Mini Indian Summer (of SUP)?

In a previous post we asked whether it was likely we’d getting an Indian Summer. Often September brings good weather that opens up lots of watersports opportunities after a hectic summer. It’s usually quieter with kids back at school. The water’s at its warmest and nights are still just about light enough to snag an after work surfing sesh. Autumn can be the best time if you’re a surfer or watersports nut.

After scouring weather forecasts it looked like a mixed bag with no real indicators pointing to Indiana Summer conditions a little while back. All predictions suggested a varied weather pattern. And mixed it has been. But then at the start of this week (Mon 19 Sept, 2022) Mother Nature has been in fine fettle.

Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co. Classic stand up paddle board 9'11 10'6 painted glass Paulownia wood finish. #37
Sunny autumn SUP aboard the Freshwater Bay Paddleboard Co. Classic 10’6.

The last few days have seen (mostly) windless conditions in a lot of places. NCW’s head honch Mark commented that in all his years living in Kernow he’d never seen the water so flat. Flat to the point of being oily. With the sky’s reflection on the brine creating a symmetrical picture that was lovely to gaze upon.

But it isn’t just a story of wind. There’s been sunshine and blue skies the last few days. With more set to come. Granted some high cloud too. And we appreciate not every UK location is getting the same. For a good many, however, there’s been motivational weather on offer for getting afloat in SUP mode.

In the absence of surf, and with conditions on point, paddle boarding is a good choice. Waves may have gone on hiatus again (mostly) so a spot of idyllic flat water paddling is one way to make use of what’s on offer. And don’t worry if the waves should suddenly materialise. A SUP can also deliver some wave sliding fun as well.

Glassy paddle boarding, kiddy style, with the O’Shea inflatable SUP.

Looking further ahead towards October and there could be further good news. Which could be an indication for October half term. Again, not necessarily for all but for a large portion of the UK. The Met Office long range weather forcast is suggesting the following –

Wednesday 5 Oct – Wednesday 19 Oct

After spells of changeable weather, October is most likely to see drier and more settled conditions develop across the UK. Periods of wetter weather do remain a possibility for some, most likely in the northwest. Temperatures are expected to be close to average or possibly slightly above average in places.

Our advice is while you can get out for a float and swing a paddle. If you’re gifted perfect paddle boarding weather it’d be a shame not to make use of it. For anyone needing paddled board equipment or kit head over to NCW’s SUP section on the website where you’ll find everything needed.