What's up with SUP @ DUC
SUP is a relatively new portfolio at PWC but the sport has been gaining popularity in South Africa since 2010. Predominantly PWC caters for the recreational paddler. Our goal is to provide more weekly opportunities for people to paddle and in doing so create a wider community of active paddlers who can enjoy a 5-10km cruise together. Through this, we would like to get members to be more proficient and safety conscious when venturing into the ocean.
Point Waterfront Canal
The Point Waterfront Canal is a great place to learn to SUP as well as an excellent ‘Plan B’ when the ocean is rough. The Canal is 500m end to end and provides a great training ground to improve SUP fitness for distance paddling in the ocean.
Access to the canal is available for DUC members to use as long as they have signed an indemnity form and have a permit stuck onto their board or paddle. Simply get a permit from Xpression at Addington Beach, above Surf Riders Café. The permit is R100 and is valid for a calendar year. Contact Brandon for more info.
Training Sessions
SUP Sessions run three times a week, every week, all year around. The sessions are free to join for anyone who has their own SUP. Depending on conditions the session takes place on the ocean in front of DUC or on the Point Waterfront Canal, weather permitting.
If you want to improve your technique and fitness these sessions are coached by Mark from Xpression and they are a great way to take your SUPing to the next level.
Booking is not required to attend these sessions if you own a SUP, but you’re welcome to contact Mark 060 749 4856 to find out more.
Learn to SUP
If you can SUP but you have friends and family who don’t know how to, and you don’t feel like being Coach yourself, contact Xpression . Xpression specialise in SUP. They have the largest SUP School in South Africa and sell the widest range of SUPs in the country.
Advanced booking is essential. Private lessons are also available at any time that suits an individual.
Contact Mark to find out more 060 7494856
Competition
The national SUP association is SUPSA www.supsa.org.za. There is an annual calendar of SUP Surfing and Racing events around the country. Participants earn points and from this ranking, a team is selected to represent South Africa at the annual SUP World Champs. South Africa has been represented at World Champs since 2012.
In Durban, SUPs join in surfski races from participating in the short course, which is between 4-6 kms. SUPs also join in the annual King of the Bay surfski race in the short course of 10km.