How To Prepare For SUP Racing Season

Summer has arrived, and that can only mean one thing - SUP racing season is back! This is the best time of the year for the experienced, competitive paddlers out there, and you can trust us when we say that SUP racing is a blast. Whether you’re new to the racing scene or you’re a seasoned paddler preparing to get back in, you’ll find a lot of valuable information in this guide on how to prepare for SUP racing season.

Set A Clear Goal For Yourself

Before you can properly begin, it’s crucial to outline exactly what you’re trying to achieve and by when. Decide what success looks like for you this season. Are you looking for a podium result or just to participate in the race? Do you have a personal record you want to beat? Set yourself a clear, realistic SUP racing goal that you can aim towards and shape your training around.

Build Up Your Base Fitness Levels

SUP racing is an intense activity and requires very high levels of strength and endurance to compete. If you’ve been taking a break for a while, then it’s likely you’ll need to get your fitness levels up again. You can do this on the water or in plenty of other activities. A mixture of different activities and exercises is the best way to prepare your fitness for a SUP race.

Refine Your Technique

Your technique is just as important as your core fitness, and if you want a top finish, then both will need to be refined to a high level and work hand in hand. So practise and learn. Engage in video analysis or discuss technique with your peers and practise often. Things like foot positioning, stroke mechanics and balance transitions are vital to performing well in a SUP racing event.

Practice In Race Scenarios

Real practice in a proper SUP racing scenario will allow you to gauge how far you have come with your training and highlight the areas where you still have work to do to improve yourself. Paddling in a group or in a timed trial will give you the chance to put yourself properly to the test and get you used to paddling under pressure.

Confirm Your Nutrition Strategy

How you fuel yourself during your training is just as important as it is during the actual SUP race. Focus on maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of lean protein and complex carbohydrates, and keep properly hydrated at all times. This way, you’ll be giving yourself the best possible fuel to help you succeed in your SUP racing journey.

Check Your Gear Is In Top Shape

Make sure that you have all of the gear you need ready and in top shape. You’ll definitely want to ensure you have a proper racing paddle board to use, but also other key accessories such as a leash, a buoyancy aid and a pump. Ensure that everything is in working condition during training and especially before race day.

We hope you have a great time preparing for your race, and that his guide has been helpful to you. Check out the Red store for a huge variety of amazing products that are perfect for SUP racing, or get in touch with the team for advice from the experts today.