wind and sup

[adidasonmyfeat]

I took my sup out th other day and it was really windy.  Had no problem paddling out but had extreme difficulty paddling back in.  When I look at the surf report for the break I want to use what is the optimum wind speed and what is too much for sup? 
 
 

[DavidJohn]

IMO... I think if you plan to paddle into the wind you don't want any more than about 15-20 knots.

Also I find that a smaller blade paddles like the Kialoa Methane helps heaps when paddling into wind.

Paddling into the wind in winds about 20-30 knots is do'able but not much fun.. and may require kneeling down paddling.

DJ

[stoneaxe]

Getting onto a wave can be tough if the wind is heavy offshore. Requires steep late drops...at least for me. DJ has it about right. For normal surf if its closing on 20 knots its better to go for a downwinder. I do use heavy winds for a workout sometimes though. I prefer it onshore or sideshore though. Paddle out 2 miles into 25-30 knots and then run back with it.

[Tree]

I disagree... For me I love the hard offshores. No to minimal paddling back out, like being on a conveyor belt and a quick kick turn under a nice pitching lip. Plus no spray in the eyes like you would get proning into a wave. The waves hold off breaking longer too, and they become hollow with the breeze making for more time to set up for the tube.

[stoneaxe]

I disagree... For me I love the hard offshores. No to minimal paddling back out, like being on a conveyor belt and a quick kick turn under a nice pitching lip. Plus no spray in the eyes like you would get proning into a wave. The waves hold off breaking longer too, and they become hollow with the breeze making for more time to set up for the tube.

Thats because you're good...I still suck...

[adidasonmyfeat]

Yeah I still suck too, been doing this for about 3 weeks.  Coming back in I had to get on my knees because the wind was so strong. When I got my board to sand the wind picked it up and it started blowing away.  It was a great workput though paddling back in.   Thanks all

[Pureadrenalin]

If theres one great thing about a strong wind is your the only in the water. This weekend was a blast I had the whole beach to myself and spent all my time on my knees but it was fun as hell. The most challenging is carrying a 14" from the truck to the beach and back.

[1tuberider]

I disagree... For me I love the hard offshores. No to minimal paddling back out, like being on a conveyor belt and a quick kick turn under a nice pitching lip. Plus no spray in the eyes like you would get proning into a wave. The waves hold off breaking longer too, and they become hollow with the breeze making for more time to set up for the tube.

Yes and when its over 30 knots my board starts to get serious lift.  Its like I am flying.

[PeconicPuffin]

Getting onto a wave can be tough if the wind is heavy offshore. Requires steep late drops...at least for me. DJ has it about right.

as a real newbie (9 sessions in the waves lifetime) how does one do a "steep late drop"?

[PonoBill]

Paddle like hell and step to the tail once the board starts over the edge. It helps to start turning hard as soon as the board is accelerating on it's own too.

[SUPer Dave]

Anybody just hold there paddle{paddle sailin} in the air and sail faster down wind with it..
Im with Tree hard offshore big surf....the wind holds the waves up..bigger late drops..
then paddle sail yourself back out...

[PeconicPuffin]

What would constitute an "early drop" as opposed to a late drop?  (Paddle like hell I get!)

[PonoBill]

A late drop is when the wave is at the critical point, ready to break, and you're right on the shoulder, pointed down like a lawn dart. Fun, but tricky. As opposed to regular drop where the face is well formed and steep but not feathering, and you're looking at a ramp, not a cliff.

[PeconicPuffin]

Thanks, Bill.   

[Tree]

SUPer Dave I do that all the time with the paddle...You can angle it and Jibe too!