A Beginner’s Friendly Guide to Paddleboarding

SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding, is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to enjoy the water. This is because it has all the health benefits and adventure opportunities of conventional paddle sports while being very easy to pick up and play. 

We have been selling and renting paddleboards for numerous years and are passionate lovers of the sport. Our most seasoned paddlers got together this season to provide a comprehensive handbook for newcomers to this exciting sport.

What Exactly Is A Stand-Up Paddleboard?

Paddleboarding

A standard stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is a flat board 8 to 12 feet long and 28 to 34 inches in width. Unlike traditional canoes and kayaks, many contemporary versions are inflatable, making them convenient to store and carry. In appearance, SUPs resemble surfboards, but they are far more sturdy. It’s simple to go about while standing on a board since it won’t topple over. The SUP can be equipped with supplies for longer expeditions, making it an excellent tool for exploration on calm water. They’re enjoyable to ride in the surf and may help get about in flowing water, so they’re a great all-around choice for discovering new coasts.

Most contemporary SUPs are inflatable, making them easy to transport and store. Still, they have nothing in common with a lilo used in celebrations. Inflated, the boards are incredibly sturdy and rigid thanks to their sturdy materials and chambered design. Our Red Paddle line has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it remains airtight; these boards cannot be punctured by ordinary means. The boards are inflated and stored in huge holdall-style bags, which may be zipped up like a suitcase.

The answer is yes. Paddleboarding is an excellent total-body exercise since it challenges the muscles in your arms, abs, and legs. You don’t have to be in peak physical condition to participate, but the activity is fantastic for increasing strength and decreasing body fat. Paddleboarding is a low-impact activity that poses little risk of muscle strain or joint damage.

It is also a fantastic way to unwind, alone or with loved ones. A kid or dog may be carried on a standard board, and you can even practice yoga on the water. Because more and more people are bringing their dogs out on the water with them, our Aviemore shop will be having a Pups on SUPs event this summer. Stand-up paddleboarding is excellent for your mind and body.

Equipment

Paddleboarding

The Board | The board is the most important tool you must master. A wide range of board sizes, shapes, and lengths are available to accommodate a wide range of paddler preferences. For mobility in the surf, a shorter board is preferable. Longer models are better at keeping a line while paddling, which is essential for covering distance. The same is true for the front of the vehicle; a longer V-shape makes travelling easier, while a more rounded profile improves mobility. Luckily, the world is full of versatile experts who can master any task.

It’s also important to think about the building process. Boards may be purchased for between £399.00 and £1200.00. It’s smart to spend your money on a tried-and-true model with a history of dependability. Our premium Red Paddle Boards are the most reliable on the market and come with a 2-year guarantee, making them the industry standard. You should always spend your money on a durable board, whether you want to use it for casual beach trips or serious travel across the globe’s waterways.

Invoking the Paddle | You will only go very far with a paddle. Paddles may be found in various materials (plastic, aluminium, wood, carbon fibre, etc.), blade and handle shapes, and sizes. Pick a paddle that is 6 to 10 inches higher than you are. Err on the shorter side for more manoeuvrable paddling (say, in the surf) and the longer side for longer-distance paddling. In order to generate greater forward velocity with each stroke, the blade is usually constructed at an angle to the shaft.

Leash 

Leash  Should you lose your balance and tumble into the sea; your board may be swept away by the wind. When tied to a leash, it becomes a massive flotation device constantly within reach.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) 

Paddleboarding

Personal Flotation Device (PFD)  The Helly Hansen Rider and the Palm Universal are examples of low-profile devices that do a great job without being overly burdensome. Conversation with one of our in-store specialists will help you locate the right watersports safety solution for you and your needs.

Gears

The answer to this question is conditional on the length of time and weather spent on the water. Nothing will keep you as warm after you get wet as a wetsuit, so it’s worth the investment if you fear you could get soaked by falling in; however if you want to stay warm while paddleboarding, you can.

Types of SUPs

Stand-up paddle boards are available in a wide variety of sizes. If you’re starting, the broader the board, the simpler it will be to keep your balance. A 30 inches wide or wider board is recommended for most beginners. The longer the board, the faster it is, while the shorter the board, the more manageable and stable it is. Typically, stand-up paddleboards come in lengths between 9 and 11 feet.

Consider your weight about the SUP’s maximum weight suggestion in addition to your degree of expertise and paddling aspirations. If you don’t, your board might end up submerged.

In order to propel you fast through the water, some stand-up paddleboards have one or more fins mounted to the top. Always look towards the rear to find the fins.

1. Durable Paddle Boards

Paddleboarding

Paddleboards made from hard materials, such as epoxy or fibreglass, have a substantial foam core. Even rigid paddleboards can have a padded deck for rider convenience.

Hard paddleboards are more stable and provide more protection from the wind than inflatable SUPs due to their greater weight. Please make sure you have room to keep it and a sturdy travel rack for your car before purchasing one since they are bulky and awkward to move about.

2. Inflatable Paddleboards

Inflatable paddleboards are a modern alternative to conventional paddleboards, with the added benefits of being durable, lightweight, and portable. As opposed to other hard paddleboards, its softer deck might be gentler on your feet and muscles, allowing you to paddle for longer without becoming tired.

Although punctures and holes are uncommon on inflatable boards, repair kits are available just in case. The PSI rating on inflatable SUPs indicates how much air pressure should be applied.

3. Activity-Specific Paddleboards

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Due to its adaptability, paddleboarding has spawned a variety of speciality SUPs that may be used for more than just paddling.

  • Yoga: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) yoga allows participants to centre themselves, stretch out, and unwind while floating in the sea. SUP yoga boards often sit higher off the water and include a broader deck pad to accommodate a variety of yoga postures.
  • PADDLEBOARD FISHING is a great way to explore new fishing spots inaccessible by powered vessels or on foot. There is additional storage space atop a stand-up paddleboard specifically designed for fishing. You may get boards with rod holders and other fishing gear to help make casting and reeling simpler.
  • Surfing:  Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a kind of surfing that entails using a paddle in addition to your body to propel you through the water and over waves. Surfing stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are built specifically for open ocean waters, providing surfers with enough stability to ride out winds and currents.
  • Racing:  Competitive stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are longer and narrower than recreational boards, allowing riders to glide over the water at high speeds.
  • Trips on lakes, rivers, and oceans are called tours. For maneuverability and portability, touring SUPs are elongated and slender, and their pointed sterns facilitate directional changes and turns.

Beginner Paddleboarding Techniques

If you take it slow and steady, paddleboarding will become second nature in no time. Although there are many techniques for paddleboarding, the basics of standing, balancing, falling off, and getting back on are essential for every border. Learn how to ride a paddleboard by following these easy instructions.

How To Stand

Paddleboarding

Standing up on a paddleboard is a typical fear among first-time riders. If you begin with a broader board, you’ll find that it’s far less challenging than it seems. How to get going is as follows:

  • Pick a shallow area to paddleboard in before venturing out into deeper water.
  • Place one leg on each side of the hole for the handle and kneel on the board.
  • Place your hands on the paddle shaft in front of your knees, fingers spread, and paddle a few strokes on both sides of the board.
  • Put one foot in the centre of the board and slowly switch out your knee.
  • Put your crooked arm straight.
  • Change sides and do it again.
  • Arrange your feet, so they are parallel and flat on the deck, then place them in the middle of the board, shoulder-width apart.
  • While paddling farther out, gently bend your knees and tighten your core.
  • Use your paddle to support yourself if you ever feel like you’re about to fall into the water.

How To Keep A Balance

Paddleboarding
  • Keeping your balance on a paddleboard requires skill, but the rewards are worth it in terms of speed and distance covered. Follow these guidelines to improve your equilibrium:
  • Stand with a slight bend in your knees and a strong core.
  • Stay away from overusing your arms. Keep your entire self active to maintain stability.
  • It would help if you didn’t focus on the floor or the water. Make sure your head is held straight without craning your neck.
  • Stay upright by keeping your shoulders back and your legs apart by shoulder breadth.
  • Your feet should be flat on the board, with your toes pointing forward.
  • Use the balls of your feet to bear your weight.

Wrapping It Up

The key to mastering stand-up paddling is acquiring a sense of balance. You’ll need to modify your position accordingly as you meet barriers, waves, and other distractions. Keep your center of gravity in the deck’s center as you move around the board with slow, calculated motions. Maintain your equilibrium as you navigate wind, mild currents, and twists in the water.

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