If you then go for a spin on the SUP, you can also experience the "Indian summer" on the Amper, the Harkortsee or the Ruhr. The surf team has been using 3 October for years and will hopefully be bringing back a worthwhile tour report from the Franconian Saale this time too.
SUP clothing in autumn
In summer and winter, the dress code on the SUP in our latitudes is unmistakable: usually shorts and lycra in summer or a dry suit in winter. However, there is no one perfect outfit for autumn. The water is fresh, but unlike in spring, it's not usually freezing cold and the air temperature often fluctuates - even during the course of a day - between single digits in the shade and a warming 20 degrees in the midday sun.
- Dry suit: Certainly a good choice most of the time, but quite expensive and not everyone wants to buy one for one or two autumn tours. On the other hand, you don't need a change of clothes and are "safe" and comfortably wrapped up even in the event of a short fall into cold water.
- Neoprene shoes & Co: Warm feet save heating costs at home because you are generally less cold and therefore also ensure comfort on the board. Neoprene shoes are a good choice, but can also feel quite fresh when wet. We recommend thick winter models with thick soles. You can find a test of winter shoes here. And here once again from the surf test team. If you are safe on the SUP and can find a dry entry point from the jetty, the warmest and most comfortable way to paddle is in solid (waterproof) hiking, trekking or mountain boots with warm socks. Optionally, waterproof socks (Sealskin or similar) have also proved their worth.
- Shorts and fleece jumper/windbreaker: In autumn, when the water temperatures are not as icy as they are in spring - when you get a shock freeze if you fall - hardened paddlers can also risk wearing shorts. With a warm top, this is often enough for a brisk tour. However, you should still plan extra legwear for breaks. In the event of a dip in the water, you may have to change your clothes completely.
- Important - second and third set: If you are travelling without a drysuit, you should definitely take two complete sets with you in a waterproof bag. Why? So that you can continue paddling normally after a first fall because you have another back-up.
What you should bear in mind when SUP paddling in autumn
- Dry entry: No matter what footwear or clothing you wear - a dry entry works wonders. Even a dry suit is warmer if the outside is not damp. Before a longer tour, it is definitely worth looking for a jetty or steeply sloping bank for a safe and dry entry.
- Leash recommendation: In cold weather and especially in cold water, the leash is even more important than in high summer. A leash is not recommended on flowing waters because you can get caught and even end up in life-threatening situations. On large, open waters (lakes), however, the leash ensures that you can get back on your board quickly and safely after a fall.
- Tour planning: Look for routes that are as sunny as possible (the sun is low: there are river tours that run completely in the shade after 3 p.m.), avoid major crossings and take the wind into account even more than usual, as even a moderate wind cools the body down even faster in autumn. If possible, choose the warmer midday hours, the drop in temperature towards the evening is often very noticeable in autumn.h.
When it gets really cold: The most important You can find more winter tips here in detail. Much of this can also be transferred to tours in autumn.
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