What is the trick to paddle boarding?
Forward Stroke 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. 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.Not at all. Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the most beginner-friendly water sports out there. Because it’s a low impact sport, it’s accessible for all ages. With the right board, calm conditions, and a little guidance, most people are up and paddling within their first session.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.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.
Do I need a licence to paddle board in the UK?
Yes, you do need a licence to use a paddleboard on a canal. If you try stand-up paddleboarding with a club, they will arrange the licence for you. If you want to go on your own, have a look at our short term licences. Our 30-day licence can be used on 30 different days throughout the year. It’s a common misconception that you can paddle board freely anywhere with no limitations but in the UK this isn’t the case. As you will see below, while there are plenty of free waterways and bodies of water you can traverse without limitations, some managed waters do require a licence.Yes you can paddleboard on the Thames or use any type of craft on the non-tidal River Thames between Cricklade Bridge and Teddington Lock, and the short section of the tidal River Thames between Teddington Lock and the Port of London Authority’s boundary, including backwaters and marinas.
Is it hard to fall off a paddleboard?
Falling off your paddle board is bound to happen, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler. It’s part of the adventure and can even be a fun part of learning. However, knowing how to fall correctly can help you avoid injuries and make your paddling experience more enjoyable. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) might look easy, but it’s not always so. Things like wind, waves, and trying to go straight, even taking extra stuff with you, can throw off your balance. Yet, learning to stay steady in these tough spots is how you make sure your time on water is fun and safe.Avoid offshore winds. They will quickly blow your paddleboard far out to sea, which can make it extremely tiring and difficult to paddle back to shore. Avoid launching in windy conditions. You should wear a suitable personal flotation device.Face the right way So before you jump on the paddle board, check where the fins are and make sure they are in the back when you paddle! Fins at the back help keep the board straight while you paddle, this is called tracking, and help with grip while you surf waves.Many beginners start in a kneeling position before transitioning to standing as they develop their paddle board technique. Alternatively, if you’re just chilling out on your SUP, there’s nothing better than sitting and dangling your feet in the water on a hot, sunny day.
Is paddle boarding easy for beginners?
While paddle boarding does look simple, there can be a steep learning curve for beginners. Just balancing on the board and paddling in a straight line can be extremely difficult if you don’t know what you are doing. Increases core strength – Stand Up Paddle Boarding engages your core muscles and builds abdominal strength and lean muscle tone, while at the same time strengthening arms, legs, back, and shoulders.Recreational paddle boarders cruise leisurely, it typically has the average paddle board speed mph between 3. This comfortable speed allows for sightseeing, enjoying the scenery, and chatting with fellow paddlers. While not focused on racing, it still provides a gentle workout.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.In summary, it can take anywhere from 2-4 hours of practice to become comfortable on a stand up paddleboard, but with regular practice and a lesson from a certified instructor, you can master the basics in less time.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.
How long should a paddle board be for beginners?
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. 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. Longer boards offer more stability and a smoother glide, while shorter boards are easier to manoeuvre.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.In general, longer boards are faster than shorter boards, but shorter boards are more maneuverable. Keep in mind your intended use when deciding what length SUP to buy: Short boards (under 10′) are great for surfing and/or kids.