Well, we didn’t have a lot of choice for SUP Club last night – with thunderstorms about, we couldn’t take on a route, so instead tried to tuck out of the breeze just off the beach at Shoebury East and kept our eyes on the skies for any approaching lightning. And it worked out that we caught a perfect 90-minute break between downpours for a fun little splashabout beneath the rainbows … comprising our first trial of a new game, working title: ballSUP?!? Then our favourite ’spoons for affordable fodder and drinks after.

Venue: Shoebury East Beach (SS3 9AD / www.what3words.com/cuddling.crucially.sounding)
Arrive: c.6.45pm?
Launch: After 7pm briefing
Finish: c.8.50pm?
Level: Confident coastal paddlers

We have a doable (20.47 @ 5.03m) high tide tonight, although it is another breezy day. Oh yeah – and there are some super-heavy showers and possibly even thunderstorms about… So although we’re trying to keep everyone on their boards rather than in the water, don’t expect to stay dry all evening! In case of electrical activity, we’re going to stay near the beach (and therefore able to abandon if / as necessary) tucked out of the westerly wind over at Shoebury East Beach for a splashbout session – ie; not going anywhere, just safely playing around close to the beach… That way we can keep our eyes on the skies and get straight off the water if we see any approaching lightning.

Plus we have an ideation for a potential new game (not as immersive / full-contact as SUP rugby, but in vaguely the same ballpark [sic] so hopefully better for staying dry on a chilly night – and it should suit all styles of board and paddler…) Bring whatever you like, but in case it helps we’d maybe suggest second best paddles (ie; not finest carbon but also not heaviest stunt paddles) and probably a board that wants to move rather than a platform (ie; 11’+ rather than 10’8″-, 28″-30″ wide?)

Anyway, for anyone that’s still reading (?!?) we’ll be at the George Street entrance to the south (www.what3words.com/cuddling.crucially.sounding) where there is a 2.1m height barrier, but there are usually spaces outside for higher vehicles. So meeting by 6.45pm (after the parking charges cease) ahead of a 7pm briefing on the green before hitting the water. For a change this week, we’re not going anywhere so late launchers are cool – just make sure you stick close to the beach with all the briefed paddlers! After, we’ll go to our favourite local ’spoons for affordable booze and fodder.