Paddleboarding has become a trendy water sport in recent years, especially in Florida where warm-weather activities abound. That’s because it’s relatively easy to learn and provides a tranquil experience communing with nature. It’s also a water sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and activity levels. If you’re looking for a new hobby or water activity this year, paddleboarding may be a great choice for you!
It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and get in some exercise while out on the water. It’s also a lot of fun! To be successful at stand-up paddleboarding, though, you’ll need some basic tips to make sure you get the most out of the experience.
Having the right paddle-boarding gear is super important!
First things first, to succeed at paddleboarding, you’ll need to have a good beginner board. You should also know how to swim and wear a comfortable life jacket. You don’t need to be a great swimmer, but just enough to get back to the board, if and when you fall off. When you first begin, you should be prepared to fall off the board a few times until you get the hang of it. Even the most experienced paddleboarders lose their balance from time to time, so it’s normal.
Once you get the hang of paddleboarding, you’ll want to add some new accessories. At Manta Racks, we provide the finest, most professional paddleboard racks and paddleboard accessories to make your experience on the water amazing!
Tips for paddleboarding beginners:
What type of stand-up paddleboard do I need? Keeping yourself steady and stable is the name of the game when deciding on which paddleboard you’ll need. The best type of stand-up paddleboard for a beginner is a wider, longer, and thicker board as they offer the most stability. A wider board will help with your balance whether you are out paddling in the ocean waves, a calm bay, or a lake.
What type of paddle do I need? A good way to determine the type of paddle you need is to use the rule of thumb that the paddle needs to be approximately 10 inches longer than you to maintain a good grip and get the best amount of traction in the water.
What type of paddleboard accessories do I need? Choosing your paddleboard is your first step, and next, you’ll want to add some accessories that include:
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- A leash. A leash attaches to your ankle to make sure your paddle board doesn’t slip away from you in the water when you fall.
- A board bag. Your board is large and unwieldy. It may get nicked if it does not have a cover to protect it. A board bag will save the life of your board so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
- A personal flotation device (PFD). It is advised that you wear one on the paddleboard even if you are a confident swimmer.
Learn to stand and fall correctly.
One of the most important parts of learning to paddleboard is learning to stand and fall correctly. You should begin by standing with your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart looking straight ahead. Do not stare at your feet otherwise, you may be thrown off balance and fall. If you are a beginner, falling is the one thing you can expect when you first start. It is recommended that you start on your knees, and then once you gain confidence and stability, you can slowly stand up and paddle. Knowing how to fall properly will help you avoid getting injured. It is recommended that you fall away from the board and flat against the water. To get back on, grab the handle with one hand, pull yourself up to grasp the opposite rail with your other hand, and then slide yourself up onto the board.
Contact us today to get started.
Stand-up paddleboarding can be frustrating until you get the hang of it—that’s why it’s so important to remember to relax and have fun! At Manta Racks, we stock everything to make your stand-up paddleboarding experience memorable. From rack systems that transport your boards easily to all the latest paddleboard accessories, we have everything you need to get you started on the water. Your paddleboarding adventure awaits. Give the expert team at Manta Racks a call at (888) 622-0225 or email info@mantaracks.com to find out more.
We are here to help.
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And “Everything You Need to Know About Transporting Kayaks”, and the Top Ten Florida Kayaking Spots to Visit This Summer!
