SUP Race Day Is Here Now What?

Ok it’s race day, now what? All the work you put in or didn’t is what will be!

Many paddlers and skiers 2-5 days before an event try to hammer out more intensity hoping for amazing results. Their misplaced thinking is that some miracle is going to make a big change that will maybe make them do better. Sadly it won’t and this kind of misplaced guidance just will cause more disappointment, overuse, and burnout.

I know what you’re thinking. Why is Jonathan such a buzz kill?!

You need to understand tapering both physically and mentally helps to rest, recover and recharge the mind as well as the muscles, nervous system, and cardio vascular system.

By the way, this guidance is applicable to almost everything in life. Knowing when to push and when to step back. To all our racers at the 2023 Carolina Sup Cup, have a blast and enjoy your time on the water.

BEFORE RACE DAY TIPS:

1.) Get a reserve of sleep.

2.) Abstain from alcohol.

3.) Have a build up of complex carbs appropriate to your weight, height, and caloric expenditures while training.

4.) Get fully hydrated.

5.) Have all your equipment inspected and ready to go.

6.) Know your course and visualize what and how you’ll execute your race.

RACE DAY TIPS:

1.) You will be nervous and this is normal, manage it as best you can. Don't try to suppress it, but use it as cue to execute your plan. From our interviews this week all the TOP pros are nervous!

2.) Go to the race meeting. It’s extremely important in so many ways.

3.) Assemble your previously checked gear.

4.) Race your own race. Don’t let your ego get the best of you.

5.) Remember all plans are good, but be able to function and not fall apart when the Sh*t hits the fan! Being able to roll when problems emerge to manage and get through is what separates many.

6.) If an injury or health problem suddenly happens don't race.

7.) Don't switch to equipment that you’ve never used unless yours is broken.