Stand up paddle boarding is a fantastic sport that benefits the body, mind, and spirit. While getting your whole body worked out, it lets you explore gorgeous lakes, rivers, bays, and oceans. SUP is ideal for everyone, whether you want to paddle alone for tranquility or want to accompany a buddy, dog, kid, or spouse. How to paddle board for beginners has got you curious. This manual is meant to assist you. SUP entails navigating the water while standing on a board and using a paddle. This is the perfect day for you to begin learning about this thrilling sport.
Is It Hard To Paddle Board?
Good news: stand up paddle boarding isn’t hard! Most people can learn the basics in just a day or two. While advanced forms like SUP surfing and long-distance touring are more challenging, everyday recreational paddling is easy to pick up. To get started, you need to understand the basics first.
Paddle Board Types
Paddle boards come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and widths. The most popular SUP board size is between 31″ and 35″ wide and 10’6″ to 11′ long, which is significantly larger than most surfboards. Paddle board varieties include the following:
- Touring boards: These are designed for long-distance paddling and provide speed and efficiency on flat water. They are usually longer and slimmer.
- Yoga boards: These are ideal for doing yoga on the water because they are more substantial and wide.
- All Rounder Boards: These adaptable boards work well for beginners and are suitable for a range of situations and activities.
- Racing boards are made for speed and agility; they are often smaller and longer.
- Accessory items such as rod holders and cooler tie-downs improve fishing boards.
For beginners, an All-Around or Hybrid paddle board with a minimum length of 10’6″ and a width of 31″ is recommended. Ensure the board has enough volume to support your weight. These boards come in two main types:
Inflatable Paddle Boards
When ready to use, inflatable paddle boards inflate; when not, they deflate for simple storage and transportation. For exercises like SUP yoga, they are ideal since they float higher in the water. Durable and capable of handling drops and dings, blow up stand up paddleboards are ideal for beginners. They offer the convenience of easy storage and transportation, a significant advantage over hard boards.
Solid Paddle Boards
Hard SUP boards are the more conventional kind; they are composed of an EPS foam core coated in fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood, epoxy, or plastic. For sports like SUP surfing, where agility is crucial, they are typically faster and more appropriate. They do have drawbacks, though. Hard SUPs are bulkier, making them difficult to store and transport. They can be cumbersome to carry, especially on windy days, as the wind can push you and your board unexpectedly.
Essential Paddle Board Equipment
Once you’ve chosen your paddle board, you’ll need the following equipment: a paddle, leash, board bag, and personal flotation device.
Paddle
A variety of materials, such as carbon fiber, wood, aluminum, and plastic, can be used to make stand-up paddles. Their handles, blades, and shaft shapes vary. Generally speaking, the paddler’s height needs to be six to ten inches taller than the paddle. For surfing, use a shorter paddle, and for flat water conditions, a longer one. To deliver a more powerful hit, the blade is usually slightly inclined.
In addition to your height, arm length, and the height of the board above the water, other important aspects to consider when choosing the right SUP paddle size are the kind of paddling you do (recreational, touring, surfing, or racing). Out of the four SUP paddle sizing techniques available, select the most comfortable and efficient method.
Leash
A SUP leash fastens your paddle board to you with a Velcro strap around your ankle or calf; the standard recommendation is to use a leash that is roughly the same size as your board, or slightly smaller. Leashes available in a variety of sizes. The leash is a crucial piece of safety equipment since winds and currents can swiftly carry your paddle board away in the event of an accident. In the ocean, an unsecured board can become dangerous when carried by waves, so always use your leash.
Board Bag
SUP board bags protect your board from dings and blemishes that occur during transportation or storage. These bags also help with travel and extend the board’s lifespan. Note that inflatable SUPs usually come with a board bag.
Personal Flotation Device
A paddle board life vest, or PFD, is a must-have for safety. If you’re planning to do more than just surf or paddle around, the U.S. Coast Guard says you need a USCG-approved life vest. Be sure to understand the Life Vest Safety Laws before heading out.
How to Paddle Board for Beginners: Essential Instructions
When a newbie boards a SUP for the first time, most can stand up and begin paddling with a little work. Prior to starting your paddleboarding journey, keep the following important information in mind:
How to Stand Up on Your SUP
Follow these steps to practice standing up:
- Stand next to your board in knee-deep water, ensuring the fins don’t hit the bottom.
- Grab the edges of the board and kneel just behind the center point (identified by the carry handle).
- Step one foot at a time to position your feet where your knees were after steadying the board with your hands on the sides.
- Lift your chest first, keeping your knees bent, as opposed to straightening up straight. Once your chest is vertical, extend your legs to stand up.
Staying Balanced on a SUP
To maintain your balance on the board:
- With your feet hip-width apart and parallel to the board, position them in the center.
- Retain a straight back, slightly bowed legs, and pointed toes.
- Your head and shoulders should remain upright, and you can vary your weight by adjusting your hips.
- Look at the horizon, not your feet.
How to Hold a SUP Paddle
Avoid the common beginner mistake of holding the paddle incorrectly by following these tips:
- The blade should angle forward from the shaft, toward the nose of the board.
- Put your right hand a few feet down the shaft and your left hand on the T-grip while you paddle on the right side. Reverse your hand positions when paddling on the left side.
Falling and Getting Back On
Everyone falls in the water at some point, even experienced paddlers. Embrace it—it’s all part of the fun! Here’s what to do:
- Aim to fall to the side, not onto the board, to avoid injury.
- Try to hold onto your paddle while falling. If separated, retrieve your board first, get back on, then paddle with your hands to recover the paddle.
To get back on your SUP after falling:
- Position yourself next to your board near the center.
- Grab the handle at the center with one hand.
- Let your legs float up behind you, then kick while pulling on the handle to slide yourself onto the board.
With these pointers, you should be able to enjoy your time on the lake and get started with confidence. Recall that having fun, practicing, and patience are the keys to becoming a proficient paddleboarder!
Learn How to SUP Strokes
By mastering these three strokes, even a novice SUP rider may move swiftly and efficiently on the water:
- Forward Stroke: This is performed by submerging the paddle blade forward into the water. To fully submerge the blade, pull the paddle back alongside the board. Engage your core muscles for power, not just your arms. This ensures smooth and efficient movement.
- Reverse Stroke: The reverse stroke helps slow down or change direction. Place the paddle in the water near the tail of the board and push it forward alongside the board. Keep the blade submerged to effectively control your speed and direction.
- Sweep Stroke: Use the sweep stroke to rotate the board. Position the paddle at the board’s nose and move it away from the board in a broad arc toward the tail. This stroke enhances maneuverability.
Conclusion
Before heading out for the first time, choose a calm, small body of water like a lake or pond without obstacles like boats and buoys. Find a sandy beach or a spot where you can wade in to launch your SUP easily. Bring a friend for safety. Remember, learning how to paddle board for beginners is all about enjoying the experience and staying safe. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and have fun.