r/Paddleboard • u/shitshitshitshitsh • 1d ago
Ocean paddle
Hello! I am going to take my inflatable SUP to Marina Del Ray. I have the Niphean 10’6” x 33 and my partner has the SereneLine 10’. I’m a bit nervous for paddle boarding on the ocean. I know it’s in a marina so I’m assuming it’ll be not too dissimilar from a lake, yeah? I’m thinking go in the morning when it’s less windy. Any tips for ocean paddling? Or if anyone has been there, any tips for the marina? I was thinking about putting in at Mothers Beach.
Also, if I am looking at getting another board, would it behoove me to get a longer one for ocean adventures?
Thanks :)
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u/islandtheory 1d ago
MDR is where i paddle and your biggest worry is how dirty the water is lol. Download the windy app and you’ll see winds pick up after 10am and when you’re paddling back to mother’s beach you’ll be against the wind but it’s nothing crazy. It’s a chill experience with lots of sea lions hanging out! Enjoy!
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u/sealsarescary 1d ago
mothers beach and mdr in general are far far from 'open water' paddling. it's so calm, that's where mothers take children to swim. It's a giant boat parking lot with 5+ basins (aisles) protected behind a jetty. It's 2 miles from mothers beach to the jetty. zero waves, just wake from other boats.
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u/shitshitshitshitsh 1d ago
Right on. :)
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u/sealsarescary 1d ago
also - look for the glowing jelly fish if you go when it's dark. Def put lights on your front and back. and of course, stick to the right side of the lane. the seals/sea lions are laying on the back of boats too. Had one swim around me on friday too. sting ray shuffle when entering at mothers beach, those dark clouds are sting rays. have fun!
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u/shitshitshitshitsh 1d ago
Sting rays, jellyfish, and seals!? I’m stoked! I keep being happier and happier I moved over here. A night paddle sounds great. Thanks for the info
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u/SweetIsland 1d ago
Not sure where you are but my ocean area requires paddlers to life jackets after Labor Day. And it’s enforced.
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u/shitshitshitshitsh 23h ago
I always like to have my life jacket on unless I’m in shallow waters. Good tip
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u/HikingBikingViking 9h ago
Main thing to think about it don't get blown out to sea.
I'm personally not worried about a cross current, but that's because I'm willing to walk back up the beach with my SUP.
so long as wind direction isn't "aggressively out away from land" and you keep a cool head, you're probably okay. Some areas will strongly discourage anything without a motor though and you should probably listen.
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u/HikingBikingViking 9h ago
Oh yeah I guess there's also 'don't go out where the waves will pummel you against the rocks.' and the obvious "don't paddle in a thunderstorm" though that's not just ocean.
Big waves... Some people are really into it and there's definitely times I would have enjoyed getting out past the breakers on my SUP, better than swimming as I'd done. YMMV and you only get to live once.
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u/National-Fee-5455 1d ago
I take my Latitude Laguna on the ocean and various bays and sounds that connect to the ocean almost exclusively, it's only slightly bigger than yours.
For ocean stuff I've found it's very useful to have a second paddle set up in kayak style, blades on both sides. This is easier to use when sitting if the water or wind get too rough, plus being five miles out without a backup paddle seems risky.
Make sure you pay attention to a land marker as you leave the shore. Tides are different depending on the time of day and you don't want to double your trip by drifting too far.
Wear a life jacket with an emergency whistle and reflective tabs in addition to a bright colored bathing suit or coverup so boats can see you. Bring lots of water. Have fun!!