Ear and Hearing Protection for Stand Up Paddle Boarders SUP

In this article we look at the best ear protection for stand up paddle boarding in all seasons, this includes winter and spring, the coldest months to surf and summer and autumn. In the UK all year round is seen as cold water SUP boarding and keeping your head and ears warm can really improve the enjoyment of the sport and the time you sped in the water.

When stand up paddle boarding in cold environments, always think about your ears before you go, make sure you've packed your extra layers and ear protection and then the surfing, is all about surfing. You don't have to worry about the cold or big slams and your ears and head will thank you for it. When SUP boarding in the summer months when the water is warmer it is more adequate to wear less layers as you are not entering the water as much as if you were surfing but still using ear protection as the type of water entering you ear hasn't changed.

How can SUP Boarding affect your ears?

Exostosis or Surfer's Ear

Regular exposure to cold wind and water can cause bony growths within your ear canal to develop. This can trap water and debris which has the potential to cause a painful ear infection. In some causes when the growths begin to close the ear canal, causing deafness, surgery is required to remove them. 

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With better tecnology making thicker wetsuits and neoprene accesories on the market more people are surfing colder waters and in winter months than ever before, increasing the risk of surfers ear. 

If you are concerned you may have Surfers Ear, it is worth consulting your Doctor or Audiologist for an ear examination. 

Swimmer's Ear Otitis Externa

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When water is left in your ear after falling into avariety of different waters from lakes to rivers to the sea it creates a moist enviroment for bacterial growth.  If the skin lining your ear canal is already irritated or inflammed, this with the combination of stagnent water in your ear canal will encourage an infection to develop in your ear canal. This type of infection is known as Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa). 

The occurance of "brain freeze" is common while stand up paddle boarding in cold water, however there are things you can do to prevent it. Such as a specifically designed wetsuit hood for cold water SUP boarding. When SUP boarding in the summer months or in the tropics where and when the water is warmer it is sufficient enough to wear less layers and not wear a hood. This is also because you are not entering the water as much as if you were surfing.

Ear Plugs for Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Wearing a good quality hood will definitely help reduce the chances of bony growths developing within your ear as the hood will help to keep the water entering your ear warmer than the actual temperature of the sea water. The problem is a hood will still allow water into your ear which can over time cause swimmers ear if you regularly Stand up paddle board in not only the sea but in polluted rivers, so for extra caution, using ear plugs will also help. In fact if you the option and affordability for ear plugs or a hood in regards your ears you would be better opting for ear plugs. Preventing water getting into your ears completely will protect your ears.

When it comes to finding the right ear plugs, there are many options out there but you need to find the ones specifically designed with surfing in mind.

The best solution to protect your ears while using a hood is custom fit made ear moulds.  Although these do need you to have an impression of your ear taken, this means the ear moulds themselves will match your ear correctly. An ear impression will take into account each contour and unique bumps and shapes of your ear. If you have tried generic ear plugs and have still yet to find them to seal your ear properly then these are a must for an avid surfer.

What you will find is because they match your ear shape correctly they will also be much more comfortable in your ear as well as keeping your ear fully sealed for water. The custom fit also has the ability to stay within your ear better and most custom made ear moulds will come with a lanyard to connect to your wetsuit if they do fall out. The major things to consider with custom made ear plugs is the price and booking yourself in with an audiologist to get an impression taken and over time you will need to have them re made as your ears slowly grow. If stand up paddle boarding is your world then custom moulds really are the way to go.