Nat Sauteed
All keen sporting enthusiast is well aware of how exciting water sports are. If you have tried surfing, but not very fond of speed and waiting for ages for the right wave. However, if you are comfortable on the water, then stand up paddleboarding is the best activity for you.
Beating the timid and serene waves, paddling across crystal clear waters, enjoying the mesmerizing sunshine is just a glimpse of what you can do while supping. You should only know that it may not be as easy to master it as it sounds. There is a lot of things to consider and figure out like getting the necessary gear, learning the basic techniques, and acquiring some of the essentials resources before you get started with stand up paddling. What novice paddlers have to do is read this list and they get ready for a riveting adventure of a lifetime.
Know your gear
Everybody can ride on a stand up paddle boards no matter their size and height since boards come in various shapes and sizes. Board sizes usually range from 8-12 feet long and 28-34 inches wide, but if you are attempting this superb sport for the first time, you should go with all-around or flatwater boards. They have a rounded nose which planes or sits on top of the water, making it perfect for novice riders because you will start on the calm waters anyway. When it comes to a SUP paddle, the most important thing is length. The paddle must be about 6-12 inches taller than your height. You can determine correct length by placing the paddle upright in front of you and raise your hand, and if the grip of the paddle is at wrist hight you are good to go.
Use a safety leash
Even professional SUP boarders use a leash, the faster you get accustomed to it, the sooner you will be aware of its crucial rule when paddling. A leash is important in any kind of water or weather condition. The stand-up paddleboard leash is there to protect you from unforeseen circumstances and even from life and death situations. Very easy you can get tired, or lost far from the shore, the leash is there to keep you on the board no matter what. The leash attachments are usually either around your ankle or around your calf.
Find your paddling style
Well, the goal is to keep a steady balance and not fall into the water. So, you want the paddle to nicely scoop the water as you try to keep your balance. That is not an easy task for a first-timer obviously. The paddle will go the other way, and as you stand you will try to fight with the water in order to stroke the paddle smoothly. The key is to put less stress on your shoulders while in the standing position and try paddling with entire core and abdomen muscles. Repeat this activity numerous times if necessary, and maintain the blade in a vertical position. After time you will surely master stand up paddling and even be able to participate in various exciting summer sporting events.
Maintain a firm balance and keep a steady position
It can be rather hard to resist the initial temptation to look down at the board and watch the water splashing on the sides, and hope that you won’t fall in. To avoid that from happening and have good stability and firm balance, you need to keep your head up, your back straight and keep your body weight over your toes. All in all, don’t put your head down to watch your toes, because you will fall into the water. As a beginner stand up surf border you don’t need to agitate in advance since many beginner boards have large round nose and tail which automatically offer brilliant stability. They often have a large EVA deck area giving you extra opportunity to freely move, and even comfortably fall. For that matter, to maintain a steady balance you need to find a good board and keep fins at the back of when you paddle and keep your face straight.
Just in case
Embarking on amazing water adventure for the first time can be challenging, let alone scary. As a first-timer, there are few safety issues to consider. All paddlers should wear a personal flotation device as part of vital safety gear. There are different forms of PDFs, but you can use a standard inflatable vest or and a waist-belt. Be assured that inflatable vest won’t interfere with your stroke. At all times wear a protective sun scream, and when it comes to clothing you need to check the weather. If it is warm then you can only wear a swimsuit or non-cotton shorts or tanks. During winter, you had better choose neoprene clothes.
Get your gear on, invite your friends, equip yourselves with a good mood and get ready for a flabbergasting time. DO your best to follow this guide and have a great first ride, and many more to come.
