Wetstuits like this lighter weight "farmer" John style are great for paddling in the fall, plus you can layer a waterproof windbreaker or a wetsuit top.

East Hampton - Every year, just about this time, we all slowly get ready to hunker down for a long winter on the East End. We start to feel the cold as it makes it's way to our bones and the winds blow off the waters that surround us. It starts to feel like all those amazing summer sports that kept us so happy and busy are slowly fading with the day light. Fortunately this is not entirely true if you have jumped on the SUP bandwagon and have at least a few hours of paddling under your belt! As long as you always wear a life vest, have a buddy to head out with and have the proper outerwear, you can spend hours on the water enjoying a sport that you may have thought impossible to do in the cooler weather! Stand-up paddling in the can be an autumn sport, just follow me...

The fall offers some of the best months for exploring the East End on a SUP. The waters are really clear and for the most part still warm (they start to drastically drop in temperature by December), the beaches and bays no longer require permits (making for amazing cross-island exploration) and finally it is the best way to see the leaves changing (as the views one gets from the water are so much more extensive.

What To Wear
In the fall your best bet for SUP is still fairly light clothes. Picking your weather and location is key, as it is a windy month so if you can try to plan for paddles on windless days or make sure you find protection from the wind if you do go out. I recommend either a 3/2 wetsuit for cool temperatures or even a "shorty," which has short sleeves and legs, if the temps are above 60 degrees. Layering your outfit is the way to go so that you can adjust according to your comfort levels, I recommend wearing a rash guard under your wetsuit so you can pull down your wetsuit top if you get warm.

Full wetsuit are a great way to stay warm and protected from the elements in the fall.

If you want to try to extend your season as long as possible and you are ready to venture out on the cold below 50 degree autumn a dry suit is mandatory. They are easy to find at surf shops and kayaking stores, but the price can be hard on the wallet, but it will get you outdoors and exercising in the winter when you might otherwise not, I'd say it is money well spent! The great thing about a dry suit is that you can simply put it on over what you are wearing, jump out on your board and come back, take it off and get on your way!

Favorite Place To Paddle
Accabonac Harbor is by far my most favorite spot for watching the leaves change in the fall, it is great spot for finding coves and shores that block the winds so you can paddle in just about any wind direction. Spots to park are Louse Point, Shipyard lane, Springs General Store and the end of Gerard Drive.

Ocean: On a calm day with little to no waves and when the winds are northwest the ocean is one of my favorite spots in the fall. The water is still warm enough so you don't freeze if you fall in, there are lots of blue fish running and you can keep the shore casting fishermen company as you glide along. Spots to go are Main Beach, Atlantic Beach and Indian Well Beach in Amagansett.

Lake Montauk: For a chance of pace heading east can be loads of fun. Lake Montauk is a great spot as you can hug either shore line depending on the wind directions! It is not great in a north wind, but just about every other direction it's great, and a wondeful parking spot is at South Lake Drive.