SUP CAMPING
SUP CAMPING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Do you feel like going on an adventure? camping on the banks of a lake or river? discovering a corner of paradise in the heart of nature? accessing the wildest and most remote places? waking up with the sunrise and cooking over a fire in the forest? We've got the solution for you: SUP camping with DoSport!
Here's a checklist that covers preparation, the best DoSport board and the equipment required for this kind of adventure.
- Choose your destination
It may seem trivial, but it's very important to know where you're going. If you decide to go to a rather unfamiliar place, get as much information as you can about the area. Find a map and annotate your route, but above all, make sure it's a challenge that's up to your abilities. You want to create memories and have fun at the same time.
Don't forget to be well prepared! There are differences between SUP camping and canoe camping!
Of course, if you've never been on a long expedition before, do a few water outings to paddle for a few kilometers before the big start. Only a few outings will allow you to test your endurance, your rhythm and your equipment. Depending on your abilities, you can choose an itinerary accordingly.
- Notify next of kin
Ideally, don't go off on your own, or let someone know you're coming, and let them know when you'll be leaving and when you'll be returning. If you're going to a place without a network, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment (see list below). In case of emergency, you can also rent a satellite phone. Walkie-talkies and VHF radios are a must.
- Watch the weather
Oh yes, the weather. If you've ever been on a camping or SUP camping expedition, you'll know that several elements can hinder or enhance your stay. Download the Windy app to find out wind strength and direction.
The rain
It's not so bad, especially considering that you need to be pretty well dressed on the water. Of course, you'll need appropriate clothing. If your wetsuit is going to be necessary, wear only the bottom; neoprene can create resistance in the shoulders and could tire you out even more. What's more, a dry wetsuit is HYPER hot, and the last thing you want is heatstroke.
Our tip: wear a raincoat on top with a synthetic or wool base. If the weather's nice and warm, don your swimsuit!
Temperature
Avoid extreme temperatures, i.e. during heatwaves or before frost. In midsummer, make sure you have enough water, or the equipment you need to filter and purify water.
- Choosing the right equipment
The board itself: which one?
The longer the board, the faster it will go. The wider the board, the more stable it will be. With this in mind, we advise you to opt for a Touring 11'6, 12'6 Inflatable DoSport. In fact, the Touring 12'6 is a touring board (that's what you want to do, tour!). Inflatable or Rigid? Like it! Just remember that the inflatable has more volume, and therefore a greater capacity in terms of weight. It's up to you, and one doesn't preclude the other.
Find out more about DoSport inflatable and rigid touring boards:
https://dosport.ca/collections/course/products/paddle-board-saint-laurent
https://dosport.ca/collections/course
https://dosport.ca/pages/planches-rigides
Which paddle?
Choose a lightweight adjustable paddle, such as a 2 or 3-piece carbon paddle. As your pace, intensity and position will vary during your trip, it will be more comfortable for you to be able to change the length of your paddle during your expedition.
https://dosport.ca/collections/pagaies
- Bring light equipment
It's time to make your list of what you'll need. On an expedition like this, it's important not to forget anything, but you have to know how to remove superfluous items; they take up space and are heavy to carry. Remember: the more stock you have on your board, the heavier it will be, and the faster you'll run out.
You can fit everything into a large 65-liter or larger waterproof bag. We also recommend a 2nd 20L waterproof bag that you can put on the front bungee of your board. Not to mention bottle holders, camera mounts and other accessories.
Suggested list :
Detailed list :
For bedtime
✔ Sleeping bag - you can leave it in its compression bag. The bag will serve as your pillow.
✔ Compact floor mattress
✔ Headlamp
✔ Tent or hammock
Kitchen
✔ Stove + pan
✔ Limited crockery kit: 1 cup, 1 bowl, 1 utensil kit
✔ Water filter or purifying tablets
✔ Freeze-dried meals + energy bars https://treko.ca/
✔ Garbage bag
✔ Lighter/firelighter
Other
✔ Waterproof first-aid kit
✔ Knife
✔ Mosquito repellent
✔ Sunscreen cream
Nautical accessories
✔ Board and paddle: check the condition of your equipment before setting out. We too often forget to do this, but it's super important.
✔ PFD (personal flotation device) https://dosport.ca/collections/vestes-de-flottaison
✔ Whistle https://dosport.ca/collections/accesoires
✔ Ankle leash https://dosport.ca/collections/accesoires
✔ Repair kit for rigid or inflatable SUP, and pump
✔ water shoes
https://dosport.ca/collections/accesoires
Like every spring, you're wondering what to wear for your paddleboard outing. The forecast is for cold rain in the morning, then sunny skies in the afternoon with 17 degrees; a real clothing headache. We've got some answers for you.
Water temperature VS air temperature
In spring, it's important to keep in mind that even when the outside temperature is mild, the water temperature is a little less so. Imagine falling into water that's 7 degrees Celsius - I assure you, the 17 degrees won't do the job of keeping you warm. To avoid thermal shock if you fall, you'll need to wear an isothermal and/or neoprene wetsuit. In other words, a "wetsuit".
Wetsuit thickness
It all depends on air and water temperature. If you're not sure, and it's time to buy your first wetsuitIf you're in the mood for a more casual look, choose a 4/3 (4 mm thick on the front and back, 3 mm on the sides). This classic will serve you much longer in your season than other thicknesses. It's also important to choose the right size. If it's too big, it will create air pockets that will make it much less effective. Here's a chart to help you make the right choice:
https://dosport.ca/collections/vetements-et-combinaisons
DoSport offers you a complete calendar of activities for the 2024 season. To find out more, click here:
https://dosport.ca/collections/activites
These activities are ideal for learning how to manoeuvre your board and paddle.
Or it's the perfect opportunity to meet experienced snowboarders and instructors who will give you excellent advice, even if it's just to prepare for a one-day or multi-day outing.
Calendar 2024-2025 Do Sport: https://dosport.ca/pages/calendrier-2024-2025
You can reach us at : [email protected]
Visit the website www.dosport.ca
GÉRALD HOTTE / DOSPORT: adventurer, expeditionary, guide, certified instructor, over 50 years' outdoor experience.