Offshore kite, surf and stand up paddleboard expeditions from coastal New England and snowkiting on Lake Champlain 802.578-6120
Stand Up Paddleboarding: Frequently Asked Questions
Introducing stand up paddleboarding - an easy sport to learn, an incredible workout and awesome way to enjoy Lake Champlain and any body of water more than 10" deep.
Not sure if it is for you? We are confident it is, but want you to be comfortable, so following are some frequently asked questions. If your question is not answered here, please email us directly at the address at the bottom of this page. If you are ready to give this great sport a try - stayed tuned to our schedule and call or email to reserve a board.
See you walking on the water.
How fit do you have to be?
Are the boards tippy or unstable?
Do you have to know how to swim?
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
Can 2 people paddle on the same board? and...�Can I bring my child or dog?
What do I need to wear/bring?
Can I buy my own board?
How/where/when can I do this?
How fit do you have to be?
The answer here is reasonably fit but you do not need to be superman/woman. This sport will help you get fit so you just need the strength to paddle and climb on the board if you fall off. The boards are nice and low to the water so climbing on is easy.�
Are the boards tippy or unstable?
They are surprisingly stable and board size will make it easier or more challenging. Stormboarding has 2 sizes to offer different sizes of people: 11' boards for people under 170 pounds and 11' 6" boards for those of you 170+ pounds. Paddlers at the 230ish mark will start to find the boards tippy but with some practice you will still be very happy on them.
Do you have to know how to swim?
Stormboarding does require that you do know how to swim however, this sport is done just above the water and you will be wearing a lifejacket so if you do get wet, you will not have to actually do any swimming.
Is there a minimum or maximum age?
There is certainly not a maximum age. As far as minimums, it depends on strength. We are going to start with a minimum of 14 for the classes and see how it goes. We will use them in our summer camp for kids ages 10+ to see what age is best to start.
Our very first group class at the Community Sailing Center - a beautiful evening, incredibly fun people and a great new sport. Yipppeee.
A well-earned rest after working core muscles, upper body, legs and challenging balance in a mid-week class.
Fitness classes use moves from a variety of disciplines for warm-up and cool-down exercises and challenges.
Can 2 people paddle on the same board? and...�Can I bring my child or dog?
The more weight on the boards, the tippier they are so the answer to this is a limited yes. As long as the combined weight of paddlers (or passengers) is within the range of the board you are on, then doubling up will be great fun and a way to take your kids (in lifejackets) or doggies out with you for your workout. For our first season, kids and dogs sharing a board will not be allowed in the classes but if you purchase or come with your own board, that will be great. We will try to plan some family days with the intent of inviting parents to bring their kids for some SUP fun.
What do I need to wear?
Comfortable clothes that allow a full range of motion to start. There is a chance of you going in but the more you paddle, the more stable you will be and the less likely you will get wet. We recommend comfortable clothes for the air that are OK to get wet. You will be wearing a lifejacket so a rash guard or lycra/quick dry top will be most comfortable. You are welcome to bring your own lifejacket. As far as shoes go, you are welcome to go barefoot but if it is windy or wavy, we recommend a solid watershoe (no flip flops, slides or Crocs). This will give you some arch support which will help with balance. if you have your own lifejacket, please bring it with you (don't worry if you do not or forget, we have them as well).
Can I buy my own board?
Yes, Stormboarding is selling the full Oxbow line and our school boards will also be for sale for excellent prices throughout the season as well as near the end of the season. We have a line of accessories including carbon fiber paddles, SUP board bags and more. Call Rachael for info on getting yourself hooked up with your very own board.
How/where/when can I do this?
Join Stormboarding for fitness classes throughout the week and events on the weekends. See the SUP page for the full schedule and we are also available to come to you or your area for special group adventures, river floats, exploration of ponds or bays, team building, family fun and more. We are mobile and somewhat flexible. Call or email with your ideas.
Wax on... wax off... Weezy channels the Karate Kid on her first day of SUP.
Exec. Director of the Community Sailing Center, Kate Neubauer, crossing the glitter on a beautiful evening stand up paddle out of the Sailing Center.
For more information, to book a lesson or order gear, please call Stormboarding at 802.578.6120 or e-mail: [email protected]
Burlington, VT
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