Anyone who fancies a spot of SUP can also experience the ‘Indian Summer’ on the Amper, Lake Harkort or the Ruhr. The surf team has been heading out on 3 October for years and will hopefully bring back a worthwhile tour report from the Franconian Saale this time too.
SUP clothing in autumn
In summer and winter, the dress code for SUP in our part of the world is clear: usually shorts and Lycra in summer, or a drysuit in winter. There is, however, no single, perfect outfit for autumn. The water is cool, but unlike in spring it’s usually not yet freezing, and air temperatures often fluctuate – even within the course of a single day, ranging from single figures in the shade to a warm 20 degrees in the midday sun.
- Dry suit: It’s certainly a good choice in most cases, though it’s quite expensive, and not everyone wants to buy one just for one or two autumn trips. On the plus side, you don’t need a change of clothes, and even if you take a brief tumble into cold water, you’re ‘safe’ and comfortably wrapped up.
- Neoprene shoes & more: Warm feet help to save on heating costs at home, as you’re generally less likely to feel the cold, and they therefore ensure comfort on the board too. Neoprene shoes are a good choice, but they can feel quite chilly when wet. We recommend thick winter styles with thick soles. You can find a review of winter shoes here. And here Once again, from the surf test team. If you’re confident on a SUP and can get on board from the jetty without getting wet, the warmest and most comfortable way to paddle is in sturdy (waterproof) hiking, trekking or mountaineering boots with warm socks. Waterproof socks (such as Sealskin or similar) have also proved their worth.
- Shorts and a fleece jumper/windbreaker: In autumn, when the water temperatures aren’t yet as freezing as they are in spring – when a fall can leave you frozen to the bone – seasoned paddlers can even risk wearing shorts. With a warm top, this is often enough for a brisk trip. However, you should still pack extra trousers for breaks. If you end up in the water, you may well have to change your clothes completely.
- Important – second and third sets: If you’re out and about without a drysuit, you should definitely take two complete sets with you in a waterproof bag – ideally as a spare. Why? So that after your first fall, you can carry on paddling without any stress, because you’ve got another set to fall back on.
Things to bear in mind when stand-up paddleboarding in autumn
- A dry start: No matter what footwear or clothing you’re wearing, getting into the water without getting wet works wonders. Even a dry suit is warmer if the outside isn’t damp. Before setting off on a longer trip, it’s definitely worth looking for a jetty or a steep bank to ensure a safe and dry entry.
- Leash recommendation: In cold weather – and especially in cold water – the leash is even more important than in the height of summer. On flowing waters, a leash is not recommended, as you can get caught on something and even end up in life-threatening situations. On large, open bodies of water (lakes), however, the leash ensures that you can get back onto your board quickly and safely after a fall.
- Itinerary planning: Choose routes that are as sunny as possible (the sun is low in the sky: there are river tours that are completely in the shade after 3 pm), avoid major crossings and, when checking the weather, pay even more attention to the wind than you normally would, as even a moderate breeze cools the body down even faster in autumn. If possible, choose the warmer midday hours; the drop in temperature towards evening is often very noticeable in autumn.h.
When it gets really cold: The most important You can find the winter tips here again in detail. Much of this can also be applied to autumn rides.
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Stephan Gölnitz
Deputy Editor in Chief surf