Join our Paddling Club!
Why Join the South Island SUP Paddling Club?
We will bring you a board, paddle, PFD and leash to the beach. Bring your own gear and save even more $$.
You can walk, ride, bus or drive to the beach. We will help you enjoy more time and more days on the water. Join us for a quick escape from work. Or join us for one of our longer adventures! Leave the planning to us for a great experience every time.
We offer adventures for all skill levels including beginners. Most of our adventures are recreational to intermediate level. Our members range from beginner to advanced skill level and all ages from 5 to 70+
Enjoy our awesome outdoor ocean or lake playgrounds for health and wellness. No street lights or cars. Just you and a few other paddlers. Always beautiful and exciting. And lots of wildlife! Seals, sea lions, eagles, sea birds, ocean life and even whales. What are you waiting for?
Read more about the South Island SUP Paddling Club Membership including FAQs here.
Our Paddling Club is all about convenience, community, skills, safety and fun!
Exceptional value to help you enjoy more time on the water !
South Island SUP Paddling Club Memberships are now available!
The sooner you purchase your membership the sooner you will start saving!
2024 Paddling Club Benefits Summary
* Individual membership includes 1 adult and their children under 18 from the same household.
* Couple/Family membership includes 2 adults and their children under 18 from the same household.
* 50% off online bookings for scheduled tours, rentals, lessons.
* 25% off Paddle Canada accredited courses.
* 10% off new and used gear, including boards and sale items.
* 50% off add-on rentals to your booking such as dry suits, boots, other gear.
* Membership includes access to your personal SUPBucks card for additional savings and convenience. Check out the FAQs for more info on SUPBucks.
* We offer adventures, lessons and rentals almost everyday of the year. We encourage members to book at least 24 hours in advance.
* We are expecting to be closed for vacation for a few weeks this winter. Board rentals for members may be available during this time.
* Purchase includes a free Intro to SUP and Tour.
* 2024 memberships between November 1st and Dec 31st 2023 will expire December 31st 2024. Memberships purchased after Jan 1st 2024 will expire 1 year later.
* Memberships are not refundable and not transferable.
* Each member can use their discount for one guest per session (two guests for Couple/Family membership). This offer is valid once per year per unique guest. You can bring a different person as a guest every time you book yourself for a water adventure.
* FREE membership with every board purchase! Buy a board from us and you will receive a free paddling club membership.
Gearing up for Winter Paddling
New to winter paddling? What do you really need? Stay warm and safe with the following recommendations and gear tips.
Booties
Start with booties. The first essential gear for all year paddling is a good pair of neoprene booties. 7mm will keep your feet warm even on the cold days. A pair of zipper boots are easy to put on and take off and usually have a durable sole for short walks to and from the beach.
Paddling Top and Pants
There are many choices for shoulder season paddling clothing. Usually similar to neoprene or “airprene”. Vaikobi gear is made from a breathable neoprene and has a great line of technical clothing that will keep you warm. The VCold series is very popular and is available in pants and tops. You can find Vaikobi gear on our store! https://southislandsup.com/store
Wetsuits
Light wetsuits (3/2) work well for shoulder season and mild winter days. For all weather winter paddling a hooded 5/4 wetsuit is recommended. The numbers are thickness measured in mm. A 5/4 would be a combination of thicknesses. 5mm around the core areas of your body and 4mm on the legs and arms of the suit.
Thicker wetsuits are warmer. Thinner wetsuits less warm but easier to move in. Not all wetsuits are created equally. Higher quality neoprene is warmer and more flexible. Great wetsuits are available at www.coastlinessurf.com
Wetsuits work for SUP Touring and SUP Surfing too! *Gear tip* A waterproof jacket and other layers can be worn over your wetsuit for additional warmth.
Drysuits
Drysuits are the best cold weather gear for SUP Touring. A good quality drysuit is waterproof and breathable. It is a good idea to wear a minimum of long leggings, long sleeve shirt and socks too. Merino wool is a great base layer. Vaikobi pants and shirts work too. More layers can be added for cooler days. Good quality drysuits range in price from $1000-$2000.
If you decide to buy one make sure it has neoprene neck and wrist gaskets. And built in socks are recommended as well. *Gear tip* When taking off your drysuit be careful with the seals. Fingernails and jewellery can tear the seals. Remove by pulling off inside out. A quick rinse on the inside when you get home and then dry overnight. The next day the suit will be ready to use. Or a quick rinse on the outside and then dry thoroughly before storage.
High quality drysuits from Ocean Rodeo and Mustang Survival can be rented from us! Just add on to your tour when booking. Or pick one up for your multi day trip. Members receive 50% off gear rental including drysuits.
Hats
A variety of hats are a good way to help temperature regulate. Put a toque on if you are cold or a rain hat if it starts to rain. Some hats are great for sun or rain! Always a good idea to have a few hats in your drybag for changing conditions.
Gloves
Finding the right pair of gloves can be a challenge. Neoprene gloves in the 4-5mm range are warm when wet but can less flexible than other options. I often wear a ski glove in cold weather and bring neoprene gloves with me in case the ski gloves get wet. Finding the right gloves is a personal choice. Kind of like hats. Bring a few glove choices along and change them out when necessary.
Paddle or Rent with us
Check out what our clients are wearing. Rent some gear. And then purchase what works for you. If you are an occasional paddler gear rental may be best. Avoid buying expensive gear and rent from us instead. Did you know members receive 50% off rentals including immersion gear? https://southislandsup.com/memberships
Paddling Gear Series
Here are some tips to get the most out of your inflatable board.
- Inflate to maximum or a few PSI under the pressure rating for your board. Red Paddle Co boards are rated for max 22 PSI. The boards perform well at 15-18 PSI.
- Remember as the ambient temperature increases, the pressure in your board can increase. Reducing pressure by at least 5 PSI below the maximum rated pressure for your board during warm weather is highly recommended.
- Always try to keep your board clean and sand free when leaving the beach. If possible rinse with fresh water and dry before storing.
- Keep your board out of direct sun as much as possible. Park in a garage, under trees or move your board indoors.
- Red Paddle Co recommends releasing pressure for storing a few days or more and topping up again before use.
- Inflatable boards can also be stored deflated. Make sure the board is clean and dry and loosely rolled.
- Storage areas should be cool and dry.
