Paddle boarding is a water sport wherein paddle boarders while propelling themselves with a swimming motion, lie down or kneel on a paddle board or surfboard, in the ocean, rivers, or on lakes. You can also stand up while paddle boarding, and for that, use a traditional paddle. Paddle boarding can be, as aforementioned, performed anywhere, from rivers to the ocean, but the ocean is the most popular method of paddle boarding. Paddle boarding is a huge sport and there are many tournaments and contests that take place every single year to determine who is the best paddle boarder. A champion paddle boarder can paddle for hours and hours, with a twenty-mile race being a warm-up.

While paddle boarding is an incredibly fun and addictive sport, it can also be very dangerous. If you are going paddle boarding, while it may seem obvious, you must first know how to swim. Unfortunately, many people do go paddle boarding every year who cannot swim, and some of these wind up injuring themselves or seriously risking their safety. Make sure you are a competent swimmer if you are going to go paddle boarding anywhere. Your safety should take precedence over having a good time.

This page will hope to tell you a few tips to help you out if you want to start paddle boarding.

Find a Board

If, in the past, you have not been able to find a comprehensive guide on paddle boarding, look no further than here. The most important part about paddle boarding, aside from being able to swim, is having a good quality board. You can look online for more information about the many different types of boards, each catering to a different style of paddle boarding. Select the board that meets your specific paddle boarding style.

Surf SUP

A surf paddle board is designed for people who want to surfboard but are not fit enough to do so. Surf paddle boards are much shorter than other paddle boards, and the tips are pointed to help the board move freely through the water. The boards are much narrower and are much more moveable in the surf. This is a method that is very popular with celebrities at the moment.

All-around SUP

All-around SUPs are paddle boards that offer you a more versatile and wider array of activities. They are thicker than surf paddle boards and are much longer and wider. They are a good beginner paddle board as they are more stable and offer a better chance for the beginner to have fun on the water without losing their balance. They are very stable and very easy to paddle in straight lines.

Flat Water SUP

These boards, as the name indicates, are best used for flat water, such as lakes or the ocean. They are good for paddling on the open ocean, racing, and down winding. The design of these boards is a combination of the surf and round board; they are long, pointed, and can travel in a straight line very well, while at the same time, smoothly gliding.

Gather Equipment

Once you have your board, you are ready to begin preparing to go out paddle boarding. The board is not the only piece of equipment you will need, however. In fact, there are many more things you will need to purchase before you can set out on the water and begin paddle boarding. You can usually find the equipment you need in the same place that you buy the board from, and if you are unsure what to buy, the store owner should be able to help you and advise you as to what would be best.

Paddle

You will, needless to say, need a paddle; the paddle is the second most crucial piece of equipment, especially if you are going to be doing stand-up paddle boarding. Your paddle will help you to travel around and will be your greatest asset when out on the water.

Whistle

When you are going paddle boarding, a rescue whistle is always essential; there are many situations wherein you may find yourself in extreme danger when setting out on the water. Bring a whistle with you so that you can attract attention to yourself if you find yourself in danger. Never set out without one, they could be the line between life and death.

Torch

A head torch is another essential, especially if you are setting out after dark. Many things can happen on the water, which is why a torch is so essential. Having a head torch with you will allow you to see in the dark and prepare you for any potential hazards that may befall you.

Gather Equipment

Technique

Once you have the necessary equipment, if you do not already know, you must learn to paddle board. Paddle boarding is not a sport you can watch videos to learn, and rather, you will require a physical teacher to train you. You can find these teachers at most beaches where paddle boarding takes place, or at a local swimming pool with a private instructor. If you cannot locate a teacher or instructor, then going paddle boarding at a local swimming pool may be the best option until you know exactly how-to paddle board.

Find a Beach

Once you know exactly how-to paddle board and you are confident in the water, it’s time that you found a beach, lake, or river to paddle board on. Lakes and beaches are the best options for beginners, as rivers can be fast-moving and have many obstacles.

The location you choose to paddle board for the first time should be very populated, and you mustn’t forget your whistle. Paddle boarding on a deserted beach or lake for the first time is a very bad idea, especially if you are not a strong swimmer. You should find somewhere to go where there will be people should you find yourself losing control and in danger. Never go somewhere abandoned, as if you have trouble, nobody will be able to help you and you may become very seriously injured or hurt. Additionally, it’s also worth checking surf forecasts like GLand Surf Report to make sure that your chosen beach has the ideal conditions for paddle boarding.

Now, with the help of this page, you should know exactly how you can get started paddle boarding. Paddle boarding is a fun, versatile sport, that can help you to get in shape, and to lead a healthier lifestyle. This guide will have told you everything that you need to know to get started, so what are you waiting for?

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