I was desperate to give my new board a try. It had sat in the garage all week and whilst I’d unboxed it in the back garden one lunchtime, I was keen to get it out for an actual paddle.
The weather looked pretty favourable post-work on the Friday afternoon and with Abie’s Loch (it’s Sunday name is Dumbrock Loch) just 15 minutes’ drive away (it’s up near Mugdock Country Park) I was parking the car and starting the walk down to Abie’s by 6pm.
What I realised was that compared to the kids’ SUP, the RED is HEAVY. The walk down to Abie’s from the car is fairly easy (probably just under a km down a track) but with the SUP on my back, wetsuit, life vest, etc it’s a minor schlep. Worth it when you get there though.
First time out with the RED, it was good to be able to take my time getting it all set up but it really took no time at all. The Titan 2 pump is amazing but I didn’t realise at the time how important the air release valve is on it so ended up using my entire body weight on the pushes down towards the end when I should have just released some air using the switch (the instructions with the RED still refer to the old style pump).
Quite a lot of people were around Abie’s when I got there ranging from families who had been kayaking and Supping, lots of open water swimmers and on the far banks, quite a large party gathering. There’s a reason Abie’s has the nickname ‘Mug-aloof’ – it gets quite spicey during the spring and summer months although most of the partying and general Bluetooth speaker bammery takes place on the opposite bank.
I got wet suited up and sweated a lot. Also, as I was up on my own, I was a bit nervous about leaving all my kit at the site while I was in paddling so I didn’t stray too far away from the bottom part of the loch. Definitely heading back up to explore some more though.
The water was completely calm and I didn’t fall in. Spent quite lot time practising standing up and then kneeling down again. Can definitely feel the balance getting better.
Such a great spot to get out on a board. Feel lucky to have somewhere like this so close to home.
