Do you pump up or down on a paddle board?
Turn the SUP board valve stem to the CLOSED (UP) position. This may seem counterintuitive, but it works because a closed SUP valve has a rubber stopper on a spring that allows pressurized air to push through the valve while preventing air from coming back out. Pump, pump, pump and you’ll see the gauge needle dance around a bit. Once you reach 12-15psi, the needle will hold it’s position a little better, however, the gauge will only read while you are pumping and the air is being pushed into the board.The valve needs to be in the closed position which is done by putting the spring loaded pin in the up right position before you begin pumping to avoid the air coming out when you have finished pumping.Use the Gauge on Your Hand Pump Most manual pumps have a built-in pressure gauge, but here’s the catch, it doesn’t start moving right away. You typically won’t see any action on the dial until you’ve pumped to at least 1 PSI.For all Tower paddle boards, a PSI of at least 10 should be reached: You should find the last 30-40 pumps to be fairly difficult, but it’s worthwhile to get it to full inflation. Note that the gauge that comes with our pump will not register the air pressure until the board is at at least 7 PSI.
How to know when a paddle board is fully inflated?
Your paddle board is fully inflated when it feels firm to the touch and does not flex under pressure. Most boards have a recommended PSI, typically around 12-15 PSI, which you can check using the gauge on your pump. The best inflatable stand-up paddle board PSI level is anywhere from 10 to 15. Most people inflate their board to about 10 to 12 PSI. A higher PSI will help if you are riding in cold or choppy water. If you need a bit more stability, try increasing the PSI of your board as well.Generally speaking, we’d suggest aiming for 15-22 PSI. This should ensure that your board reaches the levels of stiffness required for optimum stability, without you having to exert too much effort inflating your board or battle resistance from the valve when deflating it.For all-round boards , or boards that you use for multiple purposes, an air pressure of 10-17 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) is recommended. For race boards , the air pressure is slightly higher, about 15-20 PSI.Your paddle board is fully inflated when it feels firm to the touch and does not flex under pressure. Most boards have a recommended PSI, typically around 12-15 PSI, which you can check using the gauge on your pump.
Do you wear water shoes when paddle boarding?
While you can certainly paddleboard barefoot, a good pair of water shoes will keep your feet better protected when getting in and out of the water, especially along rocky shores. It might sound like paddle boarding only helps to build arm muscles, but actually, it is a whole-body workout that uses plenty of muscle groups. It can really work your shoulder, back and leg muscles, and it engages your core muscles too, so is also a great core workout.The conditions you’ll be paddle boarding in should also guide your footwear choice. For colder weather and water conditions, opt for insulating footwear like surf booties. On the other hand, if you’re paddle boarding in a local lake or calm flat water during summer, water shoes or even barefoot might be the way to go.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.When stand-up paddleboarding in warm summer temperatures, you’re likely to also spend some time in the water cooling off, so you may want to wear a swimsuit or swim trunks too.Yes, paddleboarding is good for you because you’re moving your body. Those who want an extra workout can try adding yoga poses like side planks or sun salutations, gym moves like squats or Russian twists or raise their heart rate with HIIT intervals of fast paddling.
What should I inflate my paddle board to?
Generally speaking, we’d suggest aiming for 15-22 PSI. This should ensure that your board reaches the levels of stiffness required for optimum stability, without you having to exert too much effort inflating your board or battle resistance from the valve when deflating it. For all-round boards , or boards that you use for multiple purposes, an air pressure of 10-17 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) is recommended. For race boards , the air pressure is slightly higher, about 15-20 PSI.Generally speaking, we’d suggest aiming for 15-22 PSI. This should ensure that your board reaches the levels of stiffness required for optimum stability, without you having to exert too much effort inflating your board or battle resistance from the valve when deflating it.
Can you paddle board without getting wet?
If you want to get on your paddle board without getting wet, we suggest this method: Find a launching point with a quick drop-off from the shore into deeper water. Set your paddle board down with its nose on the shore. Walk onto your board, and turn around to face the nose. Paddleboarding isn’t just fun; it’s a fantastic full-body workout that enhances your strength, stamina, and balance. As you glide across the water, every paddle stroke works your arms, back, and shoulders, while your core constantly engages to keep you balanced.Carrying your belongings on a paddle board can be done using a dry bag, a waterproof backpack, or a bungee cord system. A dry bag is ideal for keeping your belongings dry, while a waterproof backpack allows you to carry more items and distribute the weight evenly on your back.One way to keep your phone dry while paddleboarding is to put it in a waterproof case. This will ensure that if you happen to fall in the water, your phone will stay dry. There are a variety of waterproof cases, especially for popular phones like iPhones and Androids.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.
How to paddle board for the first time?
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. Not keeping your knees loose You should have a very slight bend in your knees when you paddle and keep your legs loose and limber. Your knees become shock absorbers which help will stop you pivoting too far forwards or backwards at the hips.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. And while you’re getting fit, you get to be outside, in the sun, enjoying beautiful views and the sounds of nature.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. So, if you’re feeling wobbly, don’t worry about it and remember, SUP is a watersport, so it’s OK to get wet.Just like paddle boarding, kayaking makes you feel as if you’re one with the water. Kayaks go faster than paddle boards, and they work the shoulders and arms. Like paddle boards, you’ll experience that sense of tranquility with nature as you leave shore.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.
Is paddleboarding good exercise?
It’s a Full-Body Workout The muscles in your arms, shoulders, and back engage when you paddle through the water, your knee muscles help to propel you forward and your leg muscles work hard to keep you balanced. Whenever you make a paddle stroke and bend your knees, an array of muscles in your lower and upper legs are worked. These include your lower calf, upper calf, abductors, hamstrings, quads and your glutes. Your quads work in collaboration with your hamstrings to ensure stability as well as flexibility of the knee joint.Self-Teaching SUP is Feasible: Many beginners can learn paddleboarding without formal lessons, thanks to its straightforward and accessible nature.Paddleboarding provides a full body workout Research has shown that regular practice can build core stability and strength, aid aerobic fitness and positively benefit body composition.