Pre-season paddle clinic
Increase the fun, reduce the pain
Far too many years ago, I was skiing with my school group in Italy. On the first day we met our resort rep for the week, who was a friend of the ski company's MD. As a 'favour' for his old friend, he would take two weeks off his usual work and rep for the school groups who came to the resort.
As part of the introductory conversation, we asked if he would like to ski with the staff the following day but he declined, saying he had a ski lesson. We were a bit shocked that someone of his experience was still having lessons, however when we watched him in action with one of the resorts top ski guides, the following day, we all considered booking a lesson ourselves.
His skiing was faultless and looked effortless. Discussing this with him at lunchtime, he said he did the same every year, it was his pre-season 'tune'. The idea has stayed with me ever since. Everyone needs to ensure they learn and maintain good technique in whatever sport. Injuries occur when we rush or become lazy. Having a coach or instructor observing and correcting, reduces the risk of injury, improves performance and most importantly - maximises fun!
So ask yourself:
- Did you learn to SUP without a lesson?
- Do you get aches and strains during and after your paddles?
- Have you fallen behind just how much SUP paddle technique has changed in the last few years?
- Do you watch Youtube clips on Stand Up Paddle Boarding and notice huge variation in what the presenters are suggesting?
Any questions or to book, email Dave - info@exmouthwatersports.co.uk




