FAQ: STAND UP PADDLING
- What is the best SUP paddling technique?
The basic technique is pretty straightforward. You stand perfectly parallel to the board facing forward with your feet about shoulders width apart. You should be centered on the board in both directions. The hand slide is a good marker. Your knees should be bent slightly. With the angle of the blade angling away from you to the front, dip the paddle in the water a few feet in front of you. Don’t lose your balance, but the further forward you can reach, the more power you can attain. Dip the paddle in the water and try to pull it back straight parallel to the rail of the board, but don’t hit the rail. Pull the paddle out of the water immediately as the paddle passes your feet. As you pull the paddle out of the water, drop your top hand across your body so the paddle blade turns and slices thru the air as you move it forward for the next dip. When you’re stroking, concentrate on keeping your arms straight and using your core to power the stroke. Think in terms of your top arm and the paddle forming an “A” with the middle part being the crossbar in the “A”.
- Does my SUP board float?
Yes, we use inflatable boards sizes 10.2 and 10.4.
- Will I get wet?
Yes, you will.
- Is experience necessary?
Experience is not necessary.
- What is provided?
Basic equipment consists of stand up paddling board, paddle, and PFD (professional floating device aka life-vest).
- What should you wear?
There is always a chance you may fall in the water so consider what fabric your clothes are made from – quick dry is best or just swimming suit.
- What to take with you?
Besides swimming suit, you will need sunscreen, hat, dry clothes to change after the tour, plenty of water and a towel.
- Can I bring my camera, GoPro or video camera?
Yes, you can bring your camera.
If you are taking camera or video camera, Adventure Dalmatia holds no responsobility for these. Make sure you keep it well zipped in a plastic or waterproof bag. Disposable waterproof cameras are also a fun option.
Adventure Dalmatia will not take responsibility for any lost items or valuables.
- What if I can’t swim?
All participants must be able to swim; what this means is you must be comfortable if you fall off your board that you can make it back.
- Do I need to wear a PFD?
All Adventure Dalmatias guests must wear provided Personal Flotation Devices (aka PFDs or life-jackets). The PFD is designed to float you face up in the water.
- How and when should I make a reservation?
You can request a reservation online or over the phone. Start at our Reservations page and fill in the form. Our staff will reply as soon as possible.
Certain days during the season sell out quickly, so we encourage contacting our office to check for availability. While reservations are required in advance to participate on a stand up paddling tour, last-minute reservations are welcome a day or two before the trip.
- How do we get to the start point?
We offer organized transfer in both directions. This transfer leaves every day at a certain hour. During high season both morning and afternon departures are organized.
If you have your own car, parking place is secured at the start point.
- Who else will be on the trip? Can I book as an individual?
Other individuals or groups who made a reservation for the same day as you did. On average we send 6 people on one guide.
You can book as in individual and we will join you to one of the groups.
- Can I reserve a private tour?
Yes, you can. You can go to our Reservations form and among other details emphasize you want a private tour.
The price of this tour depends on the period of the year, transfer and number of people.
- Does the price include insurance?
Persuant to the Law on Providing services in Tourism, Article 56, paragraph 3, Adventure Dalmatia is responsible to provide insurance for clients.
- What are the guides’ qualifications?
Our guides are reliable, responsible, experienced and committed to enhancing your experience. They are all qualified at Croatian Mountain Rescue Service and Irish Canoe Union (ICU). They also know their territories.
- Should I tip my guide?
Guests often ask whether gratuities are appropriate, and in what amount. If you feel your guides have provided a very special trip for you, a gratuity may be left with the trip leader and will be shared among the crew.
- What is the price of the tour and how do I pay?
Pricing can be found on our web page under trip details. Special prices are given for group trips, multiple trips with our agency and youth groups.
Payment is after the tour in local money (Croatian Kuna HRK) or EUR (€). There are no ATMs once we are at the start point so make sure you have enough cash with you.
- Will the tour be cancelled if it rains?
In case of a rainfall, stand up paddling tour is usually cancelled.
- What happens in case of a sudden thunderstorm?
In case of a sudden thunderstorm and before beginning of the tour, Adventure Dalmatia holds right to cancel or reschedule the tour.
We hold the right to cancel the tour 1 or 2 days before the tour depending on weather conditions.
If the tour has been paid and then cancelled because of weather conditions, refund is 100% of the price.