3 Tips for a Successful Touring Adventure on a Paddle Board

Paddle boarding is a versatile sport. You can paddle board on lakes, rivers, around marinas, and along the coast. Basically, you can paddle board anywhere there’s relatively calm water. And when you’re out on your board, you practice yoga, fish, bask in the sun, or paddle to new and hard-to-reach locales. You can also take your board touring. The practice of paddle board touring is becoming popular with a lot of people. They’re going from cruising around their favorite lake to spending hours exploring larger waterways. Maybe you’re thinking about giving it a try. If you’ve been thinking about going for a tour with your inflatable paddle board, here are a few tips to make it a success!

Know the Difference Between Conventional SUP Boards and Touring Boards

Yes, there are dedicated touring paddle boards! These are typically long and narrow so they can cut through the water and travel longer distances with ease. The overall design can be slightly different, too. The front end may have a sharper point, and the back fins may be configured to keep the board straighter as it glides through the water. These design elements can slightly reduce overall maneuverability, but they optimize stability. However, if you already have a SUP board or you want more of a multipurpose or all-around inflatable SUP, you can simply go with that option over the touring board. Just keep in mind, for touring purposes, all-around boards won’t be as quick on the water so you may exert more effort as you explore.

Get Ready for Your Tour

Whether you go with a dedicated touring inflatable SUP board or you have an all-around SUP board, there are a few things to do before you start your adventure. One of those things is packing for the day. This means you want a dry bag you can wear or strap to your SUP board. At the minimum, you want to pack a hat, food, water, a first aid kit, sunscreen, changing robes and a personal flotation device. Touring can mean you’re out on the water for long hours, so you’ll need plenty of calories to keep going. Energy bars are always a good option, but any of your favorite snacks work, too. And because you’re out in the elements and sweating, staying hydrated is absolutely essential. Lastly, as always, you should be prepared for the unexpected. A first aid kit and a PFD can come in handy in a pinch. Beyond those essentials, other things to pack can include an inflatable SUP repair kit (just in case), a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, and your cell phone in a waterproof case.

Plan Your Tour from Start to Finish

Since you’re likely going to be out on the water for an extended period, it’s good to have a plan in place. You want to know where you’ll be and when, roughly. That way, people know where you are should anything come up. You want to plot your general course from where you’ll start to where you’ll finish.

At the same time, keep an eye on the weather forecast for the day of your tour. Whether you’re exploring coastal inlets, mountain rivers, or expansive bays, changing conditions can be dangerous.

Storms and bad weather can kick up wind and create choppy conditions making navigation difficult. If you start your adventure with clear skies and the weather starts to change, be prepared to get off the water if you need to. No matter the situation, having a plan gives you a guide to follow. If it’s your first time touring, having a detailed plan is a must!

About iROCKER

Since 2013, iROCKER has been the top online destination for all your paddle boarding needs. They have a 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 paddle boarding tour at irockersup.com

From fear to career, this free diver and ocean photographer gets up close and personal with sharks.

Growing up in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” John Garza could have easily let sharks become a lifelong fear. While never having been bit himself, John carried several friends from the water after altercations with sharks while surfing. Enough to turn anyone away from the ocean for life.

Long-lining for sharks as a teen in Florida, John wouldn’t have another close encounter with sharks until many years later after moving out to Hawaii in pursuit of world-renowned surf breaks. While the original draw was epic waves, John quickly became entranced with diving and the clarity the water there provided. “I fell into a group of marine biologists and photographers. They were shark biologists, and they took me under their wing and taught me everything they knew, and I just fell in love with it,” he says, adding, “And now I’m here.”

“Here” being a published underwater photographer, the captain of Purely Blu Charters, a luxury catamaran experience based in the Bahamas, and co-founder of lifestyle brand Ocean Outcasts.

A COMPLETE 180°

Together with his partner, Chief Stew Hannah Patten, John aims for Purely Blu Charters to change the way people view and interact with sharks and other marine wildlife. “Growing up, I had this [ … ] fear of sharks, and now I’ve done a complete one-eighty,” he says. “So, I like to tell people my story [ … ] I know it’s scary, but all it takes is for you to get in the water with the sharks for the first time and it’ll completely change your mind. It’s actually calming to me watching the sharks swim around. I feel like I could stay in the water with them forever,” he says.

Though John has traveled the world in search of dive spots and different species of sharks, from Tahiti and Tonga to Bali and Japan, “My favorite location is always going to be the Bahamas,” he says. “There’s this spot out there called Tiger Beach and tiger sharks are definitely my favorite to interact with out of all the species I’ve done dives with.”

Along with simply being in the water and experiencing sharks in their natural habitat, John has found a way to capture these ancient creatures through underwater photography. Having been introduced to photography by the same group who got him into diving, John began hosting his own underwater photography workshops. “I would take people diving and teach them all about interactions with animals in the water and their characteristics, while also teaching them about photography and how to use their cameras, how to edit,” he explains.

Realizing that he was pigeonholing himself by offering expeditions only to those interested in photography, he realized he needed to broaden his horizons. Together with Hannah, the “backbone and brains” of the operation, the pair created Ocean Outcasts.

SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURE

Established in 2020, Ocean Outcasts is a lifestyle brand with the goals of bringing awareness and compassion to the ocean and inspiring others to “take a stand for our planet and ocean.” With several platforms under the Ocean Outcasts umbrella, including John and Hannah’s expeditions as well as a media team, John describes the initiative as “our way of bringing people on board and showing them why we love the ocean.”

“The ocean means everything to me,” he says, adding,” it’s a place I’ve gone to when I’ve had hard times going on in my life, and I can let go of everything and find peace”. Protecting this great blue wonder is something Ocean Outcasts takes seriously—using reef-safe sunscreens, teaching the importance of sustainability and sustainable fishing practices, and providing ocean education in addition to a day of adventure on the water.

A RESPECTFUL GUEST

The main takeaway for John when it comes to diving with sharks is respect. “Obviously I’m jumping in the water with sharks so it’s hard for me to tell others not to do it, but for me it’s about being respectful. I’ve spent the time and been diving with marine biologists and people that have studied shark behavior for years. So, when getting in the water I want to ensure the sharks feel comfortable that I’m in the water with them [ … ] and if they don’t want me in there, I don’t push it.”

With his iROCKER SUP, John is able to enter into places without the noise of a loud engine announcing his arrival. “It just makes everything that much more peaceful and you’re not really disturbing the wildlife,” he says. And capturing the wildlife in their natural state of being is crucial to the artistic side of his venture. Preferring still photography to video, John shares his compelling images through both print work as well as his Instagram account, where he often accompanies each photo with important information about marine wildlife. Follow along at @johngarzaphoto and get up close and personal—that is until you’re ready to dive in with the real thing.

Learn more at purelyblucharters.com and oceanoutcasts.com

For SUP fans, it’s not a summer road trip to the mountain states without your inflatable paddle board! By talking to the locals or doing a little research in advance, you’re sure to discover many hidden gems along the way. Whether you’re planning a trip for this summer or future summers, here are a few paddle boarding spots you won’t want to miss in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The mountains are calling, and you must go.

More Than Just Mountain Biking: Moab, Utah

Moab is a major desert destination for mountain bikers, off-roaders, and other outdoor enthusiasts. But don’t forget your board because there’s plenty of water around town, too. The Moab Daily (Fishers Tower section) is a popular 13-mile stretch of the Colorado River. It floats by the backdrop of the LaSal Mountains and eventually into the boundaries of Arches National Park. Located along Highway 128, there are plenty of easy put-in and take-out spots. The Moab Daily offers flat sections and rapids for some excitement during the summer months.

The City of Trees Delivers: Boise, Idaho

Beautiful Boise, Idaho is considered a high desert terrain, but there’s definitely more than meets the eye in The City of Trees. People love their water sports in the Boise area. You can take your inflatable paddleboards on sections of the Boise River, which runs along the Greenbelt in the heart of the city. For something even mellower, there are plenty of in-town ponds that are perfect for paddling boarding, such as Quinn’s Pond. Or head out toward Lucky Peak State Park and paddle the Boise River below the dam at Sandy Point. Bring a picnic and hang out at Discovery Park when you’re done.

Cruise Among the Tetons: Jackson, Wyoming

Jackson is an epic place to visit and if the grandeur of the Tetons is calling, you’ll have a blast exploring the lakes in Grand Teton National Park. String Lake is calm and more shallow than other lakes in the park and an ideal setting for beginners. Jenny Lake, also in the national park, is another great spot for beginners where you’ll be captivated by the surrounding Teton peaks. This lake is over 400 feet deep. Jackson Lake is the largest lake in the park and a perfect spot for more experienced paddle boarders. There’s a lot of boat activity on this lake, so be aware.

Miles of Flathead Lake: Kalispell, Montana

Cold, sparkling, and huge, Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. There are many ways you and your friends can explore Flathead Lake from atop your inflatable paddleboards. If you’re staying in Kalispell on your way to Glacier National Park, opt for a sunset paddle boarding session on the northern part of Flathead Lake. Set off from Wayfarers State Park, an ideal location with great access. Just watch out for the Flathead Lake Monster, a tale that goes back over 100 years.

Spring means more time spent outdoors! As temperatures rise, you’re probably looking for every excuse to get outside—and on your paddle board. Well, here’s another reason to enjoy the great outdoors—a picnic! Why have a picnic on a blanket in the park when you can enjoy an afternoon on the water with friends and food! Need some gear to make this picnic happen? iROCKER has everything you need (minus the sandwiches, of course). You know this brand for their selection of stellar inflatable paddleboards, but they also have all sorts of accessories for just about any on-the-water adventure you can dream up, picnics included! Here are a few essential pieces of gear to help you make it happen.

Coolers Galore

iROCKER knows paddle boards, but they also know coolers. The iROCKER 45L Roto-Molded Cooler is their biggest cooler option at 45 liters. It can hold all the food and beverages you could possibly want for a picnic (up to 40 cans, plus ice). Toss it on the iROCKER inflatable dock and you’re good to go. Want something a bit smaller you can put on the back of your inflatable paddle board? Go for the iROCKER 25L Roto-Molded Cooler. It can hold up to 24 cans plus ice, giving you plenty of room for all your picnic essentials. Now, if you want an option that maximizes portability, iROCKER offers their backpack cooler. The backpack is designed with 30 liters of storage, which means all your picnic essentials should fit, no problem. And because you can throw it over your shoulders and go, you can take it just about anywhere!

Cup Holders for Every Drink

Keeping your drink secure on your paddle board is probably one of the most important parts of having a picnic on the water. You don’t want to set it down only for an unexpected wave to knock it over. This is where the iROCKER Cup Holder saves the day. It’s designed to accommodate pretty much any can, bottle, or cup under 3.5” in diameter. But where the cup holder really shines is in drink security. The cup holder adheres to the action mount found on all your favorite inflatable SUP boards from iROCKER (2019 models and newer) and BLACKFIN (2019 models and newer). It’s simple—attach it and go!

An Inflatable Dock for All the Food

Admittedly, this is less a SUP accessory and more a SUP companion. The iROCKER Floating Swim Dock is a multipurpose dock that gives you the perfect central area to gather for a picnic. The dock measures 7’ by 7’, so you can use it to hold coolers, prep food, and just relax. Everyone can gather on their paddle boards around the dock to create the ultimate on-the-water picnic spot. It also comes with eight action mounts to connect a variety of board gear—including cup holders! You can also pair the swim dock with the iROCKER Anchor to keep it in place. That way, your picnic doesn’t float away while you’re off paddling!

Get the best gear for your next paddle boarding picnic at www.irockersup.com!

Stand up paddling is one year-round activity that little ones can enjoy just as much as mom and dad! A day of family bonding on paddle boards can happen anywhere, anytime—even long after summer has ended. Sure, kids may be more into Netflix than nature these days, but we can help with that.

Pack a cooler with all their favorites and head to your local SUP spot to introduce your kids to an activity you already love. Start young explorers out on the sand or grass and teach them how to balance and use their paddles before hopping in the water. Swapping iPhones for iROCKERs might be hard at first, but kids are wired to love the outdoors and follow in their parent’s adventurous footsteps. Here are some tips for incorporating activities your kids already love into a day on the water.

For the Animal Lovers

You may be more interested in the health benefits and amazing scenery that come along with paddle boarding, but all kids really care about is how much fun they’re going to have. No matter where you’re paddling, you’ll most likely experience close encounters with wildlife and marine life such as fish, turtles, birds, dolphins, and more! Bring the family pup along for the ride and you’re guaranteed to see at least one animal having a good time! There’s nothing like exposing your kids to the incredible, beautiful, awesome world outside their own backyard. A paddle board is the best way to immerse your entire family in the habitats of hundreds of animals in one outing. We can’t wait to hear about what you saw!

For the Game Enthusiasts

Hang out in an area with other people or busy shorelines for hours of I Spy. If you and your kids are the more competitive types, pick a finish line and see who can reach it first. Or make your own obstacle course, paddling around buoys, trees, and other natural landmarks. The entertainment options are endless!

For the Budding Photographers

Swap the phone for a camera! Pick up cheap waterproof cameras at your local store or grab your GoPro and hit the water with the whole family. Let your little one snap fun underwater photos of themselves and their friends or capture the wildlife they meet along the way. Either way, they’ll create lasting memories and hone their both their camera and paddling skills.

For the Social Butterflies

Your young explorer has just found their favorite new activity. Now they can share it with a like-minded community! In popular locations and good weather conditions, fellow paddlers are sure to be out as well. You and your little one will have the opportunity to meet and interact with other families spending time on the water paddle boarders, kayakers, surfers, and swimmers. Watersports are the perfect setting for your kids to practice social skills with others while you supervise.

Make it a weekly thing and your kids will be pros before you know it. You get to spend quality time with your family, and they get to be a part of something that you enjoy and learn to love it too.

Additionally, if you get trouble in choosing the right paddle board for your little one, then do not hesitate to discuss with iROCKER's experts.