Another sublime SUP Club last night as 22 paddlers took on the c. 5-mile route from Thorpe Bay to Southend Pier and back – not an easy paddle, and a massive well done to all 20 that made the distance! We hooked up on the rigging green at Thorpe Bay and started to launch at 7pm on a falling tide with the remnants of a sea breeze blowing us west towards the pier. The group strung out along the coast as a few of us hung back to wait for the late arrivals (!) until eventually our flotilla were all paddling into a blinding sun. 30-45 minutes later we were hanging out under the pier … where we even got a salute from the train driver as he clanked over our heads.
As the sun dropped in the sky and the tide started to rip out, we headed for home with a strong current to help us back against a strengthening north-easterly breeze. With the sun at our backs we all dug in for a sociable cruise home, chatting in small groups as we paddled. Some charged the distance – notably Tanzi and Julia, who are representing Team Wet’n’Dry SUP at this weekend’s Bray Lake Ultra 16-mile race: good luck to both of them!
Once back at the beach in Thorpe Bay, the waist-deep water had really glassed off so we spent a while playing about and practicing our turns under a glorious sunset before coming ashore approaching 9pm. Then, naturally, it was time for a post paddle pint – this week at the Halfway House, the nearest pub just along the seafront. A fine end to a very fine evening…
If you’re interested in joining a Wednesday night SUP Club, all we ask is that you have some paddling experience (if not, check out our SUP Lessons) – we call Wednesday SUP Club on the day on our Facebook page and Wet’n’Dry SUP calendar, location depending on weather and tide conditions. If you have your own kit, just turn up and you’ll be very welcome. If not, we do offer limited SUP hire for £25. For more information just give us a call on 01268 569988