Offshore Winds and their effects on Stand-Up Paddleboards
Ben Hamilton • 22 July 2023

HOME / NEWS / Current Post

Offshore Winds and their effects on Stand-Up Paddleboards

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. However, along with this growth in participation, there has also been a substantial increase in the number of individuals encountering difficulties while out on their SUPs. 


Over the past six months British Canoeing, NGB for Stand Up Paddleboarding, has commissioned several research projects to develop insight to enable evidence driven guidance and qualification content for the Stand-Up Paddleboard community.


Recent statistics released by the RNLI show that offshore winds have been a significant contributor in Stand-Up Paddleboarders getting into trouble. 


British Canoeing’s current and one of the most important guidance is for Stand Up Paddleboarders to avoid offshore winds


Our latest offshore winds research provides clear evidence of the significant impact that moderate offshore winds have on SUP paddlers and that 30mins in a Force 4 wind (18-20 mph) a paddler could drift approximately 1 mile.


The research also indicates that a Stand Up Paddleboarder, if caught out in an offshore wind and unable to paddle to the shore, can reduce the amount of distance they drift by adopting the SUP Brake Position (SBP)


For more information and guidance read our Abstract from Research and associated guidance.


Click here to listen to the offshore winds research podcast with Lee Pooley, Director of Coaching and Qualifications at British Canoeing, and researcher Darren Sherwood that discusses the methodology and sampling behind the research as well as the findings and recommendations.

Share Post

by Ben Hamilton 20 July 2026
Product Recall: Joyhut Life Jacket
by Ben Hamilton 10 July 2026
Paddle NI’s Participation and Development Officer, Mark, travelled to Iceland after being invited to coach at the Iceland Sea Kayak Symposium, an event that brings together sea kayakers and coaches from across the world. The invitation reflects Mark’s growing expertise and the work he does to support paddlers and clubs here in Northern Ireland. Sea kayaking continues to be one of the most popular areas within our progressive paddles programme and opportunities like this help us keep our development work aligned with the highest coaching standards. The symposium focuses on sharing best practice, developing coaching approaches, and building the skills needed for safe paddling in moderate and advanced water environments, all of which directly supports our club work, leadership development and participation programmes. Paddle NI Head of Operations Rodger Hamilton said, “We encouraged and supported Mark to attend because staying up‑to‑date with the latest coaching methods and technical skills directly benefits the paddlers and volunteers he works with throughout the year. He has returned with new ideas, fresh perspectives and useful learning from working alongside international coaches”. We’re proud to see Northern Ireland represented at an event like this and delighted that Mark has come back with knowledge and connections that will strengthen our local programmes and the wider paddlesport community. Our next series of progressive paddles will run from September, keep an eye on social media channels for details.
by Lyn Sherriff 17 June 2026
The Clean Water Sports Alliance NI is appealing to the public to report poor water conditions in order to help build evidence base for change
View More