Paddleboarding for beginners: important tips for an easy start

In recent years, paddleboarding has found its way into a trendy hobby. Paddleboards can often be rented in many swimming spots, but people are so enthusiastic about the hobby that more and more prefer to buy the boards for themselves. It is a low-threshold activity that does not require extraordinary skills.

In all its versatility, paddleboarding can be both an effective sport and a moment of peaceful relaxation. Many practice yoga on their SUP boards or even discover the underwater world in the calm and clear waters. Paddleboarding has become a straightforward way of life for many people. On the board, body balance and muscles can develop almost unnoticed, but many also engage in effective, heart rate-raising sweat workouts.

Paddleboarding is suitable for people of almost any age or condition.

Below, we give the beginner tips on how to try this water sport so that the first time on the board runs as smoothly as possible and there is no room for doubt.

The paddleboard and the balance

SUP stands for stand-up paddling. However, this does not oblige anyone to stand. The board can initially be explored while sitting in complete peace so that the techniques of kayaking become familiar. Some old veterans also paddle sitting – admiring and relaxing.

It is always a good idea to get up from your knees so that your head does not bump into anything in the event of a fall. Stand in a sturdy crotch position in the middle of the board. This is the best balance point on the board and this is where you should set your body every time. Many first-timers are afraid of the instability and swaying of the board, but the fear is completely unfounded! You can get a feel for the real stability of the board by carefully shifting its weight from side to side. It is not advisable to let the knees lock in a straight line, but it is a good idea to keep them a little flexible at all times.

The paddleboard and its use

The paddle should be approximately twenty centimeters longer than its wearer. It takes a decent wide grip, with one hand on the paddle handle and the other on the handle. Don’t hold the handle with both hands. Immerse the entire paddle shoulder in the water, as the movement is much slower and smoother when it is only half submerged. Make the most of your middle body in the movement, not just your hands. This puts more strength into the movement and makes the rush a more effective full-body workout, even if it’s not your goal. Simply maintaining balance on the board will develop the muscles of your middle body and legs. It would be a good idea to make more efforts on the other side before changing the kayaking side, so the board slides faster and faster.

Security and equipment

While paddling, you may move even in deep waters, so safety is of course paramount. The board itself floats, which already brings certain security. It is attached with a string to the paddleboarder’s ankle so that it does not escape when he may fall off the board. Without a runaway strap, you shouldn’t go out into the water at all, because if the board goes with the wind, a paddleboarder is in real trouble. Floating vests are also a good solution, especially for those who doubt their swimming skills. However, falling off the board is not common, as they are typically fairly stable to move as long as the paddleboarder himself acts responsibly and avoids good distances from other paddleboarders, for example. The beach should also be close enough to get there relatively quickly, for example when a thunderstorm strikes.

Being prepared for the weather is an essential thing when paddleboarding but there are a few other important things. For a longer kayaking trip, you can even pack a decent lunch, and for example, getting a waterproof backpack is a good investment as well. At the very least, it would be a good idea to always bring a bottle of water with you, because, as said earlier, SUP boarding can become a workout. When the sun is shining, it should definitely be accompanied by headgear and sunscreen with a high protection factor, which should also be used at regular intervals when paddling for a long time. The surface of the water reflects the sun’s rays a lot, which greatly increases the risk of burns. Sunglasses may also be good to grab along for the same reason.

Although most of the body is covered in cooler weather, it is still good to protect exposed skin with sunscreen. You can paddle well in the water all year round, and even in winter, it does not require any special arrangements other than warmer clothes. Drysuits are sold by almost all shops specializing in water sports and hiking. It would be good to have a merino wool layer, for example, especially in the harshest winter frosts.

That’s it! Every beginning can be tough but paddling is so much fun, so don’t hesitate to try this awesome activity and share your impressions!