Paddle Boarding 101: SUP Tips for Beginners
- Posted on
- By Ski Shack
- Posted in Paddle Sports
Studies show that exercising outdoors is great not only for your physical health but for your mental health as well. Paddle boarding is a low-impact, full-body workout that you can do in nature and doesn’t require a lot of equipment to get started. Here is our guide to everything you need to know about paddle boarding.
Choose your paddle board
First of all, there are two main types of paddle board construction: hard and inflatable. Traditional, hard paddle boards deliver optimal performance. That optimal performance makes them better for surfing, racing, and long-distance expeditions. Inflatable boards have been gaining popularity in recent years because they are more durable and easier to transport.
When it comes down to it, the main deciding factor between these two types is usually storage and transportation. Hard boards are best if you have a large vehicle, one with racks, and have the space to store the board since they are so big. Also, these boards tend to cost more than their inflatable counterpart.
Inflatable boards are great if you don’t have a large vehicle or the space to store the board. And the setup of this type of board is a breeze. With an electric pump, you can fully inflate your board in less than 10 minutes. Packing up with this board is also a breeze because all you have to do is deflate your board, wipe it down, pack it up and you’re ready to go.
Gear You’ll Need
Like we said earlier you don’t need a lot of gear for this sport, so let’s talk about some things that you should have to safely enjoy your time on the water. The first item that we recommend is a set of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes while you’re on the water. Next, a hat to protect your face and scalp from the sun’s rays. Continuing with sun protection, you should always put on some sunblock even on overcast days! And to make sure that your skin has extra protection add in some UV-protected clothing. Make sure to wear a personal flotation device in accordance with all state and local laws, and especially if you are a beginner. Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated while you’re out there!
Key Features of a Paddle Board
Before heading out on the water you should correctly size your paddle and make yourself familiar with the parts of the paddle board. To correctly size your paddle, standing next to it simply adjust the top of the handle to the fold of your wrist. Now let’s talk about the parts of the board. The handle on the top of the board shows where the middle is and where you should start outstanding. Your board may also have bungee tie-downs to help secure a life jacket or other supplies. There may also be handles located at the front of the back for easier transport. And finally, most boards have removable fins that help the board track straighter in the water.
Starting Out
Another thing we recommend before heading out on the water, especially before your first time is to practice some strokes on dry land. If the thought of standing up on a paddle board seems intimidating try sitting or kneeling on your board until you feel comfortable enough to stand. Once you do become more comfortable with paddle boarding you’ll be able to quickly see that it’s a fun and amazing low impact, full-body core workout. You could even do yoga while you’re out on the water! If the idea of a workout doesn’t appeal to you then you could always make your time out on the water a relaxing one. Some boards even can even have fishing rigs attached to them for a fun fishing day out on the water.
Paddle boarding is a fun and versatile activity that you can do on lakes, rivers, and oceans. It’s a great way to experience the beauty of the outdoors and is perfect for people of all ages and skill levels. We hope that this article gave you some more insight on paddle boarding and don’t forget that you can always stop by your local outdoor specialty shop to learn more about paddle boards and what models may be right for you.
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