Stand up paddle boarding (sup) has been quite a popular relax way for people in the past ways. For beginners, do you know how to paddle? Here comes.
1, use a leash and wear a life jacket
It’s better that you can swim, if not, leash and life jacket is very necessary for beginners. Your safe is always the most important. Falling into the water and climbing back to the inflatable sup board happens a lot at the beginning. You also need to know how to do these to protect yourself.
2, make sure your paddle is in the right way
SUP paddles have a slight bend where the shaft meets the blade. The bent angle of the paddle’s “throat” should point toward you, so the “face” of the blade is forward. With that slight bend, the paddle blade will complete each stroke with less drag on the water as you bring it out again each time.
3, start on your knees
It’s easier to get used to the feel of the inflatable board on the water with your center of balance low. Stay on your knees for awhile when you first push out. If you’re new to paddling in general, this will help you keep focused on one thing at a time.
4, paddle with your core
Paddling is best achieved with your core muscles. This may sound strange at first but using these strong muscles prevents you from tiring quickly. It’s also a great workout for your mid-section, helping to move your board with more power. To use your core, your hips should move with the paddle as your shoulders slightly rotate. Your paddle should be kept vertical and in a straight line as you move from side to side, front to back. Rotating your hips and shoulders will add more power to your strokes, helping you to paddle forward with ease.
5, keep your chin up
As a paddle boarding beginner, your natural reaction is to look down to watch the water lapping at the sides and see what your paddle is doing. However, you must keep your head up to obtain optimal stability. You need to stand straight with your legs slightly bent as you paddle, keeping a good posture so that you stay balanced on your inflatable paddle board.
6, ride waves you can handle
As a beginner, it’s best to only handle smaller waves until you grow your paddle boarding experience. You’ll be able to understand how powerful the water can be, as well as knowing the flow of the water.
Anyway, it’s better to practice again and again, before you get into the water. In no time at all you’ll feel comfortable and able to enjoy the beauty of the water and your surroundings.