You’re new to paddle boarding and you’re excited to get out on the water. You have so many adventures ahead of you. But first, you have to learn the basics! After all, the basics give you the foundational knowledge you need to succeed. With these seven tips, you’ll go from paddle boarding newbie to SUP expert in no time!
Get a Feel of Your Paddle Board on Dry Land
Find a safe spot on land where your inflatable paddle board won’t get damaged (or put down a board mat) and simply get used to standing on it. Get a feel for your foot placement. While it’s a different experience than being on the water, it can help you find the basic techniques that work for you, like keeping your feet spread apart for a wide base and your knees slightly bent.
Be Ready to Fall in the Water
It’s inevitable—everyone falls in the water. Since paddle boarding is a water sport, you’ll want strong swimming skills before you go paddle boarding. Even if you can check that box, it’s always a great idea to wear a life jacket as you’re learning the paddle boarding basics. One way to prepare for those falls is to become comfortable with the feeling of losing your balance and hopping off your board into the water. If you “fall” intentionally a few times at the start, it will be less of a shock when it happens as you continue to learn.
Kick Off From a Beach or Shallow Incline
As you get ready to paddle board away from shore, start at a safe spot like a beach. This way you can climb onto your board with relative ease. Skip the dock or “walking” onto your paddle board. It can be difficult to find your footing when you step on the board one foot at a time. Instead, climb or hop onto your board from the water and start finding your balance.
Practice Getting On and Off the Board in the Water
It can seem tough at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be getting on your blow up paddle board with ease. In the water, practice sliding off your board into the water. Then practice gripping the board on both sides and pulling yourself back up. Kick with your feet in an outward motion to propel yourself forward onto the board and pull yourself up with your arms.
Start Low and Work Your Way Up
When you climb onto your paddle board and get a feel for the board on the water, keep your center of gravity low. You can straddle the board with your legs hanging over either side. You might not be able to control where the board goes quite so easily this way, but you’ll be super stable. Or you can opt for finding a comfortable kneeling posture. As you get used to your board, you can stand up as often as you like to build your confidence.
Relax and Let the Water Be Your Friend
Part of balancing on the water means relaxing your legs and staying active through your core. By relaxing your legs, you can better respond to changes in water or wind. When water gets choppy, having stiff legs will likely mean you end up in the water. A relaxed yet attentive posture can help you shift your center of balance, so you stay on the board.
Get Your Stroke Down
This final basic tip is all about paddle control. Again, practice makes perfect. Gliding through the water is all about long, slow strokes that run parallel to your board. The face of the paddle should be perpendicular to the board. Turn or twist it in the water to maneuver the board in the direction you want to go. Patience is key when learning to paddle. Your arms may get tired as you practice those long, slow strokes, but with time, you’ll find your groove.
About iROCKER
With paddle boarding quickly becoming more popular than ever, get in on the fun with iROCKER! From lakes to streams to marinas, there are so many places to paddle board. It’s a hobby you can enjoy as a leisure activity or an exciting adventure. iROCKER is your source for new inflatable paddleboards and accessories. Get a new paddle board for your summer vacation! Or get the kids their very own paddle board in their favorite color with the NAUTICAL Kids board! iROCKER helps you enjoy more time out on the water, doing what you love. Check out their website for the latest deals on new paddle boards and discover all sorts of useful resources to help make your next paddle boarding adventure the best one yet!
Start your paddle boarding journey at https://www.irockersup.com/
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