Tips to Becoming a Paddleboarding Pro: Insider Tricks from the Experts

Paddleboarding is a water sport that involves using arms or legs for an exercise while floating on the sea or on a paddleboard or surfing board. This article is about paddleboarding traditionally done prone and kneeled. The derivative of paddleboarding is stand-up paddleboarding or stand-up paddle surfing. Paddling is generally performed on open waters. Participants paddle or surf without breaks while crossing islands or traveling from coast to coast.

This growing sport can be enjoyed by people of all ages and experience levels. We interviewed some of the top paddleboarders in the industry to get their insider tips on how to improve your skills. From choosing the right gear to mastering your stroke, we’ve got you covered.

What Is Paddleboarding?

Paddleboarding is a watersport where participants stand on a board and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. Paddleboards can be used in both calm waters, such as lakes and rivers, and in the ocean. Paddleboarding is often compared to surfing, but it is a different sport with its own set of rules and regulations.

History of Standup Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is becoming an increasingly popular watersport, and for good reason! It is a great workout, it is fun, and it is a great way to explore the world around you.

Paddleboarding has its origins in the Hawaiian Islands. The earliest known written account comes from the journal of Lieutenant James King, who was on Captain Cook’s final voyage. In his journal, he describes the natives surfing on longboards using paddles.

The modern sport of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) can be traced back to the 1940s when Waikiki beachboys used longboards with paddles to help them get out beyond the waves. In the 1960s, surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku introduced paddleboarding to California. The sport gained popularity in the 1970s and 1980s as a way for surfers to train during flat spells. Paddleboarding really took off in the 2000s, thanks in part to the invention of lighter and more durable boards.

There are several different types of paddleboards, including all-around boards, racing boards, surfboards, and inflatable SUPs. Paddleboards can be made from a variety of materials, including fiberglass, epoxy, and carbon fiber.

How to Get Started Paddleboarding

If you are new to paddle boarding, there are a few things you need to do before you can start paddling.

Choosing the Right Paddleboard

One of the most important things to do when learning how to paddleboard is to choose the right board. Paddleboards come in all shapes and sizes, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for your individual needs.

All-around paddleboards are the most popular type of board because they are versatile and can be used in a variety of conditions. If you are just starting out, we recommend choosing an all-around board.

Racing Paddle Boards

Racing paddle boards are designed for speed and are often used in competitions. If you are interested in racing, we recommend talking to a local paddleboard shop or racing coach to find the right board for you.

Surf Paddle Boards

Surf paddle boards are shorter and wider than all-around boards, making them more maneuverable in the waves. If you are interested in surfing, we recommend renting or borrowing a surfboard before you make the investment.

Inflatable Paddle Boards

Inflatable paddleboards are made from a durable material that can be inflated with a pump. Inflatable SUPs are great for traveling and storage, but they are not as rigid as fiberglass boards and may not perform as well in waves.

Rigid Paddle Boards

Rigid paddle boards are made from fiberglass, epoxy, or carbon fiber and are the most popular type of board. Rigid boards are more durable and perform better in waves, but they are also more expensive.

Paddleboard Gear

In addition to a paddleboard, you will need a few other essential pieces of gear.

1. Paddle: You will need a paddle that is the right size for your height. Paddles are usually made from aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber.
2. Lifejacket: You are required to wear a lifejacket when paddleboarding in some areas. Lifejackets come in a variety of sizes and styles, so it is important to choose one that fits you well.
3. Leash: A leash attaches your paddleboard to your ankle and prevents the board from getting away from you in the event of a fall.
4. Wetsuit: A wetsuit helps you stay warm in cold water and is essential for paddleboarding in colder climates. Wetsuits come in a variety of thicknesses, so it is important to choose one that is best suited for the conditions you will be paddling in.

Picking The Right Paddle

There are two types of paddles: straight and bent. Straight paddles are cheaper and easier to find but they are not as comfortable to use. Bent paddles are more expensive but they will save you energy and help you paddle faster.

If you are a beginner, we recommend renting a paddleboard with a straight paddle.

Picking The Right Life Jacket

You should always wear a life jacket when you are paddle boarding. Life jackets come in different sizes and they should be snug but not too tight.

If you are a beginner, we recommend renting a life jacket from the paddleboard rental company.

Benefits of Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is a great workout because it uses both your upper and lower body muscles. It is also low-impact, which means it is easy on your joints. Paddleboarding is a great way to get out and explore the world around you. You can paddleboard in almost any body of water, from calm lakes to rough oceans.

How to Paddle Board

Once you have all the gear, you are ready to start paddling! Here are some tips on how to paddleboard:

1. Start by kneeling on the paddleboard.
2. Once you are comfortable, stand up slowly.
3. If you need to rest, sit or kneel on the paddleboard.
4. To turn the paddleboard, paddle on one side of the board.
5. To go straight, paddle evenly on both sides of the board.
6. To stop, paddle on one side of the board to turn the paddleboard around. then paddle backward.

Tips for Paddleboarding in Different Conditions

1. If you are paddling in calm waters, such as a lake, you can stand up and paddle with both hands.
2. If you are paddling in the ocean, you will need to paddle with one hand and use the other hand to hold on to the paddleboard.
3. If you are paddling in rough waters, you should sit or kneel on the paddleboard.

Paddleboarding is a great workout and it is a lot of fun. With these tips, you will be paddling like a pro in no time!

When to Go Paddle Boarding?

Paddleboarding is a great activity for all ages. If you are a beginner, we recommend going paddleboarding in the morning when the water is calm. If you are more experienced, you can go paddleboarding in the afternoon when the waves are bigger.

No matter what time of day you go, always make sure to wear a life jacket and to follow all the safety rules.

Is PaddleBoarding Difficult?

Paddleboarding is easy to learn but it takes practice to become a pro. The most important thing is to have fun and to stay safe. With these tips, you will be paddleboarding like a pro in no time!

How Should A Beginner Stand up Paddle Board?

Start by kneeling on the paddleboard. Once you are comfortable, stand up slowly. If you need to rest, sit or kneel on the paddleboard. To turn the paddleboard, paddle on one side of the board. To go straight, paddle evenly on both sides of the board. To stop, paddle on one side of the board to turn the paddleboard around. Paddle backward to stop.

When you are first starting out, it is best to paddle in calm waters such as a lake. Once you are more experienced, you can go paddleboarding in the ocean or in rough waters. Always make sure to wear a life jacket and to follow all the safety rules.

How to Turn a Stand-Up Paddle Board?

To turn the paddleboard, paddle on one side of the board. Paddle evenly on both sides of the board to go straight. To stop, paddle on one side of the board to turn the paddleboard around. Paddle backward to stop.