How Hard is Paddle Boarding – A Beginner’s Guide 2023

Paddleboarding is a great way to get fit and enjoy the outdoors. It’s easy to learn how to do and there are many places where you can go paddleboarding. However, if you want to buy your board, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Here are some things to consider before you buy.

In this article, We’re going to learn and discover how hard is paddle boarding. We have tested hundreds of paddle boards and spent more than 150 hours of research and sharing tips and suggestions with you.

Fundamentals of Paddleboarding for 2023

Let’s begin with the fundamentals, one by one:

1. Check to see whether you have the right board first. For those of you beginners, you can get some of the greatest affordable SUP boards right here.
2. Before diving the SUP board, check to make sure the fins stay clear to keep the bothersome sand & stones out.
3. On the board in front of you, position the paddle horizontally.
4. Work on your knees right now. Push for takeoff while kneeling on the board!
5. Continue to be on your knees for the time being. (I know, it seems weird.
6. When you feel comfortable in this pose, try to stand up and get ready to take a look at those clear waters.
7. As you stand up, place one foot in the center of the board at a time. Consider using your hands to help you stay balanced while trying to keep your eyes forward.
8. Make careful you grab the kayak on the way to the top.
9. That’s it! you achieved! To perfect your balance, continue practicing standing up after bending down to one knee.

Is Paddle Boarding Hard? Answer & 4 Tips

Paddle boarding can be challenging for some people, especially if they are new to the sport or have limited upper body strength. However, with practice and proper technique, it can become easier over time. It’s important to start on flat, calm water and work up to rougher conditions as you become more confident and skilled.

Paddle boarding can also be easier if you use the right equipment, such as a larger, more stable board and a properly sized paddle. Overall, paddle boarding can be challenging for some people, but with practice and the right equipment, it can become a fun and enjoyable activity for anyone.

1. Select Calm Water

It’s crucial to start on calm waters while learning to SUP. If you want the open sea, choose a lake and considered the weather conditions.

2. Avoid the Wind as Much as Possible

Assume that the SUP board is supporting a lofty body position. Which appearance does it have? You were right about the money, of course! A sail! In addition to making paddling more challenging, strong winds have the potential to move you in undesirable directions.

You could think, Isn’t the wind usually good for all of us? Will I move faster as a result of it? Yes, until you are forced to paddle backward it against. Unless you choose to return by walking on the beach.

Advice: In the case of a sudden breeze, lie flat just on board & paddle with your hands toward shore.

3. Choose the Proper Size

Yes, size does matter occasionally. The larger the better for novices (again I am so sorry). It’s crucial to get the right-sized board. Your balance will improve on broader boards.

Furthermore, the larger the board (the more float), the more stable it will seem. Discover some fantastic boards that are the ideal match for you here. The 32″ is a good size for every newbie, so go for that.

4. The Paddle’s Position

The manner you hold and utilize the paddle is quite important, even though it could appear self-explanatory. Avoid using it to scoop up water! You’ll become fatigued more quickly as a result of it, and the following day the upper arms will probably be completely numb. The shaft should instead be lowered into the sea.

Recommended reading: Do Kayaks have to be Registered in 2023

Techniques to Make a Splash Are as Follows

I’m not going to lie. You’re going to tumble into the water, it’s certain. many facts can be true no matter how educated you are. You must thus be able to land inside the water without incident. Just be careful to land as far from the board as possible.

You don’t want to be eliminated by your very own board. Additionally, attempt to drop as vertically as you can. Everybody has felt the discomfort of a horizontal landing. Instead, make an effort to have fun; falling is an inevitable aspect of the experience. Consider purchasing the Restube attachment for added security.

Advice: Ignore my vertical fall instructions if you are in rough seas. Your chances of not hitting anything below the surface increase if you collapse with a back and belly flop.

Get a Leash

One of the most important paddle boarding equipment is a leash, especially for those occasions when you might accidentally fall into the water! It will secure you, the board, and anybody else who may be around. You can wear a leash in a variety of ways to feel secure and at ease.

Remember to Have Fun!

Having fun is important because paddle boarding is an interesting outdoor activity. You can probably guess what will happen if you constantly worry that you’re going to fall into the water. However, that is also enjoyable. It’s important to keep this in mind because paddle boarding is simple. It only requires a little practice, like everything else.

Paddle Boarding Advice for Newcomers

There are several typical faults that stand-up paddle boarders make when they are beginning the sport. Here is some more paddle-boarding advice for beginners to help you avoid these errors:

1. Your paddle board will be more stable if you have greater forward motion. It’s similar to riding a bike.
2. To have the most efficient stroke and to enhance your paddling technique, it is crucial to maintain good posture and stance.
3. Keep the SUP from leaning too far forward.
4. Your posture should be straight & unlocked when you are standing.
5. While you’re paddling, avoid looking down. You risk losing balance and falling off your SUP if you do so.
6. Make sure the SUP paddle is totally submerged and the logo is pointing away from you.
7. Pushing backward while dipping the paddle’s blade into the sea will enable you to rotate the paddle board. This causes your SUP to spin. Make sure your feet are firmly planted before doing this.

Using the Paddle Correctly

On the paddle shaft, many novices position their hands too close together or turn the paddle in the wrong direction.

Here’s how to appropriately grip a SUP paddle:

• One hand should be used to grasp the handle’s top.
• Halfway down the shaft, position the other hand.
• To face the front of the paddle board, the blade’s angle should be forward.
• Put the paddle blade 45 degrees out from your body in the water.
• Keep the blade in the water as you slowly and deliberately pull back.
• Maintain a back posture within your body’s limits.
• Change sides by placing the upper hand immediately beneath the hand halfway down.
• Keeping the handle in one hand, move the paddle over the front using the other hand.

The Best Way to Paddle a Board

You must have the ability to paddle forward, backward, and in both directions to become an expert paddle boarder. You can’t predict when a barrier will cross your path or when the wind may swerve you. The only method to control your paddle board is to direct it with your paddle.

Moving Forward

Pull from the front to the rear as you alternate side strokes.

Backward Paddling

Swipe backward while rotating your paddle.

Taking a Left

Adding additional strokes will cause the paddle board’s nose to move to the left. Alternatively, paddle backward on the board’s left side.

Taking a Right

Make additional strokes on the paddle board’s left side to turn it to the right. Alternatively, paddle backward on the board’s right side.

Stopping

Alternately, paddle backward along both of the board’s sides while paddling less often.

Reduce Your Speed

Either glide instead of paddling and pull the paddle across the water.

Types of Paddle Boards Exist

Paddleboards come in a variety of sizes & lengths. You need to consider several factors before you buy a board, although you might believe it is as simple as picking the one you like most or which one is the cheapest.

Consider the following before purchasing a board:

• The size
• The height
• Your level of experience

Consider where you want to utilize the board as well as the kind of paddle board you’ll require. Are you going to the beach with your board, or are you going to stay at the still lakes?

Various Boards for Various Types of Water

Paddle boards, like automobiles, exist in a variety of variants designed for certain applications. The diversity of paddle boards has increased along with the popularity of the sport. Unlike race boards, lake boards are different. Even while inflatable boards are growing in popularity, not everyone may find them to be suitable.

Think about how you’ll use the board while selecting it.

Paddle boards for Surfing

Shorter, with a tip on either end and a slightly curved bottom, for ocean/waves.

Flatwater Paddle Boards

For lakes or calm water, the bottom should be broader, flat, and pointed.

Paddleboard Race

Use in competitions; long, extremely thin, with points on both ends.

All-Purpose Paddle Board

All sorts of water; perfect for novices, with rounded corners, a wide body, as well as a flat bottom.

Inflatable Paddle Board

For lakes and calm water; portable; preferable for lightweight people.

Boards with Several Uses

With a removable seat & footrest, it can function as both a kayak or a paddle board.

How to Easily Enjoy Paddling with Friends

The maxim “the more the merrier” applies to both life & SUP.

Paddling with Friends

When you’re paddling with others, be careful you’re sharing your feelings properly. Beginning on your knees and sitting down will help you to synchronize your balance. As you gradually increase your standing height on the board, you may stand up together. Be ready for lots of giggles & falls along the road as it takes time for the group to find their groove on the board. As it is challenging to coordinate paddle strokes, having more than one person paddling at once might result in damage.

Paddling with Animals

Your pet should get familiar with the paddle board on land before you take him out on the water. To help them become accustomed to it, leave it out in the house for a few days. Then, teach them how to maintain a strong grip on the board. To enjoy yourself without stressing about the pet’s safety, make sure their (PFD) personal flotation device fits them snugly.

What makes Paddle Boarding a great exercise

You might decide to revoke your gym membership after reading this. Whatever your level of fitness, paddle boarding is a fantastic full-body exercise. Due to its emphasis on strength, balance, core stability, and endurance, it burns more calories per hour than most sports.

Despite your paddle for pleasure, visit SUP touring, SUP surfing, SUP touring, SUP race, and engage in SUP yoga, you will surely receive a decent workout. Anyone, from newbies to specialists, with any degree of fitness, may use paddleboarding.

Your shoulders, back, and arms need to be constantly used when paddle surfing to propel the paddle board through the water. The back, core, and leg muscles must also continually maintain balance. This movement pattern may be maintained for a while at a regular rate to provide excellent exercise.

Recommended reading: How To Train For Kayaking: Top 6 Proven Exercises 101

If you want to get more fitness, improve your paddling speed & time. We’ve thought of 5 enjoyable ways to become healthy on a paddle board for people who enjoy a break from their daily paddling.

Advantages Of Paddle Boarding Include:

• Enhances overall equilibrium.
• It connects you to nature.
• Stress reduction.
• Increases endurance and stamina.
• Gives you the opportunity to spend a good time with loved ones, family, or friends.

FAQs

Final Verdict: How Hard is Paddle Boarding

To summarize why and how hard is paddle boarding; paddling is a wonderfully interesting sport. There are a ton of choices available, including fishing, SUP yoga, cruising, & surfing. You may paddle board on the open sea, lakes, and rivers. You do this by yourself, along with pals, family, or your new puppy.

It is simple to learn how to paddle board, but it takes more practice to become an expert at it. If you want any additional tips, tactics, and general suggestions, please leave a message here! I always look forward to our conversations!