We asked Paolo Marconi, professional Sup Rider, what he thinks about the relationship between SUP Cruising and sustainable tourism. We also asked him for some technical advice and suggestions that we want to share with you.

I really believe that our sport has enormous potential and can revolutionize the way of doing experiential tourism connected to the outdoor world. 

Paolo Marconi profilsup abruzzo coastline

Paolo Marconi
professional athlete

SUP Rider – Team RRD

rrd sup design

sup cruising - the questions

A powerful “anti-stress“, one of the most complete forms of fitness. A session of a few hours as well as a cruise of several days can offer moments of relaxation in which body and mind merge into the environment that surrounds us.

We can safely say that a paddler with a good paddling skill, and with normal balance skills, with the right equipment, and any Stand Up Paddling board (even those intended for SUP Surfing), can try his hand and practice SUP Cruising, during the whole year.

But is there a paddling technique suitable for SUP Cruising? What equipment should be considered necessary? Which is the most suitable board? But can we really travel tens and tens of km with a SUP WAVE board or a very cheap ALL ROUND (also inflatable)?

There are many tips we would like to receive when it comes to SUP Cruising, especially from those who have a lot of “water” behind them! It is Paolo Marconi from Piombino, SUP Rider of Team RRD, a professional SUP Race athlete, and a great Cruising enthusiast and organizer, who comes to our aid.

Paolo Marconi - the athlete

who is Paolo Marconi?

He is a SUP rider from Team RRD. In 2013 he circumnavigated the Elba island in 12 and a half hours. In 2019 he participated in the 11th City-Tour in the Netherlands finishing fourth.

He recently participated in the Corsica Paddle Trophy placing himself in fourth place. Her favorite place to paddle is Salivoli, her “home route”, while the most beautiful place she has paddled is Lake Tahoe in California, USA.

who is Paolo Marconi?

He is a SUP rider from Team RRD. In 2013 he circumnavigated the Elba island in 12 and a half hours. In 2019 he participated in the 11th City-Tour in the Netherlands finishing fourth.

He recently participated in the Corsica Paddle Trophy placing himself in fourth place. Her favorite place to paddle is Salivoli, her “home route”, while the most beautiful place she has paddled is Lake Tahoe in California, USA.

The suggestions of Paolo Marconi - the interview

abruzzo in sup

In your opinion, what are the opportunities for personal well-being and tourism offered by cruising in Italy? 

S.A.C. / Sup Abruzzo Coastline
Paolo Marconi profilsup abruzzo coastline

Italy offers a coastal perimeter and a variety of landscapes perfect to explore aboard a SUP, also considering that we can paddle in every watercourse and every lake on our territory, the possibilities for adventure are almost endless.

SUP Cruising goes perfectly with sustainable tourism to discover our country and is also an excellent physical exercise to stay fit and in close contact with nature.

I really believe that our sport has enormous potential and can revolutionize the way of doing experiential tourism connected to the outdoor world.

Paolo Marconi / Team RRD
abruzzo in sup

What are the elements, or conditions, that a paddler should always take into account before a cruising session (of a few hours or a few days)? What equipment should a paddler always have to go out in complete safety when SUP Cruising?

S.A.C. / Sup Abruzzo Coastline
Paolo Marconi profilsup abruzzo coastline

First of all, a paddler must be aware of their skills before choosing a path or an excursion. Based on your technical and physical abilities you can choose the distance and duration of our adventure.

It is essential to be able to read and understand the weather conditions and the characteristics of the stretch of sea in which we are going to paddle to avoid finding ourselves in difficult situations. We must always keep in mind that safety is the basis for the success of our adventures.

About the equipment, in addition to the buoyancy aids and the life buoy if it is mandatory, we can bring with us everything we need to enrich our experience.

In the case of a longer excursion do not forget to bring water and food with you to refresh yourself during the breaks.

Paolo Marconi / Team RRD
abruzzo in sup

Do you think it is true that we can Cruising with any board? Do you have your ideal board?

S.A.C. / Sup Abruzzo Coastline
Paolo Marconi profilsup abruzzo coastline

By Cruising I mean paddling medium-long distances to explore the landscape and discover the coast. For this I think we need a suitable board, with a pointed bow and a length of no less than 12 feet. SUP rides can be done with any type of board, but beyond a certain distance you need the right equipment to better enjoy paddling.

Usually for my adventures I use the Air Race 14×26 or the Air Cruiser 12×30 both by RRD. I always prefer to use inflatable boards because they are more durable and easier to carry on my travels.

Paolo Marconi / Team RRD
abruzzo in sup

Do you have any advice on a paddling technique more suitable for those who do SUP Cruising?

S.A.C. / Sup Abruzzo Coastline
Paolo Marconi profilsup abruzzo coastline

Good technique is required for the success of a long paddle or excursion. My advice is to contact an instructor who can teach you the fundamentals of paddling. The movement we make when we paddle is repetitive and if it is not well done it can be tiring and in the long run it can cause muscle or joint discomfort.

General speaking, we must try to achieve a technical efficiency that allows us to paddle at a good pace, for a long time and minimizing fatigue.

Paolo Marconi / Team RRD
abruzzo in sup

Do you think some “dry” physical preparation is appropriate for those who do SUP Cruising?

S.A.C. / Sup Abruzzo Coastline
Paolo Marconi profilsup abruzzo coastline

To prepare for cruising sessions, you can do dry exercises aimed at strengthening the abdomen, shoulders and legs.Furthermore, my advice is to work a lot on the ground on elasticity and joint mobility. In cruising, performance does not count, so training aimed at injury prevention and joint hygiene is more important. Don’t forget to have a good warm up session before setting off for your paddling.

The best gym is still the practice of sup and the experience accumulated during the hours spent in the water.

Paolo Marconi / Team RRD

Thanks to Paolo Marconi, RRD SUP Rider, from SUP Abruzzo Coastline, yours has certainly been a precious contribution for all of us lovers of Cruising.

Piombinese

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