Guardian angel on a SUP

Lucy Young supports her friends’ swimming and gets a core workout from her stand-up paddle board

One of my favourite swimming activities for the summer is SUP – that’s stand-up paddle boarding – with my swimming friends. There is something very rhythmic about the gentle splash of a swimmer next to you in the water and you feel like a guardian angel. Paddle boarding is a great way to enjoy the water with your friends, and support their training and adventures, especially if, like me, you are hesitant to actually swim.

The closure of swimming pools during lockdown meant more swimmers took to the rivers to maintain their training (and their sanity). Many of those have continued river swimming three years on. However, there is of course an element of risk in river swimming, for example from rowers and other water users. Water quality worries and family opposition have so far prevented me from venturing into the water but I hate to miss out on river fun. I love seeing my swimming buddies so I have opted to SUP with them instead. This gives me ample opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity of the river, to spot fantastic wildlife and to engage with other river users. I hope I am also working my core.

More visibility

Generally, it seems, swimmers are viewed as a nuisance by rowers, kayakers, fishermen and boat captains but having a SUP in support can diffuse this animosity. Obviously, you help swimmers to be more visible as you are a taller presence on the water but it is more than this. When you are paddling next to a group, you become their spokesperson. You can pre-empt any negativity by smiling and saying good morning to other river users. You can give other river users plenty of warning to adjust their course and you can reassure them that planning and thought has gone into the swim.

People often ask how far the group is swimming and this knowledge tends to inspire respect and greater understanding in those who initially think river swimming is a ridiculous activity. When your swimmers pause to rest and chat, I like to recite the conversations I have had and to describe the stir they have caused in that particular stretch of river – it adds to the camaraderie and experience. I also like to keep a tally of my wildlife spots (as swimmers tend to miss these) so that I can relay that too.

A handy raft

The SUP has become a handy raft for transporting ‘vital kit’ to make the swim more fun. Snacks and water for a longer ambitious swim, mobile phones for emergencies or for those moments when you spot a rope swing or jumping platform (and someone just can’t resist and obviously requires a picture), plus towels and warm clothes for skins swimmers who are worried that perma-frost might set in before they make it back. The SUP also gives wetsuit swimmers the option of peeling off their suit for the last stretch. It is amazing how much stuff you can load on.

Sometimes it is good to paddle at the front to check for obstacles, angry swans and sailing clubs that might be hazardous ahead. The front swimmers can sight off you too. At other times you need to herd a swimmer who is going off course or drop back to be with a swimmer who may be falling off the pace and is more vulnerable on their own. That’s when the guardian angel feeling kicks in. Watching over a group swimming strong makes me feel proud. I am connected with them, with the river and the other river users as we are all enjoying the space and the sunlight dancing on the water.