Our Top 3 SUP Secrets: What We Wish Everyone Knew Before Paddling in Chilliwack

sasquatch outdoor rentals
13 minutes ago
3 min read

Hey paddlers! What an incredible summer it has been! Here at Sasquatch Outdoor Rentals, we've been absolutely stoked to see so many of you getting out on stand-up paddleboards across our beautiful Fraser Valley lakes. Seeing Cultus Lake dotted with paddlers soaking up the sun has been a blast. We're all about sharing that passion!

With that passion comes a bit of responsibility. Over the season, we've noticed a few common and easily avoidable mishaps. We usually keep these pro tips for our clients, but you know what? We want everyone to have the safest, most amazing time on the water. So, we're sharing our top three "insider secrets" for a perfect day on the board.

SUP Secret #1: Your Life Jacket is Your Best Friend (Even if You Swim Like an Olympian)

We hear it all the time: "I'm a great swimmer, I don't need a life jacket." We totally get the confidence, but our local lakes are dynamic environments. Here's the deal: Cultus Lake gets busy, and with motorboats creating unexpected waves, even the strongest swimmer can get knocked off balance and be momentarily stunned. When you're trying a new sport, it’s always smart to take every precaution so you can relax and have a pleasant, stress-free time. Think of it less as a life-preserver and more as your personal flotation assistant it's there to help you easily get back on your board and save your energy for paddling. Our rule is simple: Wear the life jacket! It's a sign of a smart paddler.

SUP Secret #2: Master the Kneel Before You Stand

You've got the board, you're eager to go, and you pop right up to your feet in the shallow water... and then take a tumble. We've seen it happen! While your balance might be great on land, a paddleboard is a different beast. Starting in shallow water is a recipe for hitting your head or body on unseen rocks.

Here’s the pro technique:

Start with the board in knee-deep water.
Climb onto the middle of the board onto your knees.
Take a few strokes with your paddle while kneeling, moving yourself away from the shore and into deeper, safer water (at least waist-deep).
Once you're in a clear, deep area, then you can carefully get to your feet.

This simple habit will save you from a nasty bump and build your confidence from a stable, secure base.

SUP Secret #3: Finding Your Perfect Match (It's Not Just About a Longer Board)

There's a common belief that "a longer board is a more stable board." While length plays a role, it's not the whole story! For a beginner, the most important factor for stability is actually the board's width and volume.

A wider, thicker board will feel much more stable and forgiving than a long, narrow one (which is designed for speed and racing). Don't get caught up in the numbers. The perfect board is the one that’s right for your height, weight, and skill level. That's where we come in. When you rent from us, we do the thinking for you. Just tell us about yourself, and we'll match you with the ideal board from our fleet to ensure you have the best and most stable experience possible.

Now that you're in on the secrets, there's nothing holding you back! There are still plenty of sunny days left to enjoy the water. Give us a call at Sasquatch Outdoor Rentals, and let our mobile service bring the perfect paddleboard adventure right to you.

Happy (and safe) paddling!