Extreme SUP: Whitewater

Not in vain, sometimes Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is called extreme sport — in every corner of the world are daredevils ready to conquer big waves on a board with a paddle, walk downwind through the stormy ocean and discover the rivers with a strong current. This article is about popular & extreme direction of SUP — whitewater SUP or downriver.

Whitewater SUP is extreme rafting on board with oar through the riotous river. Firstly, this type of SUP boarding was tested by kayakers who once changed the boat to large inflatable sup on their usual extreme routes. Whitewater SUP is not limited to descent through rapid flow of the river, it is the jumping from waterfalls and sinks, and bypassing natural obstacles.

Unlike other types of stand rowing, a rider needs practice and experience of the movement in rough water to advance on the stormy river.

Whitewater SUP — extreme sport

Flow, a difference of depths, rocks, and whirlpools create a powerful river flow and pulsating shafts — waves suddenly appearing right on the way. The board swings and chattering in all directions, therefore it is necessary to control the SUP board in all four directions. The rider stands on a particular position that will let quickly drop to the knee at the critical moment. We will not argue that there is nothing dangerous in the whitewater SUP because the processes occurring in turbulent water are unpredictable. The rider needs to control his actions in a fast stream, have an idea of the movement of the water and confidently use board and paddle. Whether you are a beginner or not, the adrenaline charge on the whitewater is assured to you.

Whitewater Sup boards are more spacious and smaller than touring boards. If the board is short, it is easier to control it and it will less contact with the flow. In addition to a special board, for rafting over a rough river, you need a sturdy leash with a fastener either for knee and belt, a life jacket, a helmet, and a good wet suit.

Tips before starting Whitewater SUP

So, you perfectly feel the board and decided to try SUP boarding in the stormy water. What does a new whitewater SUP boarder need to know?

Study the spot. Talk with locals, with other riders. Find out if there are reverse flows, rocks, and places for the safe exit on the river.

Talk with locals, with other riders. Find out if there are reverse flows, rocks, and places for the safe exit on the river. Be ready to get wet. Falls in the whitewater is a separate topic for conversation. Here wipe outs are even funnier than in surfing. You will inevitably turn the board over, turn in the flow, slip off at the most crucial moment. Despite the fun and adrenaline, you need to fall right and, of course, never let go of the paddle. And all the controversial moments before descent, you need to work on calm water.

Go with friends. It is funnier and safer. It is best to go whitewater with an experienced rider. He will tell you where it is better to go through the rapids, where the stones are hiding.

It is funnier and safer. It is best to go whitewater with an experienced rider. He will tell you where it is better to go through the rapids, where the stones are hiding. Take the camera. Whitewater Sup is a beautiful extreme. Rapidly changing landscape, water drops rider movements on the red inflatable stand up paddle board, all this worth to be shot on the action camera. The video with whitewater always looks cool.

Whitewater Sup is an exciting and fun activity. It can be combined with a picnic on the shore, exploring the quiet sections of a stormy river, or simply share impressions.

If you are a confident user of SUP and want to feel new sensations in water, be careful. Once you try whitewater, you’ll never stop.