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IS STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING EASY TO LEARN?
Is it easy to learn to stand up paddle boarding?
Stand up paddle boarding is an incredibly easy water sport to learn. Although it may look a bit intimidating, if you’re reading this post, you’re already off to a good start.
Why is SUP considered an easy water sport?
Stand up paddle boarding is considered ‘easy’ because paddlers of all shapes, sizes and ages can learn enough to start having fun in no time with just a little bit of effort. Of course, perfecting your technique takes time and practice, but most people are able to stand up on flat water, paddle, and turn on their first time out in calm conditions without spending much time in the water.
It’s a great way to spend some time outside, get a full-body workout, and enjoy the both the scenery and the wildlife from a different perspective.
So, why is it easy? All of our paddle boards are designed to give most people a stable platform to stand on. It’s much more stable and easy to balance on than a typical surfboard and you can take all the time you need to get to your feet instead of ‘popping up’ at just the right moment to catch a wave.
From a standing position, it’s just about keeping your knees slightly bent, your weight slightly forward, and taking your first stroke. Because you don’t have to learn to read the waves and time your pop up in a precisely coordinated movement, it’s much easier to catch and ride a wave on a stand up paddle board.
Of course, just because it is easy to learn doesn’t mean it is easy to master. Standing and paddling is the start, but more advanced riders can learn to ride the SUP board in all sorts of conditions. And of course, the more you ride, the better your cardio becomes and the further you can paddle.
How To Make SUP Simple
First, make sure you get yourself the right size and type of board.
We covered everything you need to know in two previous articles “How to Choose the Best SUP Shape” and “What’s the Best SUP Size for You?“, so have a read! If you’re still unsure ask the experts! Drop us a line at contactthursosurfcom or hit us up on social with questions anytime.
Also, if you’re a beginner who isn’t a strong swimmer, don’t forget a life jacket!
Second, choose your waterway wisely.
For a beginner it’s best to start on calm, sheltered waters. That way you won’t have to fight the wind, waves, and current just yet. Once you’re more confident in your skills it won’t be a struggle, you’ll be riding waves with the wind at your back.
Generally speaking, the calmest water you can find will be on lakes. Typically, lakes won’t have the strong currents, large waves, or fast water of rivers and oceans. Of course, there is still the potential for high winds and frigid temperatures. For this reason, you need to make it a habit to check the weather forecast before you go out paddling.
If in doubt, ask a local about the conditions before you go on your first paddle. Someone who paddles the water often will know what to look out for, and this information is very valuable for a beginner. Try asking a local expert, or someone at the paddle board rental shop.
Third, get comfortable balancing on your board.
You don’t have to start on your feet. In fact, you can lay, sit, kneel or stand up to paddle. For your first time out we recommend a comfortable kneeling position to get started. Then, once you feel stable paddling from your knees, you can give it a go standing up.
The most important determining factor in how quickly you can pick up stand up paddling is how adept you are at balancing. If you are comfortable standing in an unstable environment, you will likely take to this sport quite fast. General exercises can be done to improve your balance, which would be beneficial to both beginner and advanced paddlers.
Typically speaking, core exercises help with your balance most. Core muscles support many aspects of any activity. They are known as stabilizer muscles for a reason. Great exercises include squats, deadlifts, and ab exercises.
Fourth, now that you’re on your feet pay attention to your posture and stance.
These two elements will help you build an effective and efficient stroke all of which adds up to you becoming a better paddler. Generally speaking, you want to keep your knees slightly bent, with your feet apart. This gives you a strong base with which to maintain your balance. Lean a bit forward as you start to paddle, as this helps you to absorb the momentum during the SUP tour.
From SUP Difficulties to Simple Steps
Pretty simple right? By step two you’re already on the water and by step four you’re off cruising freely, enjoying what the sport has to offer. There’s certainly more to dig into, but if your goal is simply to get out there on the water and give it a try then you already know everything you need to start.
And, don’t worry about falling off. It doesn’t hurt and depending on what time of year you’re paddling, it can be quite refreshing. If you’re worried about losing your board, attach a leash to your foot. Heading out to snorkel or just dip from your board is all part of the fun. We’ve certainly seen our fair share of dives, cannonballs and even flips from the deck of a SUP.
Other Tips for Beginners
If you’re really nervous about picking up this sport, or want a few more tips just to be safe and secure, there are a few ways to make it even easier on yourself. As we stated above, most anyone can pretty much pick up a board and get started.
