How do I choose a paddle board?
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. Is Paddle Boarding Hard? Paddle boarding is not hard and is considered relatively easy to learn because paddlers can learn enough to have fun in no time with just a little effort. Anyone can learn to handle a SUP board in a short amount of time.Self-teaching sup is feasible: many beginners can learn paddleboarding without formal lessons, thanks to its straightforward and accessible nature. When to consider lessons: group activities or advancing specific skills might benefit from professional guidance.Falling into the water and not being efficiently prepared or trained can cause major issues for those taking part in SUP. Weather conditions can also make paddle boarding difficult and could hamper participants being able to return to the board fully.Heatstroke and dehydration. One of the most significant dangers when stand-up paddleboarding is that of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heat exhaustion happens when your body overheats from a combination of hot weather and prolonged physical activity.It’s important to remember that, as with any watersport, stand up paddle boarding alone can be dangerous, especially if you get into difficulty. If deciding to head out alone, you need to think carefully about the location where you will be paddling.
How do I know what size paddle I need?
Figuring out the right size (length) of paddle is surprisingly straightforward. The wider your boat is, the longer your paddle needs to be. Your height is also a factor, especially for a narrower boat: Taller paddlers need longer paddles. No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddle board, you’re going to fall into the water at some point. Even the most experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time.The general rule: the shortest paddle that allows you to properly reach the water is best. In the middle of their stroke, most paddlers hold the grip so that their top hand is about the height of their nose, and the point where the paddle blade meets the shaft (the throat or shoulder) is at the water line.Arms. You can’t hold a paddle without your arm muscles, and paddle boarding is a really effective workout for your arms. The triceps and biceps are the main sources of power when you paddle.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.Also – keep your paddle near the water and ready to help provide a bracing stroke to help you balance. Not only does this naturally lower your centre of gravity, but the paddle in the water forms a third point in a ‘triangle of stability’ that makes you much more difficult to spill off the board.
What size paddle board do I need for my height?
The GILI 12’6” Meno Touring Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board is an excellent example of this. You should add 10 – 12 inches to your height when choosing the perfect size SUP board for touring and racing. Ideally, your chosen touring board will be over 12 feet long. The features that make a particular paddle board best for beginners are stability, versatility, and ease of use. These needs are most likely to be met with a board that is inflatable, is no more than 5 inches thick, approximately 32”-34” in width, and a generally rounded or gently curved outline akin to a surfboard.Stand up paddle boarding is an incredibly easy water sport to learn, and you can become an expert paddle boarder in no time. People of all ages and fitness levels are capable of learning to paddle board in just a few hours with proper instruction.If you’re a beginner in paddle boarding, you’ll want a longer and broader board, between 10 and 12 feet in length and 30 to 32 inches in width. This size will give you better stability, allowing you to balance and handle the board.Paddle boarding can be hard to balance if your board is too small for your size, if the water is choppy, if you’re looking around or moving your body around a lot, or if your stance is incorrect.
How do I choose my first paddle board?
When choosing a stand-up paddleboard (SUP), it’s important to consider the size, shape, and weight capacity of the board to match your needs. For beginners, stability is key. Generally, a longer and wider board offers better balance: Length: A board between 10 to 12 feet is ideal for most adults. For everyday paddling, it’s a great idea to wear water shoes when you’re launching your board to keep your feet protected while on land. And once you’re safely paddling in the ocean or bay, it’s easy to take them off and store them under the bungee on the front of your board until it’s time to return to shore.What to wear on your feet whilst paddle boarding is very much a personal preference but having options can help you make the right decision for you. Paddling barefoot can be a really nice sensation and can feel like you’re at one with the board especially in the warmer weather. This comes with risks though.In summary, a SUP and a paddle board refer to the same watercraft used for the sport of stand-up paddleboarding. SUP refers slightly more to the activity, of actually standing, rather than solely the board being used.When deciding what to wear on your feet for paddleboarding, you ideally want quick-drying, lightweight footwear that offers excellent grip on wet surfaces like docks, rocks, and your board. The best fishing shoes often make the best SUP shoes.In fact, paddle boarding can be a great low-impact exercise for people of all ages. As we age, it’s important to stay active and maintain our muscle strength and balance. Paddle boarding can help with both. Plus, it’s a fun and enjoyable way to get some exercise in.
Can you sit down on a paddleboard?
The answer is yes! Sitting on a paddle board is not only allowed but can be a comfortable and practical way to enjoy your time on the water. Perhaps you want to take a break, enjoy the scenery, have a picnic on your paddle board, or paddle at a more leisurely pace. 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.Windy Conditions Winds above 15 mph are generally not recommended for paddle boarding. Paddle Technique: Learn and practice proper paddle techniques to navigate windy conditions more effectively. Stay Close to Shore: In strong winds, it’s safer to stay close to the shoreline to avoid being blown off course.It’s important to remember that, as with any watersport, stand up paddle boarding alone can be dangerous, especially if you get into difficulty. If deciding to head out alone, you need to think carefully about the location where you will be paddling. Will it be a static spot? Or are you going on a journey or loop?Public lakes, rivers, and coastal areas also often welcome paddle boarders, but it’s always wise to check for any specific guidelines or restrictions. For inspiration on where to head next, make sure to take a look at our guide exploring the UK’s best paddle boarding locations to spark ideas for your next journey.
Am I too old to paddle board?
A Love of Paddle Boarding Knows No Age Limit. If you’ve ever thought to yourself, “I just don’t think I could stand up on a paddle board,” or, “I’m too old for that,” think again! ROCKER paddlers range in age from young kids to senior explorers, all finding joy in living their best lives on the water. Here’s the deal: paddle boarding is not hard. Just about anyone with a board who is willing to learn can get a handle a SUP in no time. Even if you don’t consider yourself particularly sporty, you’ll have no trouble figuring it out. You don’t even have to stand the whole time if you don’t want to!