How To Plan a Night-time Paddling Trip: things You Need

Have you ever considered going on a night-time paddleboarding adventure?

According to popular belief, paddleboarding is a daytime activity. However, paddleboarding at night is also a wonderful experience. Paddleboarding at night is unlike anything you've ever done before, thanks to the different lighting conditions. As a result, it necessitates more planning and preparation than a regular day out on the water.

Paddling at night has its perks and risks, so it's best to be well-prepared and have a well-thought-out plan before setting out. With that in mind, we've put together a list of helpful tips to ensure your night-time SUP adventure goes smoothly.

Make a Travel Plan

Adequate preparation is the most important part of a night paddling trip. Plan your routes and estimate how long it will take you to get there and back. This helps you keep track of time and have a more organized experience.

Choose a Location

Safety should be the primary consideration when choosing a location for a night-time paddleboarding expedition. A tranquil bay or lake is always an excellent choice. Also, note that some areas have hourly restrictions, so check to see if your chosen location is open at night or if you'll have to pay additional entry fees.

Check The Weather Forecast Before Venturing Out

Checking the weather forecast before leaving the house is critical and can save you a lot of time. Your trip would be a waste if you tried to paddle through a storm or high winds. Which is why it's best to check the weather forecast in your area and make informed choices before departing.

Plan Your Route

Plan your route and approximate how long it will take you to complete it. Because you'll be paddling at night with few people around, it's best to notify someone of your planned route and total time out so that if anything goes wrong, they know where and when to look for you.

Signup for a Tour

SUPing at night can be a scary experience, especially for first-timers. However, there are local companies that offer night-time paddleboarding tours for those who are new to it. And in case there's an emergency, you'll have access to skilled tour guides as well as their equipment, which is why they are so popular. 

Go Paddling with Friends

For your safety, it's best to go paddleboarding with someone who has experience with night-time paddling, especially if you've never done it before. Having a companion is essential for your safety. In case of an emergency, you won't have to worry about being stranded in the middle of nowhere with no one to turn to for help. However, don't limit yourself to a single partner; the experience is bound to be more exciting when you have your group of friends around you. 

Night paddling with a group of at least three people is almost guaranteed to be more successful, and it can also be a lot more enjoyable and full of laughter. Besides, who wants to go paddling in the dark all alone?

Pack Only the Necessary Items

It's customary to bring along a few necessary items when paddle boarding. The same goes for night-time paddling trips. However, there's no need to bring all of the equipment you would for a daytime paddleboarding session. Let’s take a look at all of the necessary items every night-time paddler needs. 

Things to bring along on a night-time paddleboarding trip

Now that we've covered safety, let's get to the fun part: accessorizing! If you're planning a night-time SUP trip, you'll want to bring a few extra items that you wouldn't normally bring.

• Bug Repellent

Bugs can be particularly bothersome at night, depending on where you live. Take a bug spray along, and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid bug bites.

• Head Lamp

Always have a headlamp with you, but leave it turned off while paddling. The use of artificial light at night limits your vision. Always rely on ambient light and the moonlight to guide your way, and use your headlamp only when necessary, or while taking a break.

• Underwater Lights

Underwater lights are another essential light source for paddleboarders at night. It is also a legal requirement to have adequate lighting when paddling at night. The following are just a few of the possible benefits of adding underwater lights to your board:

• Underwater lights, first and foremost, provide illumination for your board. This means that you'll be able to see more of your surrounding area. It also makes you more visible to others on the water.
• Your ride will be more successful if you use an illuminated board to make yourself more noticeable to others. These underwater lights will also help to illuminate the water beneath your board. This means that you'll be able to get up close and personal with some of the most amazing marine life you'll ever come across at night.
• As a result of their natural attraction to light, fish and other aquatic creatures will approach your board and provide you with a personal aquarium experience. Many nature lovers consider this a major benefit of paddling at night because they can't experience this during the day.
• Food and Water

Regardless of the time of day, paddlers should always bring food and water with them. You never know what could happen on your journey, and being stranded without food or water could be dangerous.

• Appropriate Clothing

Even if you prefer to wear a swimsuit while in the water, don't underestimate how much the temperature can drop at night. A dry bag full of lightweight gym clothes can be extremely useful if you need to warm up on a chilly night.

Conclusion

SUPing at night can be a fun and peaceful adventure once you stick to all the necessary safety precautions. Remember to always have a life jacket, lights, and a plan before you go out on the water. And if you've never been on a night paddling trip, your best bet is to join a tour group.

Stay safe, and have fun!