You’ve tried paddleboarding a few times and you really enjoyed it. Now you are considering investing in your own paddleboard gear. Even though you are not an expert yet, consider purchasing a quality SUP and SUP accessories. Whether an Inflatable SUP or a Hard SUP, there are some basic technics to help you become proficient in your paddling adventures.
First, Get Your Gear
You are now at the point of investing in the sport of paddleboarding. You want to purchase a SUP and a paddle, but you also need to consider safety. Whether you are an exceptional swimmer or not, you will always need some form of flotation device on your paddleboard, as they are considered boats by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Safety extends beyond the SUP, like buying a safety whistle and light, especially if you are heading on the water to watch the sunset. A leash, which connects you to your paddleboard is very important. The leash is a safety device which, is to be used for the mishap of falling off the SUP. Leashes come in all shapes, sizes, and are designed for comfort, so make sure to find one that is comfortable to you.
We also recommend wearing the appropriate attire, which is generally a combination of swimsuits or board shorts, along with a long sleeve UPF or T-shirt. Some people opt for bodysuits, which is a good option in chillier climates. Another recommendation is never to leave the house without sunscreen and drinking water or a hydrating sport drink, especially if you’re paddleboarding here in Florida.
Learn The Basics
Paddleboarding is a fun activity which provides you the opportunity to explore and enjoy the waterways around you. It’s an easy sport and most people get the hang of it after a lesson or two and will enhance your balance. Learning some basic technics will help you improve your paddling experience and gain confidence.
Getting in the water: First, with the SUP on the ground with the top facing upward with the fins behind you, stand on one side. Lift the closest side away from you and onto the rail before grabbing the carrier handle to lift it.
Getting on the board: Before getting on the SUP, place the paddle horizontal in the center of the paddleboard. Put your knees on either side of the handle, kneeling over the centerline of the board and paddle. The carry handle is the centerline of the paddleboard.
Balancing to stand up: Standing up is a little tricky and is a little balancing act. With the paddle horizontal and in one hand, push yourself to a standing position, moving one foot at a time. Once both your feet are where your knees were, slowly extend your legs to stand with a slight bend.
Balancing on the board: Now that you’re up, let’s keep it that way! Position your feet hip-width apart, staying centered between the edges of the board. Always keep your knees slightly bent. It should be so slight that it’s practically unnoticeable. When you need to shift your weight, move your hips, and keep your eyes straight ahead. Avoid looking away from the horizon.
Paddling: You will notice that the paddle blade is angled. Angle the blade toward the nose of the board as you insert the paddle into the water. Keep one hand on the T-grip at the very top of the paddle for extra control, while the other hand at mid-paddle. A common mistake that paddleboarders make is to hold their paddle several inches under the T-grip. This will cause you to lose leverage and control of the paddle. Try to remember to hold the T-grip as you’re paddling from the left side of the SUP to the right side.
Forward And Backward Stroke
Now that you know the basics, you can get out on the water with confidence. You know the basic style of paddling, which is to move the paddle ahead of you, pulling it through the water to propel forward. To slow down use a reverse stroke, the opposite of the forward stroke. Turning around involves reaching the paddle tip behind you, toward the rear of the board, and pulling the blade towards you. If you want to turn left, do this technique on the left side of your board, and vice versa to turn right.
Contact Us for transporting SUP & SUP Accessories
Learning a few techniques at the beginning will help you grow confidence and improve your experience exploring new waterways. Florida’s weather provides endless opportunities to get on the water and have some fun almost any time of the year. For quality SUP Rack Systems and SUP accessories to transport your kayaks and SUPs, contact Manta Racks.
Go to Mantaracks.com to see what we have in store.
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