Welcome, fellow adventure seekers! If you’re looking for a fun and rewarding way to explore the water, then paddleboarding might just be the perfect activity for you.
But if you’re new to the sport, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by all the different board types, paddling techniques, and safety considerations.
That’s where this beginner’s guide to paddleboarding comes in. We’ll walk you through all the basics you need to know to get started, from choosing the right board to mastering your paddling technique. And we’ll also cover important safety tips to ensure that you have a fun and safe experience on the water.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle on a calm lake or an adventurous ride in the ocean waves, paddleboarding is a versatile and accessible sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
So grab your board, your paddle, and your sense of adventure, and let’s dive in!
What You Need
Having the right gear is essential for an enjoyable first paddle boarding experience. Necessities such as a surfboard, paddle, leash and/or personal flotation device can all have an impact on balance, maneuverability and how secure and relaxed you feel.
Chief among these for security is your life vest. When paddling in still waters, you may be able to rely on the paddleboard as a buoyancy aid, but if you are uncertain, you should put on a lifejacket.
Type of Boards
There is an abundance of stand up paddleboards available, though some are better suited for newcomers than others. Selecting a reliable board will make honing your skills more straightforward, although your enthusiasm, physical aptitude, storage options, and financial situation are all aspects that have an effect on this decision.
Remember that the larger your board is, the more secure it is likely to be.
sup Paddles
Ensure that your paddle is the correct size for your height. You can position yourself in an almost vertical posture when you are on the board. A general guideline is to get a pole that is approximately 10 inches (24 cm) taller than your own height.
Most paddles are adjustable, so they can fit the needs of people of various heights. Many inflatable SUP kits come with an included paddle that works great.
Leashes, Life Vests, and Other Accessories
Even experienced stand up paddle boarders stress the significance of attaching a leash. If you happen to fall off the board, it’ll still be connected to you so you can get back on it quickly when dealing with strong currents or windy weather.
They are also wonderful for a swift swim to chill out! Like paddles, many SUP packages include a leash.
The ability to swim and the amount of water in the area may influence your decision to use a life jacket. We highly recommend life vests due to the security and reassurance they give. Many people are at ease when they are paddling, while some struggle more.
If you want to take your gadgets or take a photo of yourself, purchasing some sensible extras, for example, waterproof bags for cell phones and other items, can help keep your belongings safe.
The Buddy System
Paris Hilton affirms that a girl’s most important adornments are her buddies. As you embark on your journey, it will be helpful to have a partner to practice with or to rely on for loading the board or any unforeseen situation, granting an additional degree of contentment.
So bring a friend!
Scouting
The climate and locale can either improve or ruin quick endeavors at paddleboarding. Find a smooth, flat body of water. Bodies of water like small lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and large pools are great to swim in since there is usually no disturbance from waves or currents.
And these places tend to be shallow enough to make it easy to climb out in case of a mishap. If your only means of travel is by water, make sure to wear a life jacket and bring somebody with you.
Google Maps is an excellent tool for designing both starting and finishing points. It will also assist in rationalizing, as certain inflatable SUP boards can be bulky to carry far away – even if they can be kept in a rucksack.
Avoid windy days and storms. You’re likely to get yourself into an unsafe and unpleasant situation if you have to hurry your practicing due to an approaching storm or are struggling to make headway against a powerful wind.
To keep away from this, go out on tranquil, sunny or cloudy days. If you’re dealing with difficult situations, crouch down on your surfboard. Kneel down while using the paddle, or, try lying flat and using your hands as a surfer would, to control the board more easily.
Choosing a Paddle Board as a Beginner – The Criteria
It is necessary to equip yourself with knowledge in order to pick the correct option, so you can make a decision based on facts instead of just publicity.
What is the best paddle board for a beginner paddler to select? The answer reduces down to this:
A paddle board designed for most novice users should be inflatable, with a sleek design and a size and shape intended for smoothness and steadiness. The top of the board should be clean and without any added items in the middle so as not to obstruct the user when they attempt to re-mount it from the water.
Think about the fact that you won’t be a novice forever, so make sure the board you purchase has high-quality construction that you’ll still want to use as your go-to board as your abilities grow.
A paddle board that is suitable for beginners should be stable, adaptable, and simple to use. These requirements can probably be fulfilled with a kind of inflatable board that is no thicker than 5 inches, roughly 32” – 34” in width, and that closely resembles a surfboard with a rounded or slightly curved shape.
There should be an unencumbered area in the middle of the board where no items are affixed to the sides that would impede someone attempting to climb back onto the board from the water.
One of the key features to consider when selecting a paddle board for novices, but often the least considered or recognized, are the depth and design of the deck.
Let’s go into the most important criteria and principles for choosing a paddle board as a beginner in greater depth:
1. The Best Paddle Boards for Most Beginners are Inflatable
Inflatables are far more suitable for beginners than a hardboard due to their numerous advantages. You may eventually decide to buy a fiberglass or epoxyboard if you become more involved with surfing or racing. However, in most cases it’s best to buy an inflatable board as your initial board.
The key points for beginner paddle boarder are these:
- Inflatable SUPs are more stable than hard boards of comparable size.
- Inflatable paddle boards are easier on your body than hard boards when you fall.
- Inflatable SUP boards are less likely to be damaged while you are learning to use and take care of your equipment.
- Inflatable boards let you get into paddling without having to dedicate too much space for board storage and can open possibilities for keeping boards on a boat or in an RV.
2. Learning Will Generally Be Easier On a Board With a Low Profile
Moving from side to side while trying to keep your balance on the board can be discouraging and inhibit your progress. A board that is less thick, so that it is nearer to the water’s surface, can reduce rocking and create a more secure platform for the rider.
The ideal thickness of the board is something that could result in different suggestions. As long as the board is able to maintain enough volume to hold your weight, a board with a slimmer shape will be more stable than one with a thicker design.
Some people misunderstand and think that when a board has more width or greater volume it will be more stable. This only applies, however, for riders that weigh over 200 pounds because the extra buoyancy from the thicker board can help them stay above water.
Many novice paddle board purchasers make the error of getting a board with greater capacity than is necessary for their body weight.
Advantages of having a board with minimal bulk include faster inflation, easier transport, simpler entry onto the board when in the water, and reduced vulnerability to wind.
3. An Uncluttered Deck Makes It Easier to Get Back On When You Fall Off
One of the initial techniques you’ll need to master when beginning to surf is the ability to go off the board, followed by getting back on. Rings secured at the borders of the board located close to the middle (a few feet before and behind the middle grip) will obstruct you and scrape across your body when you get back onto the board from the water.
These items that are sometimes called “action mounts” or “D-rings” can scrape against people’s bodies if installed incorrectly, which is why we refer to them as “body scrapers”. The potential for injury is clear.
Remember that only a tiny fraction (less than 5%) of those who purchase paddle boards will ever use them on an excursion that involves taking more things than a 4-ring bungee setup can comfortably carry.
A great number of paddle board purchasers who acquire a kayak seat with their board rarely use that seat after their initial trip. The position of the seat is an obstacle when you are trying to stand, and it does not provide much support for your back.
4. The Board Should Be Sized and Shaped For Stability, But With Plenty of Glide
As a novice, you should acquire a board that conveys sufficient steadiness in order to remain upright while you gradually learn to balance. At the same time, you’ll be honing your paddling technique, so you’ll want to select a board that has a decent width but isn’t too wide, and is of a length that provides you with enough glide for your efforts.
For those under 200 pounds who are just starting out, a board that is between 31 and 34 inches wide and of an appropriate depth will offer adequate steadiness while they are learning and enough versatility as they progress to an intermediate level.
If you decrease the width of the paddleboard, it will become unstable, whereas if you increase the size, it will make it harder to maneuver and you will have to reach further to keep the paddle straight in the water.
A board with a rounded front and back end is generally the most suitable for rookie and regular paddlers in terms of steadiness and using it for various purposes.
Steer clear of boards with too slender tails, as this can make it more difficult to maneuver and balance, or excessively sharp noses, which impair lateral steadiness and don’t provide enough room for cargo or smaller riders.
5. Invest Up Front In a Well-Built, Reliable Board That Will Keep Working For You As Your Skills Develop
You can consider the expense of the paddle board you purchase as a novice from two different perspectives. Many influencers are advocating for purchasing an inexpensive item since it is a cost-effective way to start playing the sport and most likely comes with plenty of additional gear.
We hold the opinion that investing in high-quality equipment from the beginning will make the learning process smoother and more enjoyable, instead of having to replace cheaper gear with better pieces as you become more experienced in the sport, wasting money in the long run.
For those on a budget, consider the following math. If you purchase an SUP board at the cost of $300-$400 and you plan on using it regularly, it won’t take you long before you realize you outgrow it.
Think about getting a board that is a bit better quality and use the $300-400 you were going to spend for something else for it. The board that would be a beneficial purchase is likely closer to reality than you expect.
Take the same foundation as the $6-700 board that appears decent, has been highly promoted, and has a social media support program behind it. It might be attractive to go with the most economical selection, but think about how paying a bit extra could open up an array of ways to upgrade your performance and quality.
SUP boards are used in the outdoors in direct sunlight, and in areas composed of dirt, rocks, mud, and gravel. The standards of what is viewed as appropriate for an advertisement or product photo may not be applicable as much for paddle boards.
This is because they are likely to be faced with many of the amazing components of nature. The quality of the material and the skill of the craftsmanship are significant here.
Buying a paddleboard on the cheap for your first buy might decrease the pleasure you take from it, as well as hinder your developing self-assurance. The quality of construction for a water toy will produce an entirely distinct outcome than a carefully developed and firmly constructed device that behaves more like a ship rather than an inflatable raft.
It is wise to purchase the highest quality gear that you can manage financially and not to underestimate your own capabilities from the beginning.
Practice Patience
It is essential to keep in mind that paddleboarding is a water-based activity, and getting wet is one of the highlights! Falling is inevitable, so forgive yourself when it happens. Your aim should be to be able to get on and off the board with ease as your riding skills improve.
in conclusion
Well folks, we hope this beginner’s guide to paddleboarding has left you feeling inspired and ready to hit the water. By now, you should have a solid understanding of the basics of paddleboarding, including board types, paddling techniques, and safety tips.
Remember, paddleboarding is a fun and accessible sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful paddle on a calm lake or an adventurous ride in the ocean waves, there’s a paddleboard out there that’s perfect for you.
So what are you waiting for?
Grab your board, your paddle, and your sense of adventure, and start exploring the endless possibilities of paddleboarding. With a little practice and patience, you’ll soon be gliding across the water like a pro.
Thanks for joining us on this journey, and we hope to see you out on the water soon!
