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The Uniform for SUP Whitewater

The outerwear of kayakers is the uniform of river paddle boarders. | Photo: Paul Clark The outerwear of kayakers is the uniform of river paddle boarders. | Photo: Paul Clark

BEND, Oregon - Paddle boarding comes from the beach. Board shorts, bikinis, bare feet, sunny skies and salty seas. That aloha spirit has traveled with SUP as it has made its way inland. The paddle boarder on a favorite lake hundreds of miles from the ocean feels the "islands" with every stroke or Downward Dog.

River paddle boarding and especially whitewater SUP is a different beast, however. Its influences are more from the kayak and rafting world. River hydrology is different than the coast, and there are different hazards. River boating has developed unique technologies for the best way to get down river safely. Paddle boards for river running look and perform more like kayaks than traditional surf boards. And the outerwear of kayakers is the uniform of river paddle boarders.

SHIPPS. This is what I describe as that uniform.

S = Shoes. Surfers hate shoes, but river runners wouldn't think of not wearing them.
H = Helmet. Always wear a properly fitted and draining helmet in swift water.
I = Insulation. Dry-suit, wetsuit, what have you. Dress for both immersion and exposure to ambient conditions. Don't be surprised to see paddlers wearing board shorts and tops over their wetsuits. Why is this? Because a wetsuit keeps you warmer in the water but you'll get cold quickly standing without another layer of protection from the elements.
P = PFD. Always wear a PFD that gives you enough floatation to keep you afloat but able to swim.
P = the other P is for padded protection. Body armor, shin guards, elbow pads....
S = Signaling device, water proof whistle in particular.

whitewater sup the uniform 1Photo: Paul Clark

As far as a leash goes, most river runners will have a quick release leash worn above the waist. Leg leashes are not to be worn on the river. There have been deaths on the river associated with leg leashes. You have to be able to free yourself from the leash quickly. Cultures and lifestyles dictate our uniform. The river world is embracing SUP, as such paddle boarding is changing how it looks. Safety drives what we wear on the river.

To see more River SUP Tips, click HERE.

Last modified onWednesday, 12 February 2020 16:46
Paul Clark

Bend, Oregon - I'm Paul Clark, the “duffel bag paddle boarder.” SUP boarding is my way to find new places, rediscover old places with a fresh perspective, and challenge my own physical limits. Touring is my focus. Lashing multi-day expedition gear to the deck of my board is where adventure begins for me. I run rivers self-contained. I hike boards into the backcountry and portage overland to alpine lakes. I have descended the Baja coast down the Sea of Cortez and have circumnavigated the islands of Bocas del Toro in Panama. Athlete, photographer, and brand ambassador, my passion is to promote paddle boarding as a vehicle for exploration. Come along with me as I travel with boards, meet interesting people, and discuss topics relevant to adventure paddling.

Website: suppaul.com/