When you think of, or even see pictures of people (and dogs) paddle boarding you will often see crystal clear calm waters and beautiful blue skies as far as the eye can see.
This may lead some people to think that paddle boarding can only be done in glorious conditions.
I am here to put that myth to bed.
Although we all love to paddle round on calm waters catching a tan and taking in the scenes your local waterways have to offer, there is absolutely no reason to be put off when you see a little drizzle in the forecast.
Fortunately as you are already out on the water and let’s be honest quite likely to fall off at some point throughout your paddle it shouldn’t be a shock to think that you might get wet when out on a paddle.
So why let the rain stop you.
It is perfectly fine to paddle board in the rain providing the rain will not distract you from paddleboarding or cause other risks to your health and wellbeing.
For example if heavy rain is forecasted and a flood warning is in place, obviously this would be a terrible time to jump on your paddleboard and head down the river for a leisurely paddle.
If it is just a normal shower then get out there and enjoy the waters while they are most likely relatively empty.
For me there is always something so satisfying about being out or in the water when it starts raining.
As you watch people running to take cover while you bob up and down without a care in the world as you are already wet anyway.
Providing you have the correct gear to stay warm and comfortable, let’s get out on that water.
When Should You Not Paddleboard In the Rain
Although in nearly every situation paddle boarding in the rain is absolutely fine and honestly encouraged there are a few occasions where you shouldn’t be out on the water when it’s raining.
If the rain has arrived with strong heavy winds it is not recommended to go paddling.
The strong winds coupled with the potential torrential rain could lead to dangerous conditions and with the potential for a restricted view due to the wind and rain blowing in your eyes.
This would be a bad time to grab your paddle board and head out to a body of water.
Other than that I think it goes without saying that if the rain is a result of hurricanes or other serious storms please do not go out on your paddle board.
Benefits of Paddleboarding In the Rain
So you may be wondering why I encourage paddleboarding in the rain?
Well firstly if you want to become a better paddle boarder and more well at the sport than you are certainly going to need to paddle in a variety of different conditions.
It goes without saying that no two days are the same out on the water so the more experience you have in each of the possible conditions, the better you will be at handling whatever the water throws at you.
The second major benefit, specifically if you are a newcomer and looking to improve, is that the water will be much quieter allowing you to try and practice whatever you like.
I would however, recommend that you don’t go out on the water without someone else present, whether they are tagging along and watching from the water’s edge or out there with you.
Water safety should always be your number one concern.
If you really don’t have anyone to accompany you, make sure you first notify someone that you are going out on the water and where you are planning on going.
If the place you choose has regular passers by this is even more advantageous as it will just offer that reassurance to make sure you always come back unscathed from your paddle boarding activities.
I don’t mean to sign off this article on a downer but it is very important that water safety is taken with the utmost consideration.
Final Words
With that out of the way, the next time you see drizzle out your window, don’t cancel your paddleboarding plans, grab a wetsuit if required, head to some calm sheltered water and get paddling.
See you out there.