Emma Radebaugh
If you’ve ever been on a beach vacation and wondered about those people who look like they’re having the time of their life standing on a board, wonder no more! Those folks are stand-up paddle boarders, and they’re having the time of their life because paddle boarding is awesome! Read on to learn three tips for beginner stand-up paddle boarders.
Don’t Forget Your Leash
Before you head out on the water, make sure your paddle board has a leash. If you’re not sure what that is, it’s exactly what it sounds like! A strip of fabric keeps you attached to the board by your ankle. If you fall off while riding, you don’t need to panic.
Even if there’s a current, you and your board will stay together thanks to the leash. This means you don’t have to worry about floating away—if you find yourself far from shore, your board will always be right by you so you can rest on it before heading back.
Orient Your Paddle Correctly
There’s no shame in not knowing which is the correct way to hold your paddle! It seems counterintuitive because the paddle doesn’t look the same as a kayak or canoe paddle.
The blade should face away from you. In other words, the part of the paddle that looks like it would be good at scooping should be turned away. Turning it toward you will cause the paddle to flutter in the water.
Picking Your Board
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right stand-up paddle board for you. Two of the most important factors are the length and width of the board. The best all-purpose boards are around 10 to 12 feet. Board width will determine how quickly your board moves. The wider your board, the slower it goes. The average width is from 28 to 30 inches!
Now that you know these three tips for beginner stand-up paddle boarders, it’s time to get a paddle board for yourself so you can enjoy the open water!
