Paddleboarding is a relaxing and fun activity that gives you the freedom to explore the waters without actually floating or having to swim in the waters. The sport began as an offshoot of surfing. It involves standing to a board much like a surfboard and propelling yourself through the water with a paddle. With the recent rise in popularity, paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. The sport has been adapted to incorporate other activities leading to new variations such as paddle fishing, paddle racing, and even paddle racing. It is a great exercise you can carry out with your friends and spend time outdoors. Just like any other sport, it may take some time and effort to master the sport, but it will eventually become easy for you, and you will soon be at the same level as the pros. Here are a few tips to help you in your journey to learn how to paddleboard:
1. Use a Leash
When engaging in water sports, you need to prioritize safety. Ensure you tether yourself to your board with a leash. Using a leash when you are still learning how to paddleboard is vital in providing safer conditions for yourself and others you may also be paddling with. It will help you adjust to being in the water, and you will be able to master paddleboarding on your own in due time. There are many different types of leashes and other attachment points. It would be best to use a leash that best suits your paddling style to ensure maximum comfort and practical use. You can take some time to try out different types of leashes to find the one that best suits your style and almost feels natural to you. You should also ensure that the leash will not break off, but it can still come off quickly to ensure you can free yourself promptly in case your board gets pulled under by currents.
2. Choose the Right Gear
In any sport, having and utilizing the right gear is vital to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe experience. Before you begin learning how to paddleboard, you need to ensure you have the right equipment that suits your skill level and the environment you intend to paddle in. As a beginner, it would be best to start with gear that is easy for you to balance on, whether in flat or wavy waters. It would also help to choose the right thickness that suits your specific body type. Be sure to get a paddle that is the correct length to avoid bending over, preserving your energy, and maintaining proper balance on the board. You can meet all your board paddling needs at www.humbersport.com. If you are finding it difficult to know and find the right gear to use, you should feel free to ask pros or experts for help. Having the right equipment will help you learn the ropes of paddleboarding in no time while enjoying the experience.
3. Use the Correct Paddling Technique
When you first start out learning how to paddle, you may be prone to use the wrong technique to paddle. You may be holding the paddle incorrectly. The correct way is to maintain the paddle so that the best part is facing away from you. It would be best if you also were mindful of how you place your hands on the paddle. Placing your hands too close on the paddle will limit the power of your strokes which can lead to exhaustion within a short time. Be sure to stand up straight and grip the non-blade end of the paddle. Hold it horizontally over your head with both hands while placing the shaft on top of your head. The rod should be parallel to your shoulders. The arm holding the grip should create a 90-degree angle, and you should move the other hand along the shaft until you can form a 90-degree angle too.
4. Face the Right Direction
Most beginners often make the mistake of facing the wrong direction as they may still be unfamiliar with the front end, especially with boards with large rounded noses. To find the front end, you should look out for fins found at the back of the board. Facing the right direction will ensure that the board remains straight as you paddle instead of having an unstable board.
Taking the time and putting in the effort to learn paddle boarding can be a fun and new experience. It is best that you also take into account the suitable measures to ensure maximum safety. Hopefully, the above tips will provide the right pointers to master paddleboarding in no time.