Running Wild
WORDS Duncan Slater & Adam Burns
Venturing into the world of white water paddle boarding can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. If you’re a capable flat-water paddler or SUPsurfer looking for a new challenge, Red Paddle Co’s Wild range of inflatable paddleboards is your ticket to ride the rapids. In this guide – with expert advice from white-water SUP coach Adam Burns, Centre Manager at Willowgate Activity Centre in Perth, Scotland – we’ll run you through the essentials of getting started with white water SUP. Before you hit fast-flowing water, make sure you have the right gear. Alongside a board you’ll need a decent paddle, a helmet and a buoyancy aid/personal flotation device (PFD) designed for white-water activities. If you choose to wear a leash, make sure it’s a waist-mounted quick- release attachment to reduce the likelihood of leash entrapment in fast moving water. Depending on your risk assessment, in white-water you might choose not to use a leash at all. (As per the latest guidance from Paddle UK.) When it comes to choosing a board, Red’s Wild range has been developed specifically for white water paddle boarding. Both Wild boards feature a pronounced nose rocker and high sides to help them glide over the white-water more easily. Liam and George from the Red HQ team are white-water paddlers, with connections to top riders in the community, including white-water SUP coaches, who were able to feedback on the development and testing of the boards. The 9’6” WILD is best for technical white-water, drops and river surfing – the shorter length allows the user to be more agile in the rapids.
PHOTOS Stu Walker
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