Paddleboarding Tips

Standup Paddle Boarding (SUP) is one of the most popular adventure choices amongst mid lifers for many reasons. SUP’ing is a great way to get out on the water, be active and it’s not too difficult and has a low impact on the body. Standup paddleboards range in price from around $300 up to $2000+, so you can find a board to suit your budget and get out on the water to find and explore places only accessible by water.

Table of Contents

Standup Paddleboarding Tips

Choosing the Right Board

Selecting the right paddleboard is crucial for a comfortable and successful paddleboarding experience. Here are some considerations:

Board Size: Beginners should opt for wider and more stable boards (around 30-34 inches in width) to ensure stability and balance.
Board Type: All-around boards are ideal for beginners as they perform well in various water conditions.
Material: Inflatable boards are convenient for storage and transport, while hardboards offer a more traditional feel.

Learn the Basics

Before hitting the water, familiarize yourself with proper paddling techniques:

Hand Placement: Hold the paddle with one hand on the top handle and the other on the shaft, keeping your arms shoulder-width apart.
Paddle Blade Angle: Position the paddle blade at an angle to the board’s nose, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Use Core Muscles: Engage your core muscles while paddling to reduce strain on your arms and shoulders.

Practice Balance

Maintaining balance on a paddleboard is essential. Here’s how to improve your stability:

Start on calm, flat water to build confidence
Keep your feet parallel, hip-width apart, and centered on the board,.
Use your hips to stabilize your balance, and avoid stiffening your legs.

Perfect Your Standing Technique

Standing up on a paddleboard may seem challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature:

Start in a kneeling position near the center of the board.
Place your hands on the board and slowly shift your weight forward.
Push up with one foot at a time until you’re standing with your knees slightly bent.

Learn How To Fall Safely

Falling into the water is part of paddleboarding, especially for beginners. Knowing how to fall safely can prevent injuries:

Try to fall away from the board to avoid hitting it
Maintain a relaxed posture to reduce the impact of the fall
Always wear a leash to keep the board attached to you.

Choose the Right Location

Paddleboarding can be enjoyed on various water bodies, so choose a suitable location based on your skill level:

Beginners should start on calm, flat water such as lakes or slow-moving rivers
b. As you gain confidence, you can progress to more challenging environments like coastal areas and ocean waves.

Respect Water Safely Rules

Prioritize safety by adhering to water safety guidelines:

Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or life jacket, especially in unfamiliar waters
Be aware of weather conditions and potential hazards like strong currents or wildlife
Always inform someone about your paddleboarding plans and estimated return time

Master Basic Maneuvers

Learning a few fundamental paddleboard maneuvers will enhance your control and enjoyment:

Forward Stroke: Propel yourself forward by placing the paddle blade in the water near the board’s nose and pulling it back.
Backward Stroke: Use the paddle in reverse to move backward or stop.
Sweeping Turn: To turn, make a sweeping stroke away from the side you want to turn toward.

Consider Taking a Lesson

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about getting started, consider taking a paddleboarding lesson from a certified instructor. They can provide personalized guidance, safety tips, and valuable feedback to accelerate your learning curve.

Night Paddleboarding

If you love to SUP but haven’t tried night paddleboarding yet, you are in for a treat! Once you night SUP you’ll want to do it again and again. There are a few differences to daytime SUP’ing though so you will need to be prepared with these Night Paddleboarding Tips