What is a paddle board?
Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport born from surfing with modern roots in Hawaii. Standup paddleboarders stand on boards that are floating on the water and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. You can paddle board if you can’t swim, but it isn’t recommended, and it will hamper your SUP experience. You have to do it in shallow, calm waters, about waist-deep and with an instructor present. Deeper waters will require swimming skills, like how to tread water and hold your breath – skills that you may not have.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. Even if you’re not very athletic, you can still figure it out without any trouble.Anyone, Any Age, Any Size Can Paddle Board No matter your skill level, and even if you’re a big guy, paddle boarding is a great sport that every person should try out at least once. Your size or how much you weigh will not impact the level of enjoyment you have while out paddle boarding.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.Stand up paddleboards are generally faster than kayaks, as they have a longer waterline and can glide more easily through the water. This makes them ideal for exploring open water, such as lakes, rivers, or even the ocean. Kayaks, however, are easier to steer in tight spaces.
Is it safe to paddle board?
Be aware of your environment and hazards. Strong tidal currents could make it difficult to paddle in your chosen direction or even be unpredictable making you tire quickly. It’s always advisable to understand the location you are paddling in as this will really help your SUPing experience. Only paddle in light winds. Strong wind can make paddleboarding much harder, especially on an inflatable SUP. Winds strength over 10knots/12mph/3Bf) are best avoided. DO NOT paddle if there is a risk of thunder/lightening.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.Mid Tide. Due to the shifting nature of the water, mid tide is not the best time to paddle board. Due to the fact that the water is shifting between high and low tide, strong currents tend to form which makes balancing your board very difficult. Even for an experienced paddler, mid tide is definitely something to avoid .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.
How much does a paddle board cost?
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. 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.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.While paddle boarding can be a peaceful and solitary activity, it is important to avoid paddling alone if possible. If you do choose to paddle alone, it is important to let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and to bring a cell phone or other means of communication in case of emergency.A stand up paddleboarder not only has fun, but also enjoys a great healthy physical activity that is easy to learn. It’s an awesome workout as even a relaxing recreational outing ends up burning between 305 to 430 calories every hour a paddler is out on the water.
Can you paddle board without lessons?
While it’s possible to paddle board without taking lessons, there are undeniable benefits to seeking instruction from a certified instructor. From learning proper technique and building confidence to prioritising safety and choosing the right equipment, paddle boarding lessons can set you up for success 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!Although stand up paddle boarding is generally considered a safe sport, anything that involves water can become inherently dangerous if safe practice isn’t followed. Having a safety conscious mindset before you approach the board and hit the water is a good way to avoid potential dangers once you’re out there.Paddleboarding Is Easy To Learn Beginners can get straight into the water and start having fun. In contrast, those new to surfing must take the time to learn basic techniques before they can even enter the water. Surfers must learn to properly swim, paddle, and dive while paying close attention to wave conditions.Although wearing a helmet is not mandatory while paddleboarding, it is highly recommended if you are paddling in areas with potential hazards such as rocks, reefs, or other obstacles, or are experimenting with the more extreme whitewater paddling.Young kids who don’t yet have the coordination to paddle themselves and control a SUP board, or those who aren’t confident swimmers, should start as a passenger on your board. Choose a larger, very stable board for this. Some children may be ready for their own board as young as 5 or 6.
Can 2 adults go on a paddle board?
To paddle with two people, you need a suitable paddle board, and it is often advisable to take an inflatable paddle board for two people. It will be necessary to have the right gestures not to hurt yourself, but also not to damage the sup board. While technically possible, paddle boards are not designed for two people. A person’s ability to stand above the water on a paddle board is due to its volume. A paddle board’s volume is measured in Liters and the more volume a board has.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.So, if like many, you’re looking for a more relaxed approach to your paddling some days, you may be wondering “can you sit on a paddle board? The answer to this question is “yes, absolutely! Sitting on a paddle board really is a thing, and it’s a great way to make the most of your time on the water.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.Can I use a 2 person paddle board for solo paddling? Absolutely! Though designed for two, these stand up paddle boards can be maneuvered solo. You’ll enjoy the added space and stability, but be prepared for a slightly different paddling experience due to its size.
Is it OK to paddle board alone?
While paddle boarding can be a peaceful and solitary activity, it is important to avoid paddling alone if possible. If you do choose to paddle alone, it is important to let someone know where you are going and when you will be back, and to bring a cell phone or other means of communication in case of emergency. 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. Even if you’re not very athletic, you can still figure it out without any trouble.Location It’s important to pick a safe location when paddle boarding at night. Avoid paddling in the ocean at night because it’s unpredictable and you face some serious threats when dealing with limited visibility. The best locations to paddle at night are bays, lakes or harbors.Allows you to explore. Perfect for those that love an outdoor adventure, paddle boarding allows you to explore rivers, lakes and seas. This adventurous activity is a great way to reach secluded coves and untouched river banks that would be otherwise unreachable.Many of us start our paddle boarding session by kneeling. While kneeling, you will work your abs, shoulders, arms, and back. When in the prone position of lying down, your triceps and biceps do the brunt of the work, as do your shoulders.Paddleboarding can get you ripped because it strengthens your upper body and core muscles.
What is the point of paddle boarding?
It’s a fantastic full-body workout and an excellent way to experience the beauty of the outdoors. Paddleboarding is perfect for people of all ages, body types and skill levels and it can be as exciting or calming as you’d like to make it. 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.Stand up paddle boarding is considered ‘easy’ because paddlers of all shapes, sizes, and ages can learn enough to start having fun in no time with just a little bit of effort.BENEFIT #1: SUP is a low-impact activity that reduces wear and tear on your body. BENEFIT #2: Paddling provides an intense, full body workout. BENEFIT #3: Stand up paddleboarding is excellent for cardiovascular health. BENEFIT #4: Paddling is an outstanding way to strengthen your core muscles.Don’t be fooled by the labeling— stand up paddle boards are perfectly suited for sitting down. In fact, it’s pretty common! Plus, sitting on your paddle board can still be a great workout. Of course, it can also be an easy picnic paddle.Paddleboarding is a great way to experience the outdoors, and it’s also a good form of exercise. If you’re just starting out, there are plenty of SUP beginner sessions available all over the UK. You can also read our SUP Guide for Beginners, with lots of handy tips to help you get started.