Saturday morning SUP

This weekend I made the most of a sunny moment in the British summer to go stand up paddle boarding (SUP). There's a new surf hire place on Branksome beach called Shaka Surf which I've passed by a few times just waiting for the right conditions to get out on the water.

Saturday morning's forecast was good all week, and when I woke up the sun was already up and shining through a cloudless Dorset sky. We zipped down to the beach just a mile away and within minutes I was out on the water as Mark relaxed on the shoreline with a book.

It was my first time paddle boarding solo, but it was an amazing feeling. The slight breeze kept me on my knees as I paddled out towards the large yellow buoys which dotted the beach. It's surprising how much of a good workout paddling is, especially for the arms and core as they fight to stabilise yourself. I was certainly working off the BBQ and beers we enjoyed the night before!

As I rounded the first buoy I glanced down, and to my surprise found that in the green water loads of large white jellyfish were swimming beneath me. Not just one or two, but a consistent stream, and enough to put me off practicing my stood-up paddling skills for fear of falling in. Jelly fish are not my friends.

Instead I decided to relax for a few minutes, and laid down flat on my board briefly closing my eyes and enjoying the gentle rocking of the ocean as a jet-ski zipped past and a vintage airplane flew above en route to the air show.

Riding the wind to the next buoy I was amazed at the number of jelly fish, all appearing out of the green sea like mysterious marshmallows and passing me by without a care in the world. Excitedly, I wondered if I might see a turtle - apparently they've been spotted off the Dorset coast, attracted by the jellyfish which they eat.

Before I knew it I was getting the signal it was nearly time to go, and I practiced my paddling in the jelly fish free safety of the shallows, before we headed home.

What a way to spend a morning!

Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Bournemouth

SUP is the most recent watersport to take the UK coast and waterways in its trendy grip. Stand up paddle boarding has already seen spin offs in the field of SUP Pilates and Yoga take this sport, which started in Hawaii, to the masses.

And it's easy to see why it's so popular; participants use a board slightly wider than a surf board and paddle themselves from a standing position. This requires a lot of balance and works your core muscles as you fight against the water for stability, which is great news for anyone like me trying to find new and exciting ways to workout. Not so much a sport as a way to enjoy the water on a day with no significant surf, SUP has been quickly adopted in my hometown of Bournemouth, so I thought it was high time I tried it. I'm happy I can now add SUP to my summer of watersports which has already included sailing and kayaking.

My first class was called off on account of the conditions, but on Sunday 5th July the weather went my way and I made my way excitedly to Surf Steps on Boscombe Beach for class. We started with a safety briefing and Baywatch style warm up before getting straight into the water.

I'll be there!

There was a breeze and the water wasn't quite the mill pond still you'd prefer for a first lesson, so I took my time starting off knelt down and paddling along. Some of the other people in the class were quick to stand and make it all look very easy, so I thought I'd give it a go. Using my hands to bring my feet up beneath me I steadily straightened my legs and stood tall before falling quickly backwards onto my bottom. At least I didn't fall in (to begin with).

I quickly learned that with the wind in the direction it was, my best bet was to paddle into it knelt, then turn and give standing a try whilst the wind was giving me a slightly smoother ride. This way I could practice standing and paddling with some success.

Standing up!

The funniest moment was as I fell off the side of my board and, as I pulled myself back onto it, ended up throwing myself head first, feet in the air, off the other side. I knew my husband had seen from the safety of the beach, and I couldn't help laughing to myself so much the instructor had to ask if I was alright!

Toward the end of the class the wind had picked up even more, but I was happy to paddle about from the relative safety of my knees, enjoying being out on the water. I had such a blast, and can't wait to grab a board on a still summer evening over the next few months. Call me converted, man!

Book your class

SUP and surfing beginner lessons are available from Surf Steps in Boscombe for £35 for a 2 hour class with board, paddle and wet suit provided.

The high seas with Watersports Academy

With summer supposedly on it's way to England, Mark and I have a few water based adventures planned in our corner of the world. Over the coming months we will be kayaking, surfing and trying out SUP, but today we're starting with an afternoon sail in world famous Poole Harbour. Here's what happened...

Mark and I taking the helm

There aren't many catamarans in Poole Quay, so Mark easily picked out the one he thought we'd be spending the afternoon on as we stand excitedly on the quayside.

We've booked a sailing afternoon in Poole with the Watersports Academy aboard a Lagoon 440 Catamaran and whilst the weather is more than a little disappointing, we're enthusiastically told it isn't going to rain as we meet our skipper.

After being shown aboard and confused about how to use the loo, we set sail! There's a breeze so we will be able to do some actual sailing, but it later turns out that anything to do with the sails is mostly mechanically operated - and rightly so after a glass of bubbly or two which we sip as we meander through the waters.

The view on board

Despite the chilling wind, we brave the outside seating areas, enjoying the views and waving to the other boats in the harbour. It's funny how an blank expanse of water so viewed from the shore quickly becomes a maze to navigate through once you are in it. Buoys, boats and jetskis dart about around us as we turn off the motor and let the wind carry us.

Once we are past the mouth of the harbour (and everyone is clear exactly which house is Harry Redknaps) the British Channel opens up in front of us, and we are treated to wonderful views of Old Harry Rocks and the start of the Jurassic Coast. 

Nautical navigational charts

We retreat to the warmth of the cabin for the return journey, and arrive back at port chilly, but having thoroughly enjoyed our time aboard! Find out more about Yachting with the Watersports Academy now.

In my next post, I'll be tell you all about my trip to Marrakesh!