Paddle Boarding Tips and Tricks

Paddle Boarding Tips and Tricks

Most people assume that paddle boarding is a difficult sport that takes years to master, but this simply isn’t true. If you are willing to put forth the time and effort, you can learn how to standup and move around on a paddle board in no time. Like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you’ll become. If you are interested in learning this fun water-time sport, keep reading for some essential paddle boarding tips and tricks.

One of the most common problems newcomers face when attempting the sport is standing up on their paddle board. If it’s not done right, you’ll simply lose balance and fall into the water. On the other hand, a proper technique will allow you to pop up on your board in less than a minute. Start by walking your paddle board out to a shallow, calm area where there’s distractions. Even slight waves can easily knock a beginner off, so I recommend practicing in a calm lake or pond beforehand.

When you are out on the water with your board, get in a kneeling stance with your body facing forward. Next, spread your knees slightly apart and shift your body weight from your knees to your feet while standing up. As long as your body weight is spread apart, you should maintain your balance and have good footing on your board. Congratulations, you are now standing up on your paddle board!

I can’t stress enough just how important proper balance is when you are out on a paddle board. Since the sport requires you to stand up, your center of gravity is raised, making it easier for you to fall over. The good news is that maintaining good balance is fairly easy once you get the hang of it. The secret is to keep your feet about shoulder width apart and bend your knees slightly. This will give you better footing and more control while you are on the paddle board. If you feel any unusual shifts in your body weight, make the necessary adjustments to regain control.

Another little tip that’s helpful for paddle boarding beginners is to always keep your eye on the horizon. A common mistake people make is looking down at the water to see where they are paddling. Unless you are attempting to traverse through some thick marsh or stumpy waters, this isn’t necessary. Keeping your eyes fixated on the horizon will automatically increase your balance and overall control, both of which are essential to a successful paddle boarding experience.

Until you are fully comfortable on your paddle board, always wear a life jacket for additional safety. No matter how hard you try to prevent it, falls and spills are bound to happen. Wearing a life jacket is a simple way to keep you above water when such incidents occur. While the waters may seem calm on the surface, there could be strong currents underneath that may easily pull you in the opposite direction. For this reason, it’s recommended that you wear a life jacket and ankle strap connected to your board.