When not to paddleboard?
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. 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.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.Increased Stability: For beginners, standing up can feel a bit intimidating. Sitting lowers your center of gravity, making the board more stable. This is especially useful in choppy waters or when adjusting to your board. Even more experienced paddlers sit on windy days.It’s a great way to stay active, connect with nature, and have some fun on the water. With the right mindset, precautions, and instruction, anyone can learn to paddle board. This awesome sport is open to all to enjoy. Learn to paddle board over the age of 60 or 70 and inspire others.
Should I 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. Shoes are optional for paddleboarding, as going barefoot can give you a more natural feel and better grip on the board. However, specially designed water shoes or neoprene boots can protect your feet in colder water or rocky areas.
What is the difference between a paddleboard and a SUP board?
SUP Equipment The Board: A stand-up paddleboard is larger, wider, and generally more buoyant than a traditional paddleboard. It ranges between 9 and 12 feet in length and is designed to support a standing rider. 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.Longer paddleboards (11’–14′) glide better and track straighter. Shorter paddleboards (9’–10’6”) are easier to turn. If you’re between two lengths, shorter paddleboards are easier to carry and turn quickly in the water, while longer paddleboards feel track straighter, but may be harder to turn.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.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.
Is a longer or shorter paddleboard better?
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. The Mistral Lidl Inflatable SUP Board is the perfect choice for beginners who want to learn to paddle or for those who want to catch small waves. The wide and stable board has an anti-slip surface, which provides comfort and safety while paddling.Medium boards (10′ to 12′) are ideal for all-around use and for SUP yoga. Most of these boards have planing hulls, but sometime you’ll find a displacement-hull SUP at this length. Long boards (12’6 and above) are great for fast paddling and long-distance touring.Body type: Try to match the width of the SUP to your body type. In general, if you’re a small person, go with a narrower board and if you’re a big person, go with a wider board. This is because a smaller person can generally find their balance on a narrow board, whereas a bigger person may struggle to do so.The most popular SUP boards for general use are 10-11 feet in length and between 32 and 34 inches wide. If stability is a high priority for you, you’ll want to look for a board that is 33-34 inches wide. You can go wider, but you may end up with a board that is sluggish and less fun to paddle.The best paddle board is the Bote Wulf Aero. It’s an inflatable SUP that manages to be portable, super stable, and easy to maneuver. Plus, it’s half the price of similarly performing boards. If you’re on a tight budget, check out the Advenor Extra Wide.