Why am I so wobbly on a paddleboard?
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. It’s a full-body workout not only does paddle boarding work your core muscles, but it also works muscles throughout your entire body. 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.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.Weight loss is a common fitness goal, and paddle boarding can certainly help. Depending on the intensity of your workout, you can burn several hundred calories in an hour of paddle boarding. It’s a physical activity that doesn’t feel like a traditional exercise, which can motivate you to stick with it longer.Plus, the repetitive paddling motion helps tone and strengthen your arm, shoulder, and leg muscles. Mental Focus and Concentration: Paddleboarding requires concentration to stay balanced and navigate the water.
Should you bend your knees when paddle boarding?
Basic Paddle Strokes for Beginners To move forward, place your paddle in the water and take smooth strokes. To change direction, switch sides with your paddle. For sharper turns, use a reverse stroke by planting the paddle in the water and pushing backward. Always keep a slight bend in your knees for balance. It’s a Full-Body Workout Not only does paddle boarding work your core muscles, but it also works muscles throughout your entire body. 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.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.On average, you’ll burn 330 to 460 calories per hour while recreational paddle boarding. That’s twice the calories you’d burn walking your neighborhood! The average, recreational (all around) paddle is done on calm water with light winds at a walking pace.Plant your blade fully in the water before you start to pull. Always assume ready position when paddling. Use your core muscles for all your strokes. Keep your board as quiet as possible.
What size paddle board is best for stability?
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. A board’s length impacts how fast it goes and how easy it is to steer. Longer boards are faster and more stable. But, they can be harder to turn. Shorter boards, like the 12’6, are not as fast but are very nimble.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.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. Width: Look for a board that’s 30 to 34 inches wide. Wider boards provide greater balance, making them perfect for beginners.An 11′ paddle board generally has more to offer when it comes to volume, promising enhanced buoyancy and stability on the water, pushing the “10ft paddle board vs 11ft comparison” further.
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 cheaper inflatable paddle boards in the market tend to be constructed with glued seams which over time and constant inflating, deflating, folding up, and unfolding tend to loosen and cause punctures. This is dangerous. There’s nothing worse than being out on the water and realising that your board is deflating!With proper care and maintenance, a well-built inflatable paddle board can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the lifespan of your iSUP may vary depending on how often you use it, the conditions in which it’s used and stored, and the quality of construction.Foam plugs : Inside the paddle, there are 2 additional flotation blocks allowing the paddle to float. This way, you will have no problem retrieving your paddle if it ends up in the water.