It’s only a matter of time. You will eventually need to portage when you start taking more paddle boarding trips. Connecting lakes, avoiding dangerous rapids or a gnarly log jam. A portage is rarely fun. But they increase the range of your sup trip and give you access to waterways that may have never seen a paddle board.
Portage:
the carrying of a boat or its cargo between two navigable waters
7 SUP Portage Tips
1. Organize your gear with the portage in mind
You should have a map of your route. Often you can find a map giving the the distance and terrain of any portages. You need to spend a few minutes thinking about these portages.
Think what you need to do to make these land crossings smooth and safe. What particular challenges might they present? How can you make them easier?
Start by organizing your gear into as few large main dry bags as possible. Typically you want to get all your gear into two large 55L main bags. Compartmentalize your gear into small bags. Then fit these small bags into your large 55L main bags.
A few lightweight items can remain strapped to you paddle board. For example a fishing rod, paddles or sleeping pads.
These items need to be strapped down tight. There should be no dangling objects sticking out that could catch brush or trees. In particular a fishing rod can be a problem. And make sure to take the lures off your fishing rods before strapping them down.
2. Use dry bags with backpacking shoulder straps
Your gear should be in large dry bags with backpacking shoulder straps.
Earth Pak makes a good dry bag with shoulder straps in the 55, 40 and 30 Liter sizes.
3. Make two carries
I have found it’s better to make two lighter trips than carrying all your gear in one trip. Yes, it will take longer making two trips. But trying to carry your paddle board and all your gear in one trip could turn a portage in a demanding ordeal closer to climbing Mt Everest.
And more importantly you increase your risk of injury, spraining an ankle or worse, when carrying too much gear.
There are exceptions where you can make one trip. If you can fit all you gear (lightweight or ultralight) into one main dry bag with backpacking shoulder straps. And the portage is on easy walking terrain you could make one trip.
4. Wear proper footwear
I like to paddle board barefoot. But on a portage you need footwear. It’s best to use footwear that drys quickly. The soles should have a good grip for carrying gear over rocks or logs. Expect these shoes to get wet and muddy. Old tennis shoes could work. I prefer a good pair of water shoes.
5. Don’t drag your paddle board
It’s common sense to never drag a paddle board on the ground. But on certain short portages you can almost get away with it. Don’t give in to the temptation. Carry your paddle board, then carry your gear.
6. Try these carry techniques
Most of the time you will carry your paddle board using the deck carry handle. Some paddlers may find their hands and arms getting tired on a long portage.
You can take some of the weight off your arms with a paddle board carry strap.
Shoulder carry straps work well for many paddlers. While some paddlers say the strap hurts their shoulder. They are definitely worth checking out, every paddler should give one a try.
Another way to carry your paddle board is on your head. For many people the head carry is the best technique for a long distance portage.
Head carrying your board also works good for steep terrain. In fact, with a very steep incline a head carry may be the only way to get your board up a hill.
7. Look into buying a lightweight paddle board
If you plan on doing a lot of sup camping that involves portaging it makes sense to consider a lighter weight paddle board.
