Sports activities are one of the best ways to occupy your free time. Not only that you will do something you’re genuinely interested in, but it is also important to say that you can increase the level of your fitness to the one you want. Since there are a lot of different disciplines to choose from, you can spend quite some time before you can say you’ve found the right one.
Naturally, we would like to say that anyone should start with the one they are good at. Sometimes you can be good at a discipline you don’t enjoy very much. Still, we feel it is important to start at this point. When you do that, it is much easier to shift to the one you are much more competent in, which you will discover later.
Paddleboarding is the fastest-rising watersport worldwide when it comes to popularity. It is impressively fun and stimulating enough for experienced paddlers, and beginners will not need to invest a lot of effort into learning all the skills needed for this activity. While this may sound like a no-brainer, people always tend to choose something that doesn’t require too much effort.
At the same time, there are many benefits this activity can provide you with. The watersport is a great exercise for cardio, enhances balance, and helps you to strengthen your core. And because it is low impact, it is accessible to everyone who wants to learn it. It is an activity that can also be done on any water surface, from oceans and lakes to bays and rivers.
In case you are interested in trying this activity, there are a couple of tips and tricks that can assist you in making your next stand-up paddling (SUP) trip as fun as it could be. Without further ado, let’s take a look at a couple of these tips.
Source: theculturetrip.com
Contents
1. Finding an appropriate leash
A high-quality leash is a significant part of every paddler’s SUP kit. It keeps your paddleboard tied to you with a Velcro strap around the calf or ankle. It makes the board become an essential piece when the paddling conditions change or when you get too tired to continue with this activity.
There are several dissimilar kinds and dimensions of SUP lashes to suit everyone’s paddling style and inclination. A general rule is that the SUP leash needs to be either slightly shorter or longer than the board itself. In case you use the one that is not as solid as it should, it can lead to a plethora of problems down the road.
2. Achieving the right posture on a paddle
Getting the right paddles to propel your board makes a significant difference in your stand-up paddling experience. To choose the one that fits completely, consider these factors:
Source: red-equipment.co.uk
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Material
A lightweight stand-up paddle works best. Naturally, the choice you can make in this regard should rely on a wide array of different aspects. However, when we’re talking about an average, we will stick with a lightweight one as the best choice you can make.
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Length
Most paddlers will tell you that SUP paddle length comes down to personal preference. However, it should be eight to ten inches higher than you. It also depends on the type you are interested in practicing.
For those who seek to experiment with their SUP boards in various conditions, a quality adjustable paddle works best. Also, note that most fixed-length SUP paddlers are usually offered in 2-inch increments. That’s why you should pay attention.
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Figure, blade extent, and offset
The first thing you should look for is the figure, and shape of the board. The one you choose should be based solely on your needs and preference. That way, you cannot experience any sort of problems in this regard. Another aspect you should pay attention to is the technique you will use while practicing this activity.
Source: red-equipment.co.uk
3. Coming across the suitable board
A way for you to find the proper board is to start considering the way you want to control it in the water. Also, pay attention to how they will fit your body, and how you will use them. The main decision points will be:
- Obtain the appropriate volume and capacity
- The correct chunkiness, girth, and length
- Pay attention to the shape of the one you will use
Whether you get an inflatable or solid panel will hugely depend on how much storage should be moved, the capacity, and what’s the way it can be transported. You will consider these items’ fins and any accessories or extras that work best for you.
There are many accessories you can choose from. So, be prepared to invest a significant time in choosing the one that fits you the best. Consider starting with a wide and thick all-around paddling board that is easy to balance on wavy and flat waters. A touring paddling board is also great since it’s beginner-friendly and perfect for advanced paddlers who want to cruise faster and further.
4. Wear a PDF
Taking the right water sport apparel can be significant to your safety and pleasure. Naturally, this is the case with any other watersports. That way you should start carefully, and ensure that you get proper apparel for the setting you will be stand-paddling in.
And a personal flotation device is among the crucial pieces of safety equipment. The beachwear can help keep you afloat if you fall in and give you peace of mind when you conduct this activity. That way, you can commit yourself to enjoying this situation without having a fear something will go wrong.
Source: watersportspro.co.uk
5. Look ahead, not down
As is the case with any beginner in this activity, you can find it hard to stand straight and look ahead of you. But there is one thing you need to be aware of. Looking at your panel can cause you to lose balance, which is something you would want to avoid, right?
And if you are looking downwards, your head will be facing down, too. We completely understand that it can be challenging for you to look ahead at first. Still, we cannot stress enough how important it is to practice this approach, no matter how many times you need to overcome it.
6. Start slowly, in calm waters
In the beginning, simply make it easy on yourself by starting from a shallow, sandy beach on calm waters. Also, remember only to begin this beach sport once you have achieved to find a good posture.
Source: gopaddling.info
7. Have fun
Mastering or adopting new skills can sometimes get unsatisfying. There’s absolutely no way to master all of them without investing some time and effort. However, paddleboarding is usually nothing but fun. Adopting these skills is nowhere as hard as it may look. So, relax, and you can start thinking about how to have some fun. It is the whole idea of this activity.
In conclusion
We hope our tips for paddleboarding will allow you to have a secure and exciting time in the water and help you be much more skillful as a better paddler. If you still feel scared, consider taking a lesson or two from a pro paddler. Also, remember to get high-quality SUP gear from online stores like CotswoldOutdoor. Here, you can take a look at a couple of tips that can be of much help
