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Get Paddle-Ready: Your Seasonal SUP Tune-Up Guide

Spring is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to dust off your gear, stretch out those paddle muscles, and get ready for another incredible season on the water! Whether your board has been hibernating in storage or you’ve been braving the winter chill, a proper SUP tune-up ensures you’re ready to launch with confidence.

Let’s dive into a few key steps to get you and your gear in top shape for spring paddling.

Step 1: Check Your Board from Nose to Tail

Before heading out for your first spring paddle, take time to inspect, clean, and prep your board.

  • Inflatable SUP (iSUP): Fully inflate to the recommended PSI and check for leaks, weak seams, or valve issues. A soap-and-water…
March 17, 2025 Alisha Grow

Spring Water Hazards: Cold Water, Runoff & How to Stay Safe

Spring is on the horizon, and for many paddlers, that means eager anticipation to get back on the water. Longer daylight hours and warmer air temperatures can make it tempting to dust off your board and dive in—but spring paddling comes with unique challenges that can quickly turn dangerous if you’re unprepared.

At Aqueous SUP, we believe in adventure with awareness. That means embracing the changing seasons while staying safe, confident, and in control. Before you head out, let’s talk about cold water, runoff hazards, and how to prepare for unpredictable spring conditions so you can enjoy the season to the fullest.

Cold Water: More Dangerous Than You Think

It may feel warmer outside, but the Columbia River and surrounding waterways remain…

March 4, 2025 Alisha Grow

Spotlight on Stories: First-Time Paddleboarding Journeys

There’s something magical about the first time you step onto a paddleboard. For some, it’s a moment of instant connection—the water, the movement, the rhythm of paddling forward. For others, it’s an adventure filled with wobbles, splashes, and unexpected lessons. No matter the experience, one thing remains the same: that first step onto the board opens the door to something incredible.

With Aqueous SUP, we believe in the power of connection—connecting with the water, embracing new experiences, and finding a community that shares the joy of paddling. Every great journey starts with a first step, and SUP is no different. It’s natural to have questions—Will I find my balance? Am I strong enough? What if I take a tumble? But…

February 24, 2025 Alisha Grow

Better Together: The Power of Community on the Water

There’s something incredible about paddleboarding solo—the rhythm of each stroke, the quiet connection to the water, and the peaceful moments that unfold. But there’s also something undeniably powerful about paddling with others. Whether it’s a casual outing with friends, a guided group session, or a shared adventure with fellow paddlers, being part of a community can transform your experience on the water and make you a stronger paddler in the process.

Motivation Through Connection

Paddleboarding with others brings motivation in ways solo paddling simply can’t. On those days when you’re tempted to stay on shore, a paddling companion can be the push you need to get back on the board. Encouragement flows naturally in a group setting—whether it’s celebrating a small…

February 10, 2025 Alisha Grow

Building Confidence on the Water

Stepping onto a paddleboard for the first time can feel like a mix of excitement and nerves. If you’ve ever watched others glide effortlessly across the water and wondered if you could do the same, you’re not alone. Confidence on the water isn’t something you either have or don’t—it’s something you build. And the good news? It doesn’t take years to develop. With the right approach, you can go from hesitant to self-assured in no time.

1. Start with the Right Mindset

Confidence begins in your mind before it reflects in your stance. Instead of focusing on the fear of falling, shift your mindset to learning and progress. Remind yourself that every experienced paddler…

February 3, 2025 Alisha Grow

Essential Gear Check: Is Your SUP Setup Ready for a New Season?

A new paddleboarding season is on the horizon, bringing fresh opportunities to explore the water, refine your skills, and embrace new adventures. But before you dive in, take a moment to assess your gear. A well-maintained setup ensures both safety and enjoyment on the water.

Whether your board has been stored for the winter or you’re looking to upgrade your setup, now is the perfect time to get everything in order so you’re ready to launch when the temperatures rise.

1. Board and Paddle: Foundation of Your Setup

Your board is your most essential piece of equipment, and it deserves a little attention before hitting the water. Here’s what to check and how to fix any issues:

  • Dings, cracks, or soft spots…
January 27, 2025 Alisha Grow

Beyond Resolutions: The Mindset for Long-Term Paddling Success

As the new year begins, it’s easy to get caught up in resolutions—big, bold promises to ourselves that sometimes lose momentum. But what if, instead of setting rigid goals, we focused on something deeper? Long-term success in SUP, like any pursuit, isn’t about quick fixes or fleeting motivation. It’s about cultivating a mindset that sustains you on and off the water.

Embrace Growth Over Perfection

It’s tempting to measure success by milestones—paddling a certain distance, mastering a new stroke, or feeling completely at ease in choppy water. But real progress comes from a growth mindset. Every outing, every challenge, every moment on the board is an opportunity to learn. Some days, conditions might not…

January 20, 2025 Alisha Grow

Paddle With Purpose: Setting Inspiring Paddleboarding Goals for the New Year

The New Year is a time for fresh starts and renewed motivation. For us paddlers, it’s the perfect opportunity to set meaningful goals that elevate our skills, deepen our connection to the water, and add excitement to our paddling adventures. This blog kicks off the Paddle With Purpose series, offering practical steps to help you set and achieve SUP goals that will make your year unforgettable. Here are some tips to help you get started setting inspiring paddleboarding goals for the New Year:

1. Reflect on Your Paddleboarding Journey

Before setting new goals, take a moment to reflect on your past paddleboarding experiences:

  • What Have You Accomplished? Think about the milestones you’ve already reached,…
January 6, 2025 Alisha Grow

Gearing Up for Winter SUP Adventures: Must-Have Equipment

Winter paddleboarding in the Tri-Cities unlocks a whole new level of adventure—quiet waterways, stunning landscapes, and a chance to experience the Columbia River in its most peaceful state. But with colder temperatures comes the need for proper gear. While our Winter Paddling 101 blog covered essential safety practices, this guide focuses specifically on the must-have equipment to keep you warm, dry, and ready for winter paddling. Italicized words in this blog are weblinks to products or additional articles and information.

1. Dress for the Water, Not Just the Weather

Cold-water paddling requires more than just bundling up—it’s about choosing the right materials to protect against immersion.

  • Drysuit vs. Wetsuit: A drysuit provides full waterproof protection and allows for…
December 30, 2024 Alisha Grow

Winter Wildlife in the Tri-Cities: Paddler’s Guide

Winter paddleboarding in the Tri-Cities, WA, offers a front-row seat to the quiet beauty of nature. With fewer people on the waterways, wildlife becomes more visible, making every paddle a rewarding experience. From abundant waterfowl to elusive mammals, winter paddling is an adventure in discovery.

Wildlife You Might Encounter

The winter landscape is alive with activity, and the Columbia River and surrounding waterways host a variety of species. Recent waterfowl surveys from the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge highlight a mix of common and rarer sightings, making each outing a chance to observe something special.

Mammals Along the Shore

  • Mink – More commonly spotted than river otters, mink are agile hunters along the shoreline,…
December 23, 2024 Alisha Grow