If you could do good and have a killer time on the water, would you take us up on it? The iROCKER team and our global community of adventure lovers paddle waterways of every shape and size all over the world. These bodies of water all have one unfortunate thing in common—pollution. Sure, the views are beautiful, and the sunshine makes the water sparkle, but nothing ruins the scenery and a perfect day of paddle boarding like a floating pile of trash. 

Serving your community doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Grab some friends, inflate your iROCKER paddle board and head to your closest body of water. Whether it’s the retention pond in your neighborhood or the sprawling Atlantic Ocean, SUPing your way to a trash-free environment is the best way we know how to give back. 

You don’t need to remove hundreds of pounds of trash to accomplish something important. It can be as simple as a few bottles and some plastic bags. But first, you’ll need to be prepared with the right gear. 

Staying hydrated is key to a successful cleanup. The Cooler Deck Bag is the perfect accessory for keeping drinks and snacks cold without taking up too much real estate on your board that can otherwise be used to store trash. Even better, once the cooler is empty, it makes the perfect receptable for storing plastic bottles and other small trash items you come across on the water. The bag uses a bungee system to securely attach to the front of your board and uses a sanitary liner that’s easy to clean when you’re done. 

Another accessory for making your SUP clean up even easier is the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit. Adding a seat to your SUP puts your arms as close to the surface as possible, making it easier for you to pick up pieces of trash that may be floating by or stuck near the shoreline.  

Converting your SUP into a kayak is as easy as can be. Take a look at our step-by-step video instructions here. 

BE A PART OF SOMETHING GREATER THAN YOURSELF 

We’re all about having a good time out on the water, but sometimes the universe calls us all to do more. There are massive ocean cleanups all over the world and your local swimming hole could probably use some TLC, too. You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced conservation knowledge to make a difference. 

One of the top reasons to use a paddle board instead of a boat or kayak to clean up your beach is the clearance levels you can reach. Paddle through even the shallowest parts of the water to reach trash caught in shrubbery or rocks. You can’t do that with a boat! 

A great inflatable paddle board is your first step toward becoming an ocean conservationist. Need some further inspiration? Read about The SUP Garbage Man and start planning your next cleanup. 

Discover how this Florida Keys native is capturing and conserving the natural world around him 

Splitting his childhood between the Florida Keys, his mother’s native Nicaragua, and his father’s native New England, outdoor photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro has never strayed far from the water. While travels and job opportunities have taken him around the globe, Ian has made the Florida Keys his homebase, and their crystal-clear waters his calling.  

PURPOSEFUL DAYDREAMING 

“I wasn’t the best student growing up,” he admits. “I was just a daydreamer, constantly just in my head, thinking of things I wanted to do or places I wanted to travel to.” Spending winters in Latin America with his mother’s family opened Ian’s eyes to a world of possibility, one that of course involved the ocean.  

“I was always around water. Nicaragua is where I learned to surf and fell in love with the ocean. Of course, the Keys are where I was first introduced to it and the clear water diving and underwater coral reefs and fisheries and things like that, and then Nicaragua expanded into the ocean sport-side of things,” Ian explains. 

But it’s not just the lure of good waves that draws Ian to the ocean. “I’ve always kind of been interested in science and the reason for why things happen,” he says. “I grew up observing the rapid changes in my home archipelago, and so I picked up on the decline of the greater ecosystem really quickly and realized we weren’t heading in the right direction. And I’ve taken that interest and run with it.”  

CONSERVATION CONVERSATION  

“I really enjoy documenting passionate people in their element. And more specifically, people who love the ocean, who love being outdoors on the water or underwater, and are passionate and respectful of those environments,” he states. “Whether that’s fisheries management or biologists or coral biologists out in the field […] I find their work just incredibly interesting. The natural system of how everything works in the environment has always fascinated me.”  

A self-taught photographer with a keen eye for detail, Ian uses his photography to highlight the conservation efforts of those around him, as well as his own. “The conservationists, the scientists, they don’t necessarily get a lot of the credit. Their work might, but the individuals might not, so it’s always really fun to kind of help bring them front and center.” 

Last August, Ian spent the entire month as the artist-in-residence in Dry Tortugas National Park, a 100 square mile park located almost 70 miles west of Key West. Comprised of mostly open water with seven small islands, the Dry Tortugas are accessible only by boat or seaplane. Here, Ian lived in the historic lighthouse keepers house on Loggerhead Key, spending his days capturing images of the local marine life.  

That unique experience has since blossomed into Ian’s latest “big project,” a “large format coffee table book highlighting the Dry Tortugas and the many ecosystems found in the park, with an emphasis on ecosystem preservation, conservation, sustainability, and of course, the people that work there,” he explains. “I’ve been really lucky to have great relationships; there’s a lot of great people there doing really cool stuff.” 

In addition to Dry Tortugas and Everglades National Parks, Ian works closely with Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, a Florida-based conversation group dedicated to conserve and restore bonefish, tarpon and permit fisheries and habitats through research, stewardship, education and advocacy. “They do a lot with the environments that those fish live in, so I’ve found there’s a really nice balance there between sport, photography, and conservation of the natural landscape,” states Ian.  

“I love shooting big schools of any sort of fish—fish or shark or tarpon—whenever they’re engaged in a natural pursuit and they’re just completely oblivious to things happening around them, and you’re just watching them. Whether it’s bonefish on a shallow water flat or tarpon in deep water or grouper or whatever it is, I just really love being like a fly on the wall for natural behaviors on the grand scale. I really love finding myself immersed in those moments,” says Ian.  

TAKING IT SLOW 

“Any day it’s glass calm and at sunset, I’m on a paddle board,” states Ian. Enabling him to arrive quietly, his SUP allows him to stealthily “get up to wildlife and interact. He adds, “As long as you’re conscious of being quiet, it’s like an underwater safari where I live, so it’s super important to have that access.” 

Working on, near, and around the water most days, Ian reflects on his appreciation for the natural world and just how much the ocean has to offer. “It just brings me comfort, it’s where I can go to refocus myself and remember what matters. If career things or life things are throwing me for a spin, then that’s where I go to re-center and come back to life with a kind of reinvigorated approach and refreshed perspective.”  

His advice to others exploring our world’s waterways? “Remember to go slow and focus on the world around you at a more detailed level. Being on the water and on a paddle board, you can be tuned it to this secret, kind of hidden world happening around you if you’re observant enough. And remember how special it is to have places to paddle and clean water and pursue that in all aspects and encourage others to do the same.” 

To learn more about Ian and view his work, visit https://ianwilsonphoto.com/ 

Or follow along with his adventures on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ianwilsonn/ 

3 Tips for Fall Paddle Boarding Success  

Fall is here! For many paddle boarding enthusiasts, that means yet another season of adventure. Summer often gets labeled “paddle boarding season,” but that doesn’t mean you have to pack up all your gear at the end of September. In fact, you can do just the opposite. Those hot summer days under the scorching sun are over. Cooler temps are in the forecast—finally—and that makes for excellent paddle boarding conditions. Of course, as the seasons change, there are some important variables to keep in mind. Safety is always the number one priority on the water. As you grab your inflatable paddle board and hit the water this fall, here are a few tips to make fall paddle boarding even more fun.  

Keep an Eye on the Sky  

Summer days can go by with barely a cloud in the sky. However, it’s increasingly common to see more frequent weather changes in the fall. As temps fall, be vigilant. Keep a close eye on the forecast as you plan your inflatable SUP board excursion. Then, keep an eye on the sky as you hit the water. If there is a shift in weather, be ready to paddle back to shore. Windy conditions can create choppy waters, which can be hard to navigate. Being safety conscious—and instilling safe paddle boarding habits—is the best way to achieve paddle boarding success this fall.  

Watch the Clock  

There’s nothing like a long summer day out on the water. When summer turns to fall, those longer days slowly fade away. One moment, you’re cruising along on your inflatable SUP board in the sun, and the next, the sun has already disappeared behind the trees. With the days getting shorter, it’s important to keep an eye on the clock. This doesn’t mean you have to pack up all your gear once the sun sets. It’s just about being prepared. You don’t want to get caught out on the water in total darkness. If you think there is any possibility that you’ll be out past sunset, be sure to pack some lights. Many paddle boarders prefer waterproof headlamps to keep their hands free during the twilight hours. But a good, waterproof flashlight is just fine if you plan on staying close to shore. Plus, having a light ensures you’re visible to others who may be on the water, and it can help you navigate back to shore. 

Dress for the Occasion  

As temps drop, dressing for the occasion makes all the difference. During the afternoon, it might be fairly warm, and you could enjoy paddle boarding in your summer gear. But in the early mornings and into the evenings, it can get chilly. So, don’t forget to pack those long sleeves and various quick-drying articles of clothing. Of course, it can depend entirely on where you decide to have an adventure. But it’s yet another reason to do some research on the forecast so you can plan accordingly. As fall drifts into winter, then you’ll really want to break out the full body wet or dry suits. 

About iROCKER 

When you need a new paddle board, iROCKER has the perfect option for any excursion. For nearly a decade, they’ve been your go-to source for all things inflatable paddle boarding, offering boards and equipment for all skill levels and interests. Need an inflatable SUP built for stability? iROCKER has it! Need a board made for touring? Find it at iROCKER. Already have a board but need accessories? iROCKER delivers everything you need, including beverage coolers, fishing attachments, waterproof speakers, and much more. As you set out on your next adventure, iROCKER has everything you need. Leave no lake, pond, river, bay, or coastline unexplored, thanks to iROCKER! 

Fall paddle boarding season awaits at irockersup.com 

We’re all about using creativity to take your SUP investment as far as possible. While every iROCKER board packs plenty of adventure opportunities, it’s always fun to take things to the next level. Get even more out of your board with our versatile SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit.  

Test your limits in the ocean or Intracoastal by converting your SUP into a kayak and in less than five minutes you have a completely different piece of equipment and another sport!  

 

Transforming your SUP into a kayak provides not only a different on-the-water experience, but also offers several benefits. If you’re paddling long distances, having the option to take a break and give your legs a rest means you can adventure further, longer. Having a dual-blade kayak paddle can also be helpful against strong winds or currents. The option to sit down while SUP fishing can also prove beneficial as a seated position can give you more leverage while reeling in your catch—not to mention can be more comfortable if you’re planning a long day of trawling on the water!  

Follow this simple advice for your paddle/blade and SUP board and you’ll be kayaking before you know it. 

“Even though I primarily like to stand up and paddle, I like the flexibility of being able to use the board as a kayak when my daughter is on board with me. We enjoy using our iROCKER as a kayak more than our actual kayak.” 

– Justin N., iROCKER customer 

 

FIVE SIMPLE STEPS TO TURN YOUR IROCKER INFLATABLE PADDLE BOARD INTO A KAYAK 

Step 1: Purchase the Right Kayak Bundle for Your Board Type 
We can’t stress this enough—make sure the kit you purchase is compatible with your SUP package. Our SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit is compatible with all iROCKER boards.   

Step 2: Attach the Seat Straps to the Rings 
Place the kayak seat facing forward in the middle of your paddle board. Attach the straps on the top of the kayak seat to the D-rings on the front of your board, then attach the straps on the bottom of the kayak seat to the D-rings on the back of your board. 

Step 3: Flip the Seat Up and Adjust Straps to Desired Length 
Once all the straps are attached correctly, flip open the seat. Adjust the straps accordingly to make sure the seat opens evenly. You may need to take the kayak out for a spin and adjust the straps to fit the posture that’s most comfortable for you. 

There you go! Your board is now a kayak. Now it’s time to attach the kayak blade to your SUP paddle. 

Step 4: Pull the T-Bar Handle Out of the Paddle 
Simply flip the attachment piece on the paddle to remove the original top handle.  

Step 5: Replace the T-Bar Handle with the Kayak Blade 
Push the kayak blade from your kit into the open end of the paddle. Click the latch down to secure it in place. Now you have a dual-sided paddle perfect for your kayak adventures! 

If you’d rather watch—check out this quick how-to video. 

 
That’s all there is to it! The SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit is a great way to save hundreds of dollars on a traditional kayak and a great way to get more out of your SUP. Be sure to take your SUP-Kayak combo on your next trip for endless hours of water fun on your feet or on your bum. 

OTHER ISUP ACCESSORIES YOU’LL LOVE 

WATERPROOF/BLUETOOTH STEREO ATTACHMENT 

If you crave music while you’re on the water, the VIBE Waterproof Speaker is the perfect accessory. Simply use the suction feature to securely attach it to your SUP. 

ATTACHABLE COOLER DECK BAG 

Gone are the days of relaxing in the middle of the water without a cold drink or snacks in hand. An advanced bungee system attaches the water-resistant Cooler Deck Bag to the D-rings on your board for on-the-go convenience. 

ELECTRIC PUMP 

Function is the name of the game with the fast-acting iROCKER 12V Electric Pump. Inflate your board to 15 PSI in 12 minutes or less and spend more time on the water.

Going on a kayak trip? Check out our kayak gear!

Discover the benefits of the SUP lifestyle for senior explorers  

If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I just don’t think I could stand up on a paddle board,” or, “I’m too old for that,” think again! iROCKER paddlers range in age from young kids to senior explorers, all finding joy in living their best lives on the water. And for those more senior adventurers, paddle boarding is about more than just having fun on the water—it can actually help to improve balance and provide a low impact workout perfect for those with joint pain. If you’re looking for a new way to remain active, preserve muscle strength, and maintain your flexibility, get ready to SUP! 

 

SAFETY FIRST  

Like with any water sport, safety should be your first priority when paddle boarding. This means having the right gear—including a personal flotation device and the proper attire—as well as checking the forecast, using your SUP leash, and employing the buddy system. If you’re planning to paddle solo, let a friend or family member know exactly where you’ll be heading and when you plan to be back. Better yet, opt to take your phone with you in a waterproof case. At the very least, you’ll be happy to have it to take pictures of your latest hobby! 

 

KNOW YOUR LIMITS 

Again, as with any exercise routine, it’s important to know your skill set and your limits. Don’t set out to paddle further than you’re capable of, or in conditions you’re not yet comfortable in. Staying close to shore can help you feel comfortable and confident as you navigate paddling a SUP for the first few times. Plus, you can keep track of how far you’ve gone, and even have a friend keep a watchful eye from the shoreline should you need any assistance.  

 

GO AT YOUR OWN PACE 

Paddle boarding should be fun, not stressful! And no one becomes a pro overnight. It’s more than okay to start slow. Not sure whether you’re ready to stand up just yet? Opt for transforming your board into a kayak with the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit. This versatile accessory allows you to start seated as you gain confidence and build strength on the board. Once you feel ready, you can try standing up—again, always going at your own pace and taking in the scenery rather than racing to keep up with others.  

 

REAP THE BENEFITS 

In our opinion, the biggest benefit to paddle boarding is the fun you’ll have on the water, whether paddling solo or with family and friends. In fact, you may be having so much fun you don’t even notice the other, more hidden perks to paddling. As you’ve probably heard your doctor say, staying active past the age of 55 is crucial, helping to support your physical and mental health as well as your independence as you age. Without regular physical activity, seniors increase their risk of life-threatening issues including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and stroke, not to mention an increase rate of injuries.  

Providing a full body workout, stand up paddling engages your core, helping to improve muscle strength as well as overall balance. And even just recreational paddling requires the use of your cardiovascular system, helping to improve your endurance not only on your board but also in daily activities like walking. And when it comes to mental health, paddle boarding can even help improve your mood. Just getting outside and in the sun can turn your entire day around, and paddle boarding is the perfect way to alleviate long-term depression and take a break from life’s daily stressors.  

 

So, what are you waiting for? You’re never too old to pick up a new skill! 

Find the perfect SUP for you.  

A love of paddle boarding has no age limit. Whether you’re looking to get mom or dad more active or give them a new activity they can do together, check out our collection for The Senior Explorer!

If there’s anything we’ve learned from the past few years, it’s that maintaining a healthy immune system is key to staying well. And there’s a bit more to it than just washing your hands.  

It’s important to exercise, get a healthy dose of fresh air, eat right, stay hydrated and care for your body from head to toe. And SUPing helps too! Discover 5 ways a healthy SUP lifestyle can help boost your immune system and help you live a fun and healthy life. 

 

#1: PADDLE BOARDING STRENGTHENS ALL OF YOUR MUSCLES 

If you’re a stand up paddler already, then you know stand up paddle boarding is a full body workout. From shore, it might not look like you’re working every muscle, but you are. 

In fact, SUP works just about every muscle of your body, from your neck, shoulders, and arms, down to your legs and feet. Most of all—and best of all—it really works your core. Core strength is beneficial for all of your body’s functions, and healthy bodily functions are key to a healthy immune system. 

SUP also improves your balance, another important factor in staying healthy. Learning to maintain a constant standing position on moving water takes full body concentration and effort. You’ll feel the effects of your workout and you’ll see it, too, with better tone and better balance on stable ground. 

Whether you opt for traditional paddling or try SUP yoga or SUP surfing, you’re going to benefit with a leaner, stronger, healthier body. 

 

#2: STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING BURNS CALORIES 

With a good paddle session, you’re going to burn a lot of calories. On average, you can burn up to twice as many calories with SUP as you would with speed walking on a treadmill. The harder, faster, and longer you SUP, the more you burn! 

Here’s a rundown on SUP calorie burn with different SUP activities: 

 

SURFING ON STAND UP PADDLE BOARD 

SUP surfing is a serious workout and a serious calorie burner. In one hour of SUP surfing, you can burn up to 600-to-750 calories. 

PADDLE BOARD RACING 

Racing will definitely get your blood pumping, and we all know that’s good for your heart. SUP racing also burns major calories. Depending on what kind of racer you are, you can burn 700 calories or more in just one hour. 

SUP YOGA 

SUP Yoga is one of the most popular forms of non-traditional SUP. It’s a great mind-body workout and a great calorie burner. An hour of SUP can burn around 400 calories and leave you feeling blissed out on the water.   

 

#3: PADDLE BOARDING GETS YOUR HEART PUMPING 

Let’s talk a little more about heart health. Exercising gets your heart pumping and in turn, your heart gets oxygenated blood to all of your muscles. By maintaining a healthy heart, you are taking giant strides toward boosting your immune system. Conversely, an unhealthy heart can lead to heart disease which can make you susceptible to all kinds of illnesses, including viruses like Covid-19. It’s extremely important to maintain a healthy heart by not smoking, eliminating bad fats and processed foods, and getting plenty of exercise. 

 

#4: PADDLE BOARDING BEATS STRESS  

Stress is another killer, and another contributor to heart disease. Unfortunately, while certain stressors are unavoidable, SUP is a proven way to help manage and relieve tension. It distracts you from your worries, forcing your attention on the process of paddling and balancing, and gets you in tune with Mother Nature.  

 

#5: YOUR BODY GETS THE FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE IT CRAVES ON A PADDLE BOARD 

Did you know an estimated 40 percent of people have a vitamin D deficiency? And that number only goes up during the winter months.  

Fresh air and sunshine are your friends when it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system, and the vitamin D we get from being out in the sun is hard to capture in pill form. Besides, stand up paddling is much more fun than a multivitamin anyway! Of course, we need to remember to protect ourselves from too much sun, but a little bit every day is healthy. 

 

All of these factors add up to a healthier mind, healthier heart, and healthier immune system. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and get on your SUP board! 

As stand-up paddle boarding soars in popularity as a summertime sport, more paddlers are beginning to venture out in the winter as well. And for good reason. Summer in Canada is beautiful, but it’s also short. If you don’t want your paddle boards collecting dust for nine months of the year, you either have to fly south (like a Canada Goose!) or brave going out in colder weather. Fortunately, modern SUPs are fit for year-round use. And with the right skills and equipment, a reasonably confident paddler can extend their SUP season well into the shoulder months, and even winter. You can enjoy kaleidoscopic fall colors, bright snowy landscapes, or the budding freshness of spring, all from aboard your favorite SUP! And you also get to enjoy the added calm absent summer crowds. 

Naturally, venturing out in colder weather presents a whole new set of risks and challenges for the intrepid paddler. The shoulder seasons are relatively easy to manage, but winter paddling can be more hazardous and warrants some extra caution. Falling in the water can be a dangerous possibility in sub-zero temperatures. The risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and drowning are all elevated, and the realities of dealing with cold, snow, and ice, might surprise you with unexpected difficulties. It pays to think ahead and learn from the mistakes of others. So, without further ado, here are some lessons we’ve learned over the years paddling throughout our cold, Canadian winters.

 

1. Clothing

For the confident paddler, warm winter clothing might seem adequate enough. A warm puffy jacket, winter gloves, a toque (that’s the Canadian name for a winter hat or beanie!) and some insulated pants and winter boots are certainly items you’ll want to bring along in cold temperatures. However, standard winter clothing will become heavy and burdensome if you fall in the water, making it hard to swim (no matter how infrequently you fall, you should always be prepared for it to happen!) and won’t do much to fend off the cold once soaked with water.  For those reasons, you absolutely should wear a lifejacket (hey, it’s extra insulation!) and a leash to prevent your SUP board from getting away from you! 

To really cover your bases, I’d recommend a winter wetsuit. Neoprene wetsuits are surprisingly inexpensive, readily available, and only a fraction of the cost of a dry suit—and there are options designed to keep you warm in freezing temperatures. They provide an excellent insulating layer and unlike standard winter clothing, will protect you in the event that you fall in. We’ve remained quite comfortable in 5mm neoprene wetsuits well into sub-zero temperatures, and you can always layer dry winter clothing on top to stay comfortable. These won’t keep you warm if you plan to get in and out of the water, as they’re not as effective in the air, but will at least provide enough protection that you can get safely back to somewhere warm, in the event you fall in.  

Neoprene gloves, hoods, and footwear are also available, and will suffice for modestly cold temperatures. However, these items don’t perform as well in the air as they do in the water, and for that reason I most often elect for some winter work gloves, wool socks in waterproof hikers, and a nice warm toque instead. 

Of course, the best option is a full dry suit, but a good one will likely cost you more than your board. If you plan to do a lot of winter paddling, it might be worth the investment.  

2. A Dry Bag & Emergency Gear

In the event you do fall in the water, you’ll want to have a towel and a stash of backup clothing and additional layers readily available. If we are planning to go any distance, we keep these supplies in a dry bag on the front of the board. A dry bag is one item that I rarely go without. It provides a secure place to keep your essentials and car keys and can be easily accessed on the water if secured to the cargo straps on the front of your board. 

Choose a good quality waterproof bag to ensure your items don’t get wet, and keep in mind some materials become brittle in colder temperatures. As a side-tip, when you roll up the dry bag to secure it, make sure to trap some extra air inside (like a balloon!). If it’s airtight, it’s watertight, and the added buoyancy will ensure it doesn’t sink.  

3. Water Access

In colder temperatures, it becomes more important that you stay dry. In the summer, it’s easy to wade out into the shallows to find enough depth for fin clearance and then start your paddle. In the winter, you will most likely want to avoid this so that your feet don’t get soaked and subsequently become ice-cubes once exposed again to the cold air. You’ll want to think ahead, and plan entry and exit where deeper water can be accessed right from shore, so that you can mount and unmount your board without getting your feet wet. If there’s ice along the shore, additional precautions should be taken (see below!). 

4. Beware of Ice

If temperatures are sufficiently low that you might encounter ice on the water, be extremely cautious planning outings. It’s critical to note here that you should NEVER go out on river, streams, reservoirs, lakes with a current, or any form of flowing water where ice is possible or has already accumulated. The risk of being swept under the ice in moving water is too great, and if you encounter an impassible section of iced-up water, you won’t be able to paddle upstream to avoid it. If there’s ice, only well-known, perfectly still bodies of water should be considered, and even then, with extreme caution. It is highly likely the ice will prevent you from swimming safely to shore, so you need to think ahead and always have a plan to get out of the water should something go wrong.  

In icy conditions, access to the water becomes one of the biggest hazards. The shallows will most likely be frozen, and if they’re not, it might be because the water is flowing. Don’t ever attempt to walk across unknown ice unless you have the skills and tools to assess it. The best option is to find an ice-free, deep-water access point where you can get on and off your board without getting your feet wet. The best (and often only) option here is a dock, as steep embankments are guaranteed to be slippery. 

 

5. Bring Sand or Light Gravel if Paddling in Icy Conditions

Paddling in sub-zero temperatures means that you’ll most likely accumulate ice on the deck of your board. Proper footwear can go a long way to providing grip, but you might need some extra help to have sure footing and traction. We’ve learned to take a small bag of sand or light gravel to sprinkle on the deck as it becomes icy. It’s an environmentally friendly solution and helps to prevent slips and falls.  

6. Inflating / Deflating Your Board  

Inflating and deflating a SUP in cold temperatures is substantially more difficult than in the summer. The colder the temperature, the stiffer and more brittle the material will become. In freezing temperatures, any water or moisture in the valve might freeze and cause it to leak. Most northerners know, the colder the weather, the more likely it is for equipment to fail.  

With that said, in temperatures below freezing, it is best to inflate and deflate your inflatable SUP board indoors or in a warm environment. If you must inflate and deflate outside, let the material warm up in the trunk of your car before unfolding it. If it’s particularly stiff and difficult to fold up again, loosely toss it in the back of your car, and worry about folding it properly once it’s warm. You might damage the board by forcing it. Of course, the iROCKER Electric Pump can go a long way to making inflating easier! 

7. Expect A Drop in Pressure

To best protect your equipment, it is best to inflate indoors, but there’s a caveat here. Since the air that you are pumping into your board will be significantly warmer than the air and water outside, you will most likely see a significant drop in board pressure once the board cools down outside. This is because the pressure of the gas (air!) inside the board decreases with temperature, as it cools and becomes more dense. A rule of thumb often used for car tires is that for every 10°C, you can expect a pressure drop of about 1-2PSI. For Fahrenheit, the rule of thumb is about 1PSI for 10°F. You may have noticed this paddling in the summer too! When you fill your board up in the warm air on land, and subsequently expose it to much colder water temperatures, you’ll typically notice a slight loss of pressure. 

The solution to this issue in the winter is to fill your board inside, then top it up once it has cooled down outside with cold dense air, so that you have full pressure. If you do this though, you’ll have to remember to let some air out before the board warms up again indoors – otherwise you can expect the rise in temperature to create an over-pressure situation.

  

 ----  

Hopefully these tips are helpful to any paddlers braving the winter season! Here in Calgary, we’ve learned many of these lessons the hard way in temperatures as low as -20°C. This winter, being particularly cold at the onset, has frozen most of our local water bodies solid, but once the ice starts to dissipate, you can be sure we’ll be out on the water again. If you have any comments or tips and tricks of your own, share them in the comments below! 

As always, happy paddling!  

Just getting into paddle boarding? Check out our best-selling SUPs.

Are you traveling soon and thinking about taking your inflatable paddle board along for the ride? Traveling with your paddle board can be an incredible experience. You get to explore new waters and enjoy new adventures. Sometimes, though, packing your paddle board for a trip can seem like a challenge. You’re already packing one or two bags of luggage. A paddle board adds another variable to the mix. But it doesn’t have to be daunting! Taking your inflatable SUP board on a trip can be a simple process and just about as easy as packing anything else. So, if you’re planning a trip and looking for the best way to bring your inflatable paddle board, here are a few ideas to make packing and traveling super simple. 

 

 

Get the SUP Clean and Ready to Go 

During the summer paddle boarding season, you may be out on the water every weekend. With all that time on the water, in the sand, on the dirt, and everywhere else, your board can accumulate all kinds of gunk. If you plan on packing up your inflatable SUP for a trip, be sure to give it a thorough cleaning before deflating and storing it. Warm soap and water are a great way to clean any paddle board. Or you can also use a dedicated SUP cleaner for a deeper clean.  

The goal is to wipe away all dirt, debris, residue, and anything else clinging to your board. Then let it dry completely, and it will be ready to fold and pack up. This is a good practice any time you fold and store your inflatable paddle board. It’s also a good practice when you’re done paddle boarding for the season if you plan to put your board away for a few months or simply won’t be using it quite as often. It keeps your board clean and ready for the next time you head out on an adventure—and it helps extend the overall life of your SUP.  

Deflate Your Inflatable Paddle Board for a Secure Ride  

Never drive with your inflatable paddle board strapped to the top of your vehicle or in a truck bed. Inflatable SUP boards are designed to be durable and resilient on the water, but traveling down the highway can bend or misshape them. Then, when you get on the water, you’ll notice your board isn’t performing as you expected. 

The best advice is simply not to risk it. Deflate your paddle board before heading out. If you have a travel bag, don’t hesitate to use it. Storing your inflatable paddle board in a travel bag adds another layer of protection in transit. Plus, it makes it so much easier to transport with your other luggage. If you don’t have a travel bag, they come highly recommended! 

Inflate and Deflate with Ease 

When you’re traveling, you probably don’t want to spend too much time inflating or deflating your paddle board. If you want to inflate your paddle board more quickly or efficiently, consider using an electric pump. Many inflatable paddle board models come with a manual hand pump. These work well, but they can take effort to get your SUP inflated. Electric pumps, on the other hand, inflate and deflate your SUP with the push of a button. Even better, many pumps travel well and are small enough to pack in your SUP travel bag. 

About iROCKER 

Since 2013, iROCKER has been the top online destination for all your paddle boarding needs. They have an inflatable paddle board for everyone. Explore their versatile line of all-around inflatable SUP boards. Or check out their ULTRA™ Collection. These lightweight boards are designed to go with you anywhere—no waterway is off limits. What about paddle boarding accessories? iROCKER has every angle covered. Find an electric pump for your blow up paddle board. Or get a cooler that straps right onto your board! Make your next adventure on the water an adventure to remember with iROCKER! 

 

Get ready for your next SUP adventure at irockersup.com 

 

Making natural connections with owner and adventure-lover James Headrick   

Island Life Expeditions may look out over Desolation Sound, but there’s nothing desolate about the landscape you’ll find here. Founder and owner James Headrick can attest to that. “We’re right on the beach, my shop overlooks the ocean [ … ] I’m surrounded by beautiful islands and reefs, warm water and whales and dolphins and fishing and temperate rainforests. It’s a magical place people don’t really know about yet.” But with his tour company, offering boat charters, paddle tours, and even heli-paddle tours, people from across the globe are discovering the beauty of this little slice of Pacific Northwest paradise.  

JOINING FORCES 

 

“I went to my meeting and I met Bastian Fleury. We were the only ones who showed up in puffy jackets,” laughs James. “It turns out he was a helicopter pilot for the marketing company he worked for, and I was this marketing guy and we both loved adventure and we became fast friends.” James had only recently begun a paddle board adventure tours and rentals business, offering paddle tours of the local waterways. It was while boat camping on a remote island one evening back in 2019 that the two decided to take James’ paddle tour idea to the skies.  

PADDLE PERFECT 

Catering to many of the area’s resorts, Island Life Expeditions takes guests from around the world to experience the beauty of paddling a glacial lake. “I’m still a farmer as it happens,” James laughs. “I have to work with the seasons. As soon as the lakes start to open up, we can start going up there.” “There” being the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. The small, but magical window where the snow begins melting atop the ice is especially popular with his thrill-seeking guests. “You get these crazy emerald channels you can paddle,” explains James. “And then once the ice starts to break up [ … ] you have these great big mountain top lakes that you can paddle with floating ice bergs and hanging glaciers.” 

While all his guests share a love of adventure, that’s really where the similarities end. With visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and the states to name a few, “the level of experience is across the board, and I’ve had ages 10 up to about 74,” states James. And while the heli-paddle tour itself puts people out of their comfort zone by nature of being 5,000 feet up in the mountains, the stand up paddling portion of the tour does not. “That’s the wonderful thing about paddle boards. If people have that open mind, if you’re walking and able, I can get you into a safe, calm lake paddling experience,” he says. 

 

CONNECTION MINDSET 

Always looking to take adventure to the next level, James is dreaming up new ways of immersing people in the entire landscape of the Pacific Northwest through an all-inclusive, potentially multi-day offering. “It’s a more sea to sky approach,” he explains, “where we do something on the ocean and then go to the mountains or vice versa.” The ultimate goal is for guests to spend their time foraging for ingredients in the rich landscape for an epic meal that caps off a day of wilderness exploration with a meal beside a fire. And he's already tapped several other guides in the area to help with this latest endeavor. “We all believe in having an activity, being in nature…having a mindset of connection is really the underpinning of what we’re doing when we take people out,” states James.  

“There’s just so much to do in this landscape. So, I really want to take people out by boat, anchor, go paddle, get on land, there’s amazing little hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes [ … ] just stretch it out a bit longer, so people go home and remember more,” he says. As if anyone could soon forget the freedom and intense beauty of stand up paddling through a glacial lake high above the clouds…