviously I’m jumping in the water with sharks so it’s hard for me to tell others not to do it, but for me it’s about being respectful. I’ve spent the time and been diving with marine biologists and people that have studied shark behavior for years. So, when getting in the water I want to ensure the sharks feel comfortable that I’m in the water with them [ … ] and if they don’t want me in there, I don’t push it.”

With his iROCKER inflatable paddle board, John is able to enter into places without the noise of a loud engine announcing his arrival. “It just makes everything that much more peaceful and you’re not really disturbing the wildlife,” he says. And capturing the wildlife in their natural state of being is crucial to the artistic side of his venture. Preferring still photography to video, John shares his compelling images through both print work as well as his Instagram account, where he often accompanies each photo with important information about marine wildlife. Follow along at @johngarzaphoto and get up close and personal—that is until you’re ready to dive in with the real thing.

Learn more at purelyblucharters.com and oceanoutcasts.com

For SUP fans, it’s not a summer road trip to the mountain states without your inflatable paddle board! By talking to the locals or doing a little research in advance, you’re sure to discover many hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re planning a trip for this summer or future summers, here are a few paddle boarding spots you won’t want to miss in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The mountains are calling, and you must go.

More Than Just Mountain Biking: Moab, Utah

Moab is a major desert destination for mountain bikers, off-roaders, and other outdoor enthusiasts. But don’t forget your board because there’s plenty of water around town, too. The Moab Daily (Fishers Tower section) is a popular 13-mile stretch of the Colorado River. It floats by the backdrop of the LaSal Mountains and eventually into the boundaries of Arches National Park. Located along Highway 128, there are plenty of easy put-in and take-out spots. The Moab Daily offers flat sections and rapids for some excitement during the summer months.

The City of Trees Delivers: Boise, Idaho

Beautiful Boise, Idaho is considered a high desert terrain, but there’s definitely more than meets the eye in The City of Trees. People love their water sports in the Boise area. You can take your inflatable paddleboards on sections of the Boise River, which runs along the Greenbelt in the heart of the city. For something even mellower, there are plenty of in-town ponds that are perfect for paddling boarding, such as Quinn’s Pond. Or head out toward Lucky Peak State Park and paddle the Boise River below the dam at Sandy Point. Bring a picnic and hang out at Discovery Park when you’re done.

Cruise Among the Tetons: Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson is an epic place to visit and if the grandeur of the Tetons is calling, you’ll have a blast exploring the lakes in Grand Teton National Park. String Lake is calm and more shallow than other lakes in the park and an ideal setting for beginners. Jenny Lake, also in the national park, is another great spot for beginners where you’ll be captivated by the surrounding Teton peaks. This lake is over 400 feet deep. Jackson Lake is the largest lake in the park and a perfect spot for more experienced paddle boarders. There’s a lot of boat activity on this lake, so be aware.

Miles of Flathead Lake: Kalispell, Montana

Cold, sparkling, and huge, Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. There are many ways you and your friends can explore Flathead Lake from atop your inflatable paddleboards. If you’re staying in Kalispell on your way to Glacier National Park, opt for a sunset paddle boarding session on the northern part of Flathead Lake. Set off from Wayfarers State Park, an ideal location with great access. Just watch out for the Flathead Lake Monster, a tale that goes back over 100 years.

Spring means more time spent outdoors! As temperatures rise, you’re probably looking for every excuse to get outside—and on your paddle board. Well, here’s another reason to enjoy the great outdoors—a picnic! Why have a picnic on a blanket in the park when you can enjoy an afternoon on the water with friends and food! Need some gear to make this picnic happen? iROCKER has everything you need (minus the sandwiches, of course). You know this brand for their selection of stellar inflatable paddleboards, but they also have all sorts of accessories for just about any on-the-water adventure you can dream up, picnics included! Here are a few essential pieces of gear to help you make it happen.

Coolers Galore

iROCKER knows paddle boards, but they also know coolers. The iROCKER 45L Roto-Molded Cooler is their biggest cooler option at 45 liters. It can hold all the food and beverages you could possibly want for a picnic (up to 40 cans, plus ice). Toss it on the iROCKER inflatable dock and you’re good to go. Want something a bit smaller you can put on the back of your inflatable paddle board? Go for the iROCKER 25L Roto-Molded Cooler. It can hold up to 24 cans plus ice, giving you plenty of room for all your picnic essentials. Now, if you want an option that maximizes portability, iROCKER offers their backpack cooler. The backpack is designed with 30 liters of storage, which means all your picnic essentials should fit, no problem. And because you can throw it over your shoulders and go, you can take it just about anywhere!

Cup Holders for Every Drink

Keeping your drink secure on your paddle board is probably one of the most important parts of having a picnic on the water. You don’t want to set it down only for an unexpected wave to knock it over. This is where the iROCKER Cup Holder saves the day. It’s designed to accommodate pretty much any can, bottle, or cup under 3.5” in diameter. But where the cup holder really shines is in drink security. The cup holder adheres to the action mount found on all your favorite inflatable SUP boards from iROCKER (2019 models and newer), and BLACKFIN (2019 models and newer). It’s simple—attach it and go!

An Inflatable Dock for All the Food

Admittedly, this is less a SUP accessory and more a SUP companion. The iROCKER Floating Swim Dock is a multipurpose dock that gives you the perfect central area to gather for a picnic. The dock measures 7’ by 7’, so you can use it to hold coolers, prep food, and just relax. Everyone can gather on their paddle boards around the dock to create the ultimate on-the-water picnic spot. It also comes with eight action mounts to connect a variety of board gear—including cup holders! You can also pair the swim dock with the iROCKER Anchor to keep it in place. That way, your picnic doesn’t float away while you’re off paddling!

Get the best gear for your next paddle boarding picnic at irockersup.ca!

Stand up paddling is one year-round activity that little ones can enjoy just as much as mom and dad! A day of family bonding on paddle boards can happen anywhere, anytime—even long after summer has ended. Sure, kids may be more into Netflix than nature these days, but we can help with that.

Pack a cooler with all their favorites and head to your local SUP spot to introduce your kids to an activity you already love. Start young explorers out on the sand or grass and teach them how to balance and use their paddles before hopping in the water. Swapping iPhones for iROCKERs might be hard at first, but kids are wired to love the outdoors and follow in their parent’s adventurous footsteps. Here are some tips for incorporating activities your kids already love into a day on the water.
Check out our collection of paddle board paddles to give your child the best experience!

For the Animal Lovers

You may be more interested in the health benefits and amazing scenery that come along with paddle boarding, but all kids really care about is how much fun they’re going to have. No matter where you’re paddling, you’ll most likely experience close encounters with wildlife and marine life such as fish, turtles, birds, dolphins, and more! Bring the family pup along for the ride and you’re guaranteed to see at least one animal having a good time! There’s nothing like exposing your kids to the incredible, beautiful, awesome world outside their own backyard. A paddle board is the best way to immerse your entire family in the habitats of hundreds of animals in one outing. We can’t wait to hear about what you saw!

For the Game Enthusiasts

Hang out in an area with other people or busy shorelines for hours of I Spy. If you and your kids are the more competitive types, pick a finish line and see who can reach it first. Or make your own obstacle course, paddling around buoys, trees, and other natural landmarks. The entertainment options are endless!

For the Budding Photographers

Swap the phone for a camera! Pick up cheap waterproof cameras at your local store or grab your GoPro and hit the water with the whole family. Let your little one snap fun underwater photos of themselves and their friends or capture the wildlife they meet along the way. Either way, they’ll create lasting memories and hone their both their camera and paddling skills.

For the Social Butterflies

Your young explorer has just found their favorite new activity. Now they can share it with a like-minded community! In popular locations and good weather conditions, fellow paddlers are sure to be out as well. You and your little one will have the opportunity to meet and interact with other families spending time on the water paddle boarders, kayakers, surfers, and swimmers. Watersports are the perfect setting for your kids to practice social skills with others while you supervise.

Make it a weekly thing and your kids will be pros before you know it. You get to spend quality time with your family, and they get to be a part of something that you enjoy and learn to love it too.

Other activities our youngest paddlers enjoy:

• Bring along a tennis ball, spread the family out in the water and play catch.
• Challenge the kids to try different positions on their board without falling in the water (sitting down, doing a spin, lying on their back, etc.)
• At the beach, go a few practice rounds and then see who can catch a wave all the way to the sand!

How to keep your SUP from feeling the heat

Long days on the water and in the sun are what summer is all about. But with warm weather conditions come precautions that must be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of your inflatable paddle board. iROCKER boards are built to last, but it’s important to maintain your board and minimize any unnecessary risks. Follow these guidelines to ensure your inflatable SUP is in tip top shape for a season of sun-filled adventures.

Never Overinflate an Inflatable SUP

The most important rule when it comes to inflatable SUPs is applicable no matter the temperature. All iROCKER SUPs are designed to hold a maximum of 23 PSI. However, we recommend you inflate your board to no more than 15 PSI. There is no added benefit of inflating past 15 PSI and the remaining room at 15 PSI allows the air inside the board to expand should it become heated. If you overinflate your board and then the air heats and expands, it has nowhere to go, which can put excess pressure on the board’s seams and even cause them to fail.

Never Leave an Inflated SUP Out in the Sun

While there is room left in your board at 15 PSI for air to warm and expand, it’s never a good idea to leave your inflated board out in the sun, whether that’s on hot sand at the beach while you take a paddle break or on grass or a dock. If you need to take a break but don’t have access to any shade, let a bit of air out of your board so that the air inside has even more room to expand in the sun. The best practice though is to avoid leaving your inflated board in the sun.

An inflated board that is in direct sunlight but being used on the water should be inflated to 15 PSI as the water will act to cool the air inside the board. No need to let any air out!

Never Leave an Inflated SUP in Your Car

A car's interior can heat up by an average of 40 degrees F within an hour, regardless of ambient temperature. Even a car parked in the shade can become very hot, very fast. The quick expansion of air inside your board can put excess pressure on the board’s seams, causing leaks or, in worst case scenarios, a blown-up board. If you have to leave your board in your car, deflate it entirely to ensure there is no damage done to either the board or your car.

Inflatable paddle boards are incredibly convenient, portable, and fun! But like any outdoor gear, they can take a beating from the elements. If you’re ever in doubt, the best course of action is to deflate. It only takes 12 minutes to reinflate your board with an electric pump. Save yourself the worry and aggravation of replacing a board by taking the proper precautions and make years of memories on the water!

For warranty questions regarding heat-related failures and other issues, please visit our Warranty Page.

The beach calls. The ocean beckons. Will you answer? Paddle boarding on the ocean makes for a unique adventure. It’s just you and the tide. Sometimes, the waves are relaxing. Sometimes, they’re challenging. Either way, ocean paddle boarding offers a distinct experience that can’t be matched when paddle boarding on a lake, pond, or river. If you’re new to paddle boarding on the ocean, there are plenty of variables that can take you by surprise. But that shouldn’t discourage you from heading out and experiencing the ocean for yourself! Check out these tips, grab your inflatable paddle board, and get ready for a memorable session on the water!

Never Paddle on the Ocean Alone

It’s a good rule of thumb to use the buddy system any time you’re on the water. From swimming to paddle boarding to jet skiing, partnering with someone who can have your back in an emergency is a must. When you’re paddle boarding at sea, stay where you can see others. It could be other people you’re out on the water with or some friends on shore. This is especially important when you are paddle boarding in areas where a lifeguard might not be present. When you rely on the buddy system, you always have someone who you can call out to for help or who can offer assistance if you need it.

Watch for Rip Currents

One of the biggest challenges of paddle boarding at the beach is rip currents. These potentially dangerous currents are hard to see. If you get stuck in one, it can be hard to get out. Rip currents can look like darker spots in the water. There’s usually a lack of waves in the surrounding water, as well. If you see a spot on the water that looks suspiciously dark and calm, stay away. If you unexpectedly find yourself caught in a rip current, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Try to relax and focus on paddling (or swimming, if you’ve fallen into the water), parallel to the shore. Your goal is to get back into choppier water. If you paddle directly toward the beach, you risk the chance of getting swept in the opposite direction, away from shore—and you’ll end up expending a lot of energy. Keep calm and paddle parallel!

Always Use Your Leash

Most inflatable paddle boards come with an ankle leash. And if you don’t have one, you can—and should—easily get one. One end of the leash attaches to your ankle and the other stays connected to your SUP. Whether you’re cruising in calm waters or surfing with your board, the leash keeps you attached to your board should you fall into the water. Because the ocean is huge and currents can be unpredictable and dangerous, staying connected to your SUP is essential. You don’t want it being taken away by a wave. An paddle board leash ensures you always have a way to get back to your board and back to safety. And that’s really what safe ocean paddle boarding is all about: expecting the unexpected and being prepared, just in case.

About iROCKER

Paddle boarding season starts right now, and iROCKER is your partner on the water! They’re your number one source for all the paddle boarding gear you could possibly want. From inflatable paddle boards to hard boards and inflatable docks, iROCKER has something for everyone. Already have a SUP? Don’t worry! They also have plenty of gear and accessories to take your adventures to the next level. Get a cooler to strap to the back of your board and bring the party onto the lake! Want to turn your inflatable SUP into a kayak? iROCKER has the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit for you. And don’t forget a waterproof Bluetooth speaker! It doesn’t matter if you’re a paddle boarding newbie or you’ve been getting out on the water for years, iROCKER helps keep you inspired for your next excursion.

Find all the gear you need to paddle board on the ocean at iROCKER.