Post by Admin on Jan 25, 2013 20:36:09 GMT -5
Downwind paddling is the most fun type of paddling for me. Surfing's probably great as well but I haven't had many chances to surf. As a long-time windsurfer, there's an attraction of using the wind to help you paddle faster and surf the small waves that are generated by the wind and ground swell.
Typically in downwind paddling, one starts at point A and finishes downwind at point B. This allows you to enjoy a nice long downwind paddle without dealing with the upwind leg. In strong winds, it's the only viable approach since it'll be too windy to paddle upwind. Alternatively, if it's not too windy but windy enough, you can paddle into the wind first to earn your downwind ride back to the starting point. This is more work but more convenient.
This video gives a good introduction to what downwind paddling looks like with several skilled paddlers (including well-known surfer Chris Bertish) in Cape Town, South Africa on a well known downwind route:
For a more realistic local view of downwind paddling out of Cherry Beach with a mediocre paddler (me), here's a video I took in 2011:
Regardless of skill level, you just have to catch a few bumps to have a great time. While pushing yourself to catch the bumps, your heart rate will often hit 90% of max and you won't even notice it since you're having too much fun. No need for the "no pain, no gain" approach to exercise. As your skills improve, it just becomes even more entertaining as you're able to catch the waves easier, ride them longer, and get out in bigger conditions.
On really windy days, conditions right here in Lake Ontario can get much more impressive which ups the ante for fun and skill required to take advantage of the waves.
Downwind SUP paddling has been going on in Toronto for a few years but it's still early days with just a handful of regulars. For SUP fans that have tried it, it can become addictive due to the fun quotient. Anyone that has a few months of SUP experience and is comfortable in choppy conditions can give it a try. If you're a beginner, just make sure you're going with someone more experienced, or paddle a familiar route in conditions you're confident you can handle. Also seek out info on safety precautions for downwind paddling before going. It's always safer to go with a partner. A life jacket with a whistle is required by law and a leash is also a necessity. A phone in a waterproof case is a good idea.
Downwind Route Map
There are a number of options when it comes to downwind routes in the GTA. I've drawn a number of possible routes on Google Maps. You can pan and zoom into specific areas to get the fine details of each route. Switching to Satellite view is also helpful when you're looking at the specifics of the launch and finish points. When you open the map, just click on any route to get more details on it.
Note that I haven't tried out a number of these routes so please check any routes very carefully before trying them - especially the start and finish points. Also make sure the wind is blowing in the right direction before selecting any particular route.
Here's a link to the map:
maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=218169189824806101744.0004ca3c1fc4f506787cd&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=43.625652,-79.380071&spn=0.373102,0.579062&source=embed
Typically in downwind paddling, one starts at point A and finishes downwind at point B. This allows you to enjoy a nice long downwind paddle without dealing with the upwind leg. In strong winds, it's the only viable approach since it'll be too windy to paddle upwind. Alternatively, if it's not too windy but windy enough, you can paddle into the wind first to earn your downwind ride back to the starting point. This is more work but more convenient.
This video gives a good introduction to what downwind paddling looks like with several skilled paddlers (including well-known surfer Chris Bertish) in Cape Town, South Africa on a well known downwind route:
For a more realistic local view of downwind paddling out of Cherry Beach with a mediocre paddler (me), here's a video I took in 2011:
Regardless of skill level, you just have to catch a few bumps to have a great time. While pushing yourself to catch the bumps, your heart rate will often hit 90% of max and you won't even notice it since you're having too much fun. No need for the "no pain, no gain" approach to exercise. As your skills improve, it just becomes even more entertaining as you're able to catch the waves easier, ride them longer, and get out in bigger conditions.
On really windy days, conditions right here in Lake Ontario can get much more impressive which ups the ante for fun and skill required to take advantage of the waves.
Downwind SUP paddling has been going on in Toronto for a few years but it's still early days with just a handful of regulars. For SUP fans that have tried it, it can become addictive due to the fun quotient. Anyone that has a few months of SUP experience and is comfortable in choppy conditions can give it a try. If you're a beginner, just make sure you're going with someone more experienced, or paddle a familiar route in conditions you're confident you can handle. Also seek out info on safety precautions for downwind paddling before going. It's always safer to go with a partner. A life jacket with a whistle is required by law and a leash is also a necessity. A phone in a waterproof case is a good idea.
Downwind Route Map
There are a number of options when it comes to downwind routes in the GTA. I've drawn a number of possible routes on Google Maps. You can pan and zoom into specific areas to get the fine details of each route. Switching to Satellite view is also helpful when you're looking at the specifics of the launch and finish points. When you open the map, just click on any route to get more details on it.
Note that I haven't tried out a number of these routes so please check any routes very carefully before trying them - especially the start and finish points. Also make sure the wind is blowing in the right direction before selecting any particular route.
Here's a link to the map:
maps.google.ca/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=218169189824806101744.0004ca3c1fc4f506787cd&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=43.625652,-79.380071&spn=0.373102,0.579062&source=embed