5 Tips to Prepare for Your First SUP Camping Trip
SUP camping offers an extraordinary blend of stand-up paddleboarding serenity and the excitement of outdoor camping. If the thought of your first SUP camping expedition seems overwhelming, don't worry. Glide Paddlesports is here to walk you through the crucial steps of planning and executing a memorable SUP camping trip.
Key Highlights
- Master the Art of Packing: Learn how to utilize the space on your inflatable paddleboard for essentials without compromising stability.
- Choosing the Ideal Campsite: Tips on using technology and resources to find unique, SUP-friendly camping spots.
- Navigating Local Regulations: Stay informed about public lands, camping regulations, and life jacket laws to ensure a hassle-free experience.
- Prioritizing Safety: The importance of communication, choosing sites with cell service, and opting for slightly busier areas for enhanced safety.
- The Joy of Companionship: How shared adventures can boost safety and make your SUP camping trip unforgettable.
1. Mastering the Art of Packing
Space and Stability: A Supreme Advantage
One of the delights of SUP camping is the generous space your inflatable paddleboard provides for camping essentials. Unlike backpacking, where every ounce counts, SUP camping allows you to pack without compromise, enhancing your board's stability and wind resistance.
Key Packing Tips:
- Opt for dry bags or duffels for personal items and a cooler for perishables.
- Ensure an adequate water supply, or plan for filtration from clear sources.
- Don't forget a rope for securing your SUP overnight and a repair kit for emergencies.
2. Choosing the Ideal Campsite
Exploration Meets Research
Aim for unique spots unreachable by car for an immersive SUP camping experience. Use Google Maps for satellite views of potential sites, then cross-reference with local forums and official state websites to ensure they are paddleboard and camp-friendly.
3. Navigating Local Regulations
Stay Informed and Compliant
Confirm that your campsite is on public land and acquaint yourself with the area's camping regulations. Be well-versed in the life jacket laws specific to your destination to ensure both compliance and safety. There is more information you can find about lifejackets here.
Here in the west, a lot of the land surrounding waterways is run by the BLM and you can find maps of land that they manage here on their website.
4. Prioritizing Safety
Communication is Key
Inform someone about your trip details, including your location and expected return. Use smartphone apps to share your live location for extra security. Opt for sites with cell service for straightforward check-ins.
Safety in Numbers
While SUP camping is an escape into solitude, choosing slightly busier areas can provide a safety net. It ensures help is within reach, all while maintaining the secluded essence of your adventure.
5. The Joy of Companionship
Shared Adventures Enhance Experiences
Adventures with friends not only boost safety but also make your SUP camping trip unforgettable. Diversify your group's watercraft for an exciting mix and streamlined gear transportation.
Conclusion: Your Adventure Awaits
Your first SUP camping expedition stands as a gateway to a world where waterways embrace the wilderness. Armed with these tips, you're poised for an adventure that marries the thrill of stand-up paddleboarding with the bliss of camping. Remember, thorough preparation, adaptability, and an open heart for the unforeseen are your best companions.
Looking for the perfect paddleboard for your summer camping adventures? check out Glide’s O2 Angler it stands out for its stability and ample gear capacity, ideal for adventurous loading.
For further insights, tips, and all things SUP, Glide Paddlesports is your ultimate guide. Adventure is just a paddle stroke away!
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