Why am I so wobbly on a paddleboard?
The shaky leg sensation when paddleboarding mainly affects beginner riders and can put be down to several reasons; challenging conditions, under-inflated boards, inadequate equipment, nerves, incorrect stance, or incorrect technique. While there are some folks out there who subscribe to the mantra “buy once, cry one” and tend to go all in on new activities and hobbies, it’s not necessary to do so with stand up paddle boarding. There are good, affordable SUP choices out there. However, there is a lower limit to what’s worth buying as well.Stand up paddle boarding is an excellent full-body workout, meaning, it works all the muscles in your body – your shoulders, chest, back, core, arms and legs.The Board: Traditional paddleboards are longer and narrower than SUP boards, typically between 12 to 19 feet long, making them more hydrodynamic. These boards are designed for either prone (lying flat) or kneeling positions and require a high level of balance and core strength.Plus, the repetitive paddling motion helps tone and strengthen your arm, shoulder, and leg muscles. Mental Focus and Concentration: Paddleboarding requires concentration to stay balanced and navigate the water.
Am I too fat to paddle board?
The real world shows us that paddle boarders come in all shapes and sizes and people over 50 kg can play too. To anyone who is big-boned, burly, extremely tall or just plain overweight, there is a board for you. Whilst not the most efficient way to lose weight, paddleboarding is a good and fun way to contribute to weight loss, and increase overall strength at the same time. If you’re of average build, then paddleboarding for 1 hour will burn 300 calories. That’s the equivalent of running for approximately 30 minutes.Labelled as the best paddle board for beginners, the Waterwalker 132 11′ All-Around Paddle Board is designed to be a stable SUP and an easy paddle board for anyone starting their journey.As a general rule, paddlers up to 95kg should consider a board no wider than 32 while those above 95kg should look at one that’s either 33 or 34 wide. Length – SUP length will have the greatest effect on a paddleboards glide as well as its agility ie: ability to make quick turns.Paddle boarding is an effective and enjoyable way to lose weight and improve your overall fitness. By incorporating structured workouts, interval training, and SUP yoga into your routine, you can burn calories, build muscle, and enhance your cardiovascular health.Although falling off your paddle board can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that even the most experienced of paddle boarders will fall off every now and again and it is all part of the process of learning.
What to know before buying a paddle board?
Determine your stand up paddle board size based on your weight and paddle boarding experience. Think of your ideal board size in terms of volume. The wider, longer, and thicker the board, the more volume and weight capacity it will have. The more volume the board has, the more stable it will be on the water. To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness.Generally, the 11′ paddle boards can shoulder more weight, making them the ideal choice for slightly larger paddlers or those carrying additional gear. A 10′ board, while it has a lower weight capacity, still manages to handle a reasonable load and is a great fit for smaller paddlers.The length of your paddle board is a good indicator of what your SUP can and can’t withstand from and activity and water-type standpoint. Longer paddle boards are typically faster, whereas shorter ones are more maneuverable and responsive.When learning how to surf, it is important to first understand that you want to start riding on a board that is known as a ‘funshape’ or a ‘longboard’, preferably one that is around 8-9ft in length, as these are the best beginner surfboards.These boards offer the most speed compared to 10′ and 11′ boards. Paddle boards that are 12 feet and over commonly have displacement hulls, so they can go much faster.
What’s a good price for a paddle board?
Stand-up paddle boards can vary in price, ranging from about $200 to around $3000. If you are lucky, you will also have a chance to find a quality board for under $500. The paddle board price is generally influenced by materials, brand, size, features, and construction quality. To find the right stand up paddle board for you, consider how you’re going to use it, how it will fit your body and how you want it to handle in the water. The key decision points will be the shape of the board, getting the correct volume and capacity, as well as the proper length, width and thickness.Keep your arms straight and twist from your torso as you paddle. Push down on the paddle grip with your top hand rather than pulling the paddle back with your lower arm. It’s helpful for some people to think of pulling the board past the paddle rather than pulling the paddle through the water.
Should I get a 10ft or 11ft paddle board?
Generally, the 11′ paddle boards can shoulder more weight, making them the ideal choice for slightly larger paddlers or those carrying additional gear. A 10′ board, while it has a lower weight capacity, still manages to handle a reasonable load and is a great fit for smaller paddlers. Rigidity = Stability + Performance An inflatable paddle board isn’t just “a balloon with a fin. At least, it shouldn’t be. A high-quality board feels rock-solid underfoot. Cheap ones flex, wobble, or feel spongy—especially under heavier paddlers.Generally, the 11′ paddle boards can shoulder more weight, making them the ideal choice for slightly larger paddlers or those carrying additional gear. A 10′ board, while it has a lower weight capacity, still manages to handle a reasonable load and is a great fit for smaller paddlers.Longer paddle boards are key if you’ve got the need for speed (or distance). Their ability to carve through the water with their narrower shape and speedy efficiency adds up throughout long distances. Anything above 12′ is typically a good bet for long-distance paddling, racing, or training.Length: A board between 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most adults. Longer boards offer more stability and a smoother glide, while shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre. Width: Look for a board that’s 30 to 34 inches wide. Wider boards provide greater balance, making them perfect for beginners.Inflatable paddle boards are more convenient as they’re easier to store and transport. But a traditional hard paddle board—while not the most convenient—offers much better performance by having more agility and superior glide on the water.