Beginner SUP update! What I wish I knew then, 18 months later…!

[@johncallow22]

I like your SUP videos very much. On Saturday 09/09/23 I got my Goosehill board out of its box and pumped it up (with the valve in the wrong position of course). Third attempt, I did it correctly. Then down the beach, Ramsey, Isle of Man, to give myself a lesson. Having fallen in within 2 minutes of standing, I got back on in shallow water and paddled across the bay. As I got between the 2 concrete piers, the flow of the Sulby river, which empties there, caused me to lose it and in I went again. I then found out that remounting is a lot harder when you can't touch the bottom. As a poor swimmer, I was glad of my life jacket. After some breast stroke and a kind of back stroke, I was able to reach the shallows and get on and then spent about an hour building a bit of confidence on a mill pond sea, only falling once. Today, 11/09/23, I went out on a very slightly choppy sea with a light breeze and fell immediately on my 2 attempts to stand. I decided that I really need the water to be quite flat at this stage, so I gave up. I'm hoping to do better tomorrow. BTW, saw a clip on YT in which someone recommended a length of line with a "stirrup" on the end to aid remounting; this to be connected to the carrying handle.

[@BarryKenny]

Thanks John - I hope you keep trying, and get some calmer conditions!

[@marjorie0922]

I paddle in Miami, mostly in the coast, I love to paddle in the knee position, is faster and safe 🤣 but after sold my boat some months ago, I find the paddle boarding hobby, and I love it!. Thanks for the videos.

[@BarryKenny]

Wow, I love Miami, but haven’t visited since I started paddling - I can only imagine… or even better, down the Florida Keys!! Thanks so much for your comment.

[@indyschlumpf728]

Enjoyed both your SUP videos. I live in Georgia USA and just bought an inflatable SUP. It’s beautiful where you live and vacation. My area is mostly lakes and streams. Savannah is a four hour drive. We might go for a long weekend to paddle (and eat!) We should swap homes. 😉 I can finally see Ireland, and you can try paddling in Deliverance country. If you hear banjos don’t stop!😂😂😂

[@BarryKenny]

Haha, the poor banjos have never recovered from that movie!! 😆 I haven’t tried freshwater paddling yet, I can imagine it’s great for bringing food etc for a great trip. Priority one for house swap would be cat care, she rules the roost!! 🐈‍⬛ 😹

[@AidanPed]

Great video. I had a look at your channel and loved the video of Thalkirchen. I spent two months there in '91 and it was a crazy time. I started cycling around the world in 2008 and spent three weeks in Thalkirchen and I only met one other Irish person when I was there. Very different vibe... I'm from Sutton Park and went to St. Pauls and my dad had a boat in Howth since I was a nipper.

[@BarryKenny]

Thanks! We must’ve been in Thalkirchen at the same time! I’m from Portmarnock originally myself, so keeping it northside!

[@gavinpugh7986]

What size and volume is your board?

[@BarryKenny]

Hi Gavin, the size is 10’4” x 32” x 6” - they say rider weight of up to 140kg.