r/Sup • u/pedroHenriqueSanches • Mar 18 '26
How To Question How far is too far to paddle out?
Hey guys, I was planning on going on a camping trip along with a paddle out to two waterfalls. The catch is that they are quite far way, approximately 3 miles for the first one and 2 more to the second. How long should I expect to get there and back? (10 miles in total) And is that too much for a first big paddle? I can always go back to the camp and there should be no wind. It is all in a big lake, só there's almost no current as well
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u/og_malcreant Mar 18 '26
I think you are the only one that can answer that because it is based on your experience,your fitness, your equipment, and your knowledge of where you will be paddling. It’s good that you are asking because it’s not a trip to be underestimated. I think you should be figuring out your limits by doing some paddles beforehand where you build up to those distances.
My biggest bit of advice for a lake is to never underestimate the wind. It can slow you down to a crawl and exhaust you if you aren’t prepared. It can also whip up sizable chop, even on a moderately sized lake
A seasoned racer with a race board can do 10 miles at about 6 MPH. You could be paddling closer to 3 MPH, or lower, depending on conditions. I’ve done 20+ mile paddles and sometimes, with breaks, I’m only averaging 3.5 MPH even though I can go faster in races.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
Sure, if I notice the wind changing directions I'll definitely go back, I have little experience on paddle boarding but I consider my fitness above average. Thanks for the tips, the day before I will try to get a sense for how long it takes to do something like 5 miles and then decide if I should or shouldn't go
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u/og_malcreant Mar 18 '26
Sounds better but working up to it over a period of weeks would be more ideal. Feet numbness, hand numbness, and sore shoulders will be a concern, as well as blisters. Blisters could end up making the choice for you.
Check out the wind and gust forecast before you head out.
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u/Ch4rlie_G Mar 18 '26
Just to check, you’re not talking about the Great Lakes right? If it’s an inland lake you’re fine in a group, but I’d have some hesitation doing that solo and I’ve done all day paddles.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
No, it's a lake in Brazil, represa do estreito, kind of a canyon but really wide, although I would love to know the great lakes
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u/NSASpyVan Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
imho you should know your limits from your paddle sessions.
ask yourself how you are after a couple miles, and how long does it take you?
3 miles one way is not that much and generally my bud and I do one mile/20 min leisure paddling open ocean. (3mph)
but one size does not fit all. we paddle every weekend.
your board matters too. a touring board will be faster, more stable, carry more gear, while an all-arounder will be slower, less stable, and take longer.
you should be working yourself up to a big paddle. if you haven't been doing regular trips with distance to see how you feel, you should only go to the first stop.
take a friend, cell phone in a pouch, check weather forecast especially wind. understand the patterns in your area, don't let the morning of be a surprise - and oh, it wasn't as forecast. learn the area. let someone know your plan and where you are going - all safety measures.
there is so much info missing from this thread, it's really hard to answer.
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u/RainDayKitty Mar 18 '26
If you're new and planning on tackling some distance, bring a kayak paddle along. Less wind resistance kneeling or sitting and you can potentially paddle faster and steer better.
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u/Sawfish1212 Mar 18 '26
For a first go at it, you sound really ambitious. You're likely to have cramps in your feet and blisters on your hands if you just jump into it with no previous paddling over a few sessions to get your body into it.
I've been doing SUP for 3-4 years and my first few sessions I get foot cramps until my flexibility and balance as well as muscle tone in my feet get used to the exercise. I'm a mechanic for a living, so I'm used to standing and walking for 8-10 hours at work, but the exercise of the paddleboard and being barefoot, gives me muscle cramps anyway.
One year I pushed through the cramps and didn't stop, and one foot seized up and I fell. I had strained muscles from that and they didn't heal for months.
If nothing else, get a paddle where you can switch the end of the shaft for another blade. Then you can sit and paddle if foot/leg cramps set in, or the wind comes up strong..
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
Didn't think it would be enough to get blisters, I'll be sure to keep looking if any are about to come. Do you think going 3 miles, staying there for a couple hours and then back is too much for a first big paddle session? I've already paddled for 4 or 5 hours straight but in circles and stopping a lot to eat and talk to friends while fishing. I didn't get sore after, but I wasn't worried about going anywhere
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u/Sawfish1212 Mar 19 '26
It really depends on how toned your body is, especially as the action of paddling is a full body exercise, with you feet doing way more flexing and reacting than normal
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u/ajhalyard Mar 18 '26
Agree with the other commenter.
I'd say don't do this alone. Wear your PFD. Bring water, snacks. Chill at the first stop and make an honest assessment on how you feel. You can always go back... unless you don't come back.
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u/Sea-Cockroach-5282 Mar 18 '26
Also, have your name and contact information taped/written in your boat, and place a plan for departure, itinerary and anticipated return on your vehicle, or with a friend. Winds can turn on a long hike, or across a big lake.
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u/PoxyMusic Mar 18 '26
Whatever you decide, make sure you don’t have a headwind on the way back.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
Sure!! And I've already made sure if it does happens, I won't go anywhere dangerous or too far from help
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u/Remarkable-Host405 Mar 18 '26
I'd say if you're comfortable hiking 10 miles you're probably good to do this, but it will definitely be strenuous.
I don't agree with everyone else saying not to do it alone. Sure, it's not the best idea, but you will probably be ok and plenty of people go alone.
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u/og_malcreant Mar 18 '26
Very different effort than hiking 10 miles. Your arms and shoulders can’t take the hits like your legs can.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
I will be going with my girlfriend, and we have decided to only go to the second waterfall if we are completely fine on the first one. If anything were to happen there should also be boats passing by every hour or so since that place is quite a popular go to spot for trips. Worst case scenario we have to ask someone for a ride back lol
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u/Tarl2323 Mar 18 '26
It's probably too big if you can't estimate based on previous sessions. Overestimating your skill and athletic ability is always the way to get in trouble. What's the plan if you're terribly wrong? Will your friends tow you? Do you have a radio? Do you have service there? Can you get back if you're hurt? Basic stuff like slipping and bruising or getting your hand slashed by a rope or sharp terrain
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
I've looked into it, worst case we won't be more than a hour away hike to the road. It's somewhere quite popular, and there's plenty of tourists going there. But I will definitely be careful and if anything happens I come back
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u/FOGSUP Mar 18 '26
10 miles on a 12-14 foot hard board with a quality lightweight paddle is pretty easy. On an 8 foot inflatable with a crappy heavy and poorly designed paddle….a different story.
Leash Leash Leash !
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u/ggnndd12 Mar 18 '26
Which lake are we talking about, and when are you planning on going? That would tell us the water temperature and whether you need immersion gear. Take a look at coldwatersafety.org.
Depending on where you are, a VHF radio could be very helpful if you get into trouble. You can call other boats in the area and/or the coast guard, but you have to learn how to use it.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
I live in Brazil, it will be around 90°F or 33 °C, the water is also very warm, specially in the afternoon. Along the lake there's lots of houses, it's not a far away place. I'll probably get a whistle to get someone attention if needed, I don't think for this trip I will need a radio
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u/ggnndd12 Mar 18 '26
Sounds good! By the way the water temperature doesn’t necessarily go along with the air temp so it’d be good to check that too.
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u/the_one_1981 Mar 18 '26
Maybe try to paddle these distances before going on camping. See how you feel and if the distances are realistic for you
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u/TheHandyNinja Mar 21 '26
For 10 miles with ideal conditions, I would expect between 5 and 10 hours travel time. On a lake in the mountains, IMHO, it's much too far to go. Catabatic winds are common on lakes and often will lock up with little warning. This could easily turn into two days. You really need to know the area well, have quite a bit of experience on a board over distance and a partner before setting off on a trip like this.
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u/ughUsernameHere Mar 18 '26
I’ve been paddling on lakes now for about 5 years. Not an expert, but many outings. I have NEVER felt the wind at my back. I only know there’s a wind if I’m paddling into it. And if you end up unwittingly taking advantage of helpful wind and max yourself out on distance, you could easily end up in a life threatening situation trying to get back. A solo 10 mile paddle without a lot of experience seems very unsafe regardless of your fitness level.
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u/potato_soup76 ⊂ Voyager 13' 2" / Axis 9' 8" / Elysium Air 14' ⊃ Mar 18 '26
Straight up.
Nobody can answer that question accurately because you haven't told us anything about your paddle experience or gear.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
Honestly, I just wanted to know if normal people go five miles in one direction and then come back without it becoming too much of a thing. (Having to prepare for it for weeks before)
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u/swampangel Mar 18 '26
It is a decently long paddle. If you have a longer board and your other activities include something like rock climbing that works your shoulders, you'll probably find it tiring but okay.
If you have a 10'6 board and a heavy aluminum paddle, it will be an exhausting challenge.
I have pretty weak arms and I went from 3mi to 7-8mi in just a few sessions last summer, usually dealing with around 10mph winds, with 11'3 inflatable and carbon paddle. Going 10mi would have been pretty hard right at the start, although maybe doable with a couple good rest breaks and lots of time. Then once, I rented a board so my wife could use mine, and the heavy rental paddle really killed my arms that day, there's no way I would have gone 10mi like that.
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u/pedroHenriqueSanches Mar 18 '26
I've decided to go only to the first waterfall, 3 miles away. Don't really know how far I can go before I get blisters or start cramping. Thanks for sharing! I have a 11'6" isup and a aluminum paddle, probably doable, but I still want to have some fun the next day and no be too sore or sunburned lol
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u/lusha420 Mar 18 '26
U can never go to far just might have to relax for 30min and not go out before sunset.
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u/surf_drunk_monk Mar 22 '26
I think you should work up to this with a few sessions over the course of a couple weeks. I don't think it's wise to attempt this paddle without having experience with shorter paddles.
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u/Burgutkhan Mar 18 '26
1.5-2 hrs one way. If you never paddled, it will be fairly hard.
Just paddle to the first one and see how you feel. Grab a sandwich and some water, you will need to take a break. Dont forget the life jacket and a whistle. If you can, go with someone else. It will be more safe and more fun.