January 16, 2022 7 min read

This blog post will help you learn about the basics of how to use a paddle board for the first time. You can use a paddle board for a variety of different sports, from swimming to surfing. Paddle boards are really stable, so they're easy to control and you can do a lot of different things with them.

Paddle Boarding is a relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by anyone. Paddle Boarding is a great way to feel the power of the ocean. Read this guide till the end to know more about how to be the best on the water.

How to Stand Up on a Paddle Board

An inflatable paddle board is a board for stand-up paddle boarding. It is a paddleboard that is inflated with air, unlike a traditional paddleboard that doesn't need to be inflated. Inflatable paddle boards are often used by surfer's who want to take part in the windsurfing sport.

It is not difficult to stand on a paddle board. First, line up the paddle board so it is perpendicular to the shoreline and place your left hand on the top of the paddle board and your right hand on the side of the paddle board.

Next, get a good footing with your feet on either side of the paddle board and just push off. It does not matter which direction you go, just go! If you do not feel stable, just hold on to the paddle board with your hands and walk your feet back into a stable position.

When you feel like you are ready and stable, release your hands and stand erect. Are you a beginner? You may want a more affordable paddle board.

How to Find Your Balance When Standing Up on Your Board

man on paddle board

Find Your Balance Standing up on the water is an awesome experience.

You can see for miles in all directions, you can feel the wind in your face, and you’re in control. But, one drawback of SUPing is that you’re standing on top of a 6”-thick board, which is pretty wobbly.

So, here are some tips to help you find your balance while standing up paddle boarding.

First, always use both hands when grabbing the paddle. Grabbing with one hand can cause your hands to become numb and you may lose your balance.

Secondly, when you paddle, maintain a low but strong grip on the paddle in order to provide maximum power. SUP is one of the best workouts you can have in paddleboarding. Get paddle gear that fits your needs and budget.

Learn How to Paddle on Your Knees While Racing Paddle Boards

Paddling on your knees is a great way to exercise your lower body to stay in shape over the summer. Some people prefer to kneel when paddling a SUP board. This is one of the more advanced moves that are often overlooked in favor for beginner moves.

To get started, set your paddle board on the water. Next, kneel on the seat of the paddle board. You may also try kneeling on the seat while holding onto the paddle boards edge if you are having difficulty kneeling on the seat. Once you are satisfied with your kneeling position, position your feet so they are on the side of the boards. Finally, grab your paddle and get ready to propel yourself forward.

paddle board on sea

Learn How to Pivot Turn

One of the many skills you'll learn when you take a paddle board lesson is how to pivot turn. A pivot turn involves moving the paddle vertically to the water's surface, rather than point it outwards, which can give you more power for your turn. The move requires you to lean back, water level with your face - this prepares you for the rotation where your torso will be parallel to the water, with the paddle vertical again. Once you're in this position, you should use your other arm to pull across your body, which should form a 90-degree angle with the water level. This helps build momentum for the turn. When you're ready to begin the turn, use your other arm to push down on the water.

How to Not Fall Off Your Paddle Board While Paddling

Is there a more perfect summer afternoon than floating on a shimmering lake with your feet dangling in the water? I don't think there is. But, what if you fall off the board? That would probably make for a less-perfect summer afternoon. Luckily, it's quite easy to maintain your balance while paddle boarding. Here are a few tips that will help.
  • Don't stand up without being centered
  • Bend your knees
  • Shift your weight
  • Lean forward
  • Start off easy with a short paddle
  • Use one hand for balance
  • Don't paddle against the current
  • Don't paddle in windy conditions
  • Balance your weight on the board

How to Get Back on Your Paddle Board

 

Getting back up on your paddle board may not seem simple but it is the most important step in the process of learning to paddle board. Paddle boarders learn to stand confidently on their board in a variety of ways. Learning how to get back onto a paddle board can be a difficult task so it is important to practice this important skill. There are a number of different techniques to learn how to get back onto a paddleboard.

One way that many paddle boarders like to get back on their paddleboard is by placing their paddle on the front side of their board and then using their feet on the backside of the board to form a bridge. Push down with your foot and walk the paddle up the board. Get back on the board: step back on the board, sit down, and prepare to paddle again.

Stay composed and don't panic: it's normal to feel frustrated and upset. Look on the bright side: at least you just got a good workout!
How to paddle board correctly .... NOTE: make sure this is fully about all the techniques to learn to paddle board - not the history of paddle boarding or what paddle boards are etc

Paddle Board Construction

The different paddelboards are constructed differently, but it's safe to say that they are all manufactured in plants. They are put together using equipment that is specifically made for assembling kayaks and paddleboards. This is because these types of paddleboards are particular to the the marine environment and they require materials and supplies that were not used on land. For example, sealant is very important because the board needs to be airtight and all materials need to be put together neatly and tightly. The posts and rails vary in length and material. They're made of fiberglass, ABS, Polyester, PVC, and even some polyethylene.

man on yellow paddle board

Paddle Board Safety

Hi readers! Enjoying the summer heat? Well we're here to help you stay safe and enjoy the water! First and foremost, be sure you have a life vest on before you go on the boards. Especially if you're surfing. Keep your head up and your hands clear of your face. Don't paddle too close to rocks or from the shore so you don't get pinned between rocks and the shore. You'll never see these warnings on a movie or a commercial, but it's best to protect yourself. After a refreshing swim, be sure to drink water to replenish lost electrolytes and avoid a headache. And don't forget the sunscreen! We hope these tips help you have a nice day on the water.

Finally...

Paddle Boarding is a truly wonderful thing to do. It doesn’t require any experience and can be done by anyone at any age. You just need a board, although some people prefer to wear shorts and a t-shirt, so you should make sure you feel comfortable with whatever you choose. You don’t even need much equipment if you go the bare bones route, although its advisable to bring safety gear like a paddle or a life vest. No matter what, Paddleboarding is definitely something anyone can do and they shouldn’t be intimidated by it. Just wait for the best weather conditions and enjoy. Hope you learned and liked information contained in this article. This paddle board guide that was written for you after detailed collection of needed for you information. learn and enjoy your water journey.

Current Questions

1. Is it hard to learn how do you paddleboard?

Paddleboarding is a sport which seems to be more and more popular and it is becoming more and more popular with the public. It is a very easy sport to learn and only requires a few basic skills to get started. It requires no equipment and can be enjoyed on your own or with friends.

2. What should a beginner do when paddle boarding?

I often hear beginners say they are nervous to try paddle boarding. I totally understand where you are coming from! The thought of falling off your board on the way out seems terrifying. That's why you should start with a paddle board lesson. A beginner lesson will teach you the proper way to get on and off of your board, how to turn, and more.

3. What are the four golden rules of getting on your SUP?

  • Balance
  • Maintain posture
  • Maintain composure
  • Maintain rhythm

4. How do I get better at paddle boarding?

If you're looking to get better at paddle boarding, then one step you could take in improving your skills would be to take a lesson. If this isn't an option, then it might be worth doing some research on different techniques and tips to improve your skills.
Author - Olivia Poglianich
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Olivia Poglianich          

Content Strategist

Olivia Poglianich is a nomadic brand strategist and copywriter in the surf, watersports and outdoor adventure space who has worked with brands such as Visa, Disney and Grey Goose. Her writing has taken her all over the world, from a Serbian music festival to a Malaysian art and culture event. Olivia is a graduate of Cornell University and is often writing or reading about travel, hospitality, the start-up ecosystem or career coaching. Her latest interests are at the intersection of web3 and communal living, both on and offline.


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