{"id":313,"date":"2021-06-14T05:12:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T05:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/?p=313"},"modified":"2023-07-27T03:44:17","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T03:44:17","slug":"how-to-paddleboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/how-to-paddleboard\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Paddle Board-Is it Hard? Getting on SUP, Standing Up, Holding Paddle + Beginner Strokes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Paddleboarding has been around for decades. Based on statistics, it\u2019s one of the fastest-growing aqua sport. It is easy to pick up, therefore, with the right equipment anyone can learn how to SUP quite fast. It is basically an excellent way to explore mother nature, as you also keep abreast of your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Herein, learn more about SUP difficulty level, how to paddle board; starting from the equipment and accessories you require, the right conditions for SUP, getting on board, standing up, holding the paddle, basic strokes plus dos and don’ts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Paddle Boarding Hard or Easy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is not hard as long you have the right board, paddle and proper instructions. With the right board size and paddle length for your weight and height, you can learn and master basic paddleboarding techniques in a few hours or just mere minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes this water sport easy is the fact that beginner paddle boards are purposefully sized to give starters a stable platform to stand on. All you need is to position yourself at the center to balance and just like that, you’re a step ahead!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone regardless of age, body type\/size, or skill level can become a SUP competent paddle boarder. In addition to being easy, SUP is fun and a low-impact fully-body workout for the old and young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Paddle Board<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The steps to learn SUP include<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Preparation-basic SUP equipment and understanding the right conditions<\/li>
  2. Launching the board<\/li>
  3. Getting on the board<\/li>
  4. Standing up<\/li>
  5. Balancing <\/li>
  6. Understanding how to hold the paddle correctly<\/li>
  7. Progressing to basic strokes and direction change<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Preparation-Beginner SUP Equipment & Conditions <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It’s always best to come prepared and properly geared up as a beginner. The condition of the water and surrounding area should be right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Below is a list of the most common equipment and accessories you will need in the course of your learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    • Stand-up paddleboard<\/strong> – you can’t go paddleboarding without the main component. But remember, you’re going with not just any board, there are specific boards suitable for beginners. You need to select one that fits perfectly with your height and weight. It is a good idea to start off with rental boards before purchasing your own board.<\/li>
    • Paddle<\/strong> – similar to a canoe, the oar has a teardrop shape-like blade that is used to slice the water as you maneuver the waters. You also need to choose a paddle that matches your height.<\/li>
    • PFD<\/strong> (Personal Flotation Device) -it can be a life jacket or vest. It is an optional gear used to keep you afloat when you fall into the water. Depending on your location, the coast guard may deep it necessary for you to put on a life jacket.<\/li>
    • Safety equipment like a whistle or light that’s used to alert other boaters or paddleboarders in case of anything.<\/li>
    • Clothing<\/strong> – you can put on a bikini or shorts but most people will opt for swimsuits, rash guards, and board shorts. <\/li>
    • SUP Leash\/Ankle Strap<\/strong>-Ties your lower leg to the board to ensure that the board will stay close to you if you happen to fall or get knocked off of your board. Some boards come with leashes while others do not.<\/li>
    • Sun protection<\/strong> (sunscreen and goggles).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The best time and conditions for Paddling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      • Ensure the area does not have foreign objects, rocks or debris that may hurt you in case you fall. The objects may also damage your board.<\/li>
      • Opt for flat calm water locations like lakes. Calm water allows you to practice balancing on the board without being battered around by the rough water around you<\/li>
      • Warm waters, with a temperature of at least 80 degrees are the best for starters. Owing to the fact beginners tend to fall a lot, freezing waters won’t be a good idea.<\/li>
      • Days with no or minimal wind are best to learn paddling as balancing and maneuvering are easier. Avoid windy times of the day. You can go paddling in the morning or evening when the wind is light.<\/li>
      • Low vs high tides for SUP- Slack tides, which in most cases appear two hours before and after the highest and lowest tides, are generally the most appropriate tides for beginners. Slack tides, involve minimal water movement, allowing for an easier and safer SUP learning experience.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Mental and physical preparation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Prepare yourself mentally<\/strong> by visualizing<\/strong> yourself paddling and physically<\/strong> by doing light warm-up<\/strong> stretches<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Launching the Paddleboard from Shore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        You can launch your paddle board either from the shore or dock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The most common way to launch the paddleboard especially for beginners is from the shore. Up next are the steps to follow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        1. Ensure that all attachments, fins, leashes, the paddle, etc. are in place.<\/li>
        2. Lift the board up away from you onto the rail first.<\/li>
        3. Once the board is up on the rail, give it a side hug, grab the carry handle to lift it up.<\/li>
        4. Use the other hand to carry the paddle into the water.<\/li>
        5. Once in the water, about knee-deep, clear your fins of any sand or debris from shallow water.<\/li>
        6. Place the paddle board on the water at least as deep as the fin depth (deck up and fin down)<\/li>
        7. Ensure the leash is properly fastened the leash around your ankle<\/li>
        8. While behind the board, gently push it forward to get a feel for how it glides on water<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          How to get on the Paddleboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          After launching the board, the next step is to get on the paddleboard. Here are the instructions.T<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          1. Standing alongside the board, hold it firmly by the edges and begin to get onto the board using one knee.<\/li>
          2. Lift yourself into the board until you\u2019re fully on board and get into a kneeling position.<\/li>
          3. Position yourself at the center of the board to maintain balance, otherwise, you can easily fall into the water.<\/li>
          4. For the kneeling position, you can use your paddle to try out some basic strokes. Your hands can as well act like a paddle.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            Note that the above instructions are for those who have launched the board from the shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            How to Stand up on a paddleboard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
            1. While on the kneeling position, ensure the board moving forward.<\/li>
            2. Place your hands in front of you to a crawling posture<\/li>
            3. Let one hand stay on the board surface as you hold the paddle with the other<\/li>
            4. Bring one knee forward <\/li>
            5. Slowly bring the other knee forward<\/li>
            6. Tighten your core muscles then slowly start to lift your chest as to move vertically, extending your legs so you stand up<\/li>
            7. Look straight ahead, not down or to the side<\/li>
            8. Ensure you’re still at the center, your feet shoulder-width apart.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

              Staying\nBalanced on a SUP<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Once you’re up on the board, stay at the center to keep the board from losing balance and you falling off, position your feet in a parallel position similar to your hip distance. Keep the toes pointed in the same direction – forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              You can test your balance  by slightly bending your knees and trying to\nswing back and forth like a surfer. Ensure your back is kept straight. Begin\nshifting your weight from left to right as you move your hips and look straight\nahead. Once you have built some stamina, you can now start using the paddle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How to Hold a Paddleboard Paddle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Your paddle acts like your walking stick. It is essential for balance and maneuverability. Holding the paddle the wrong way results in loss of control and inefficiency in your paddling technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Here is how to hold the paddle correctly;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              1. Hold the top of the handle with one hand<\/li>
              2. Place the other hand about halfway down the shaft<\/li>
              3. Angle the blade of the paddle away from you and towards the nose to move forward.<\/li>
              4. Place the paddle blade into the water in front of your body at 45\u00b0 angle<\/li>
              5. Pull back in one smooth movement, while the blade is still in water<\/li>
              6. Do not extend back beyond your body<\/li>
              7. Switch sides by placing top hand directly below the hand that was halfway down<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                If you have an instructor around, he\/she can show you how you will begin to move around with the paddle. The position of your shoulder, torso, and legs should be in a way to keep the movement steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Also, don’t be alarmed if you find your board moving in strange directions rather than a straight line. It is normal especially when you are starting. Once you master using the paddle correctly, you will control the direction effortlessly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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