How To Stand Up Paddle Board For Beginners

If you are really into the outdoor lifestyle of having fun and creating exciting memories, then standup paddle boarding will suit you perfectly. 

It is a great way to get some cardio done and an awesome experience, especially if you go with a loved one. But, before you can safely take another person on one of the most thrilling rides on water, you need to understand some basics.

There is no shame in being a beginner. Furthermore, with the right techniques and patience, you can be paddling across the lake with pride in your smile.

Standup paddle boarding is one of the popular water activities you can do during leisure or vacation. It is a fun family activity that can turn into bonding exercises.

Before you learn the ways of standup paddling, there are a few things you need to consider to make things much easier for you as we go on.

Know What Type Of Paddle Board To Use

In understanding how-to standup paddle board, the first element in getting the best out of this activity is having the right gear.

This is beyond the protective gear but the board you will stand on. These boards come in different sizes and shapes that are reserved for different skill levels.

Thus, as a beginner, you have to choose the best paddle board for beginners that provides ample stability before you go on the water. Asides from being a beginner, there are a few things to consider when picking a paddleboard for an ultimate Standup paddling experience.

Furthermore, to enjoy the paddling experience, you need to consider your arm length, height, paddle height above water, and board type.

Know What Type Of Paddle To Use

As there are different types of cupboards, so you have variations in the paddles to use. There are paddles made of plastic, aluminum, carbon fiber, and wood. 

With these variations come a difference in the blades, handles, and shaft. Therefore, ensure that you pick the right paddle that goes well with your height and other preferences.

Get The Right Gear

You must get the right gear for standup paddling. It would help if you had a personal floatation device, Sunglasses, leash, life vest, paddle board bag as the essential equipment for this activity to be thrilling and safe.

How-To Stand-Up Paddle Board

In knowing how-to standup paddle, you will need to go through three stages properly. Firstly, you need to understand how to stand on the paddle board. Secondly, the techniques of balancing the board need to be clear, and finally, how to fall off and get back on the paddle board are the last stage.

Standing

The first thing you want to do is make sure the board's fin is not hitting the bottom when you move the board to the water. Then, just when the board is getting into the water, start with one knee on the board and the other leg ready. It will look like you're getting ready to run a 100m dash.

Gradually get to a vertical base by putting one foot at a time to where your knee was. It would help if you started slowly with your knees bent and your hands on each side of the board to stabilize it.

Then you can stand in the middle of the board. Let your core be centered; you can pretend you are in the army and standing in front of a general. This was what children were learning how to stand enjoyed hearing.

Balancing

The next stage will be balancing; now that you are standing on the paddle board, there might be some form of irregular movement. It may be like there is a storm, and you are the only one feeling; thus, you might fall off.  To prevent that from happening, you should achieve balance by centering your feet in the middle of the board.

Then, it would help if you keep your toes pointing straight, bend your knees a little bit, and always keep your back straight.

If you want to shift your weight, let it be to your waist and avoid staring at your legs. Your focus should be the water ahead, not on the board or your feet.

To complement the balancing stage, we will talk a bit about paddling. This is essential in achieving balance and rhythm while going out in the water. Balancing on a paddle board is not as hard as it might sound. On the other hand, being a wakesurf boarding beginner is usually more challenging.

Paddling

Ensure that the paddle is close to the board's nose and firmly grip the shaft and the T-grip. Different paddling techniques are depending on your skill level and references.

However, beginners learn three basic strokes that will help them in enjoying the standup paddling adventure.

The Forward stroke

As the name implies, it requires the beginner to push the blade below the water's surface and then move the paddle back to your ankle. Beginners should think that they are pulling the board towards the paddle and not the other way around. This helps them to maintain balance and let their torse do the work.

The forward stroke requires strong, firm hands and hand changes when you paddle at different sides of the board. To effectively maintain a straight line, you will need to make strokes on either side of the board while alternating the hands to give a good firm stroke.

Reverse Stroke

This is the opposite of the forward stroke. The difference is, you will need to place the paddle close to the base of the board. Ensure that the paddle is under the surface of the water to allow you to move freely.

Sweep stroke 

This is thrilling to see, but it needs some form of concentration, especially for beginners. The paddle is submerged in the water, but the movement is not as linear as the first strokes. For this, you will be moving the paddle in an arcing motion from the board's nose to the board's tail.

Your shoulders, legs, and hip need to be in perfect harmony for this stroke to be effective. Your shoulders will need to move forward as you rotate your hips and position your legs firmly when you move the paddle.

Falling And Getting Back On The Paddle Board

Since you are still starting the standup paddling lifestyle, there would be some inevitable moments to balance.

Now, at that moment, don't panic; fall to the side so that you fall into the water. Falling on the board can cause some injuries, and no one wants that. Also, make sure you hold onto the board at all times when you fall, not water.

When trying to get back on the board, get to the board's center with one hand on the handle. Let your legs properly you from the water by kicking back the water and sliding yourself back onto the board.

Conclusion

You have to master these elements to become a great paddler. You can start with small lakes and go with a friend to help out in the case. Finally, choose a sunny day to enjoy this adventure and strive to be consistent. The more you try, the better you get at it.