Paddleboarding can be said to be the low threshold and easiest to learn among many water sports. It is neither as difficult and risky as surfing, nor does it have the limitations of canoeing.
There are types of sports that you can be performed on a paddle board. Including paddling, fishing, yoga, competition, long-distance rowing, surfing, etc. One equipment for multiple purpose, awosome!
It is because of this specificity that paddleboarding is accepted by more and more people. But that doesn't mean that you can just dive into the water without any knowledge about paddleboarding.
Things to keep in mind at the beginner level
1.Choose the right paddle board.
2.How to balance and stand up on your sup.
3.Paddle Boarding Safety
Choose the right paddle board
The most popular SUP boards for general use are 10-11 feet in length and between 32 and 34 inches wide. If stability is a high priority for you, you'll want to look for a board that is 33-34 inches wide. You can go wider, but you may end up with a board that is sluggish and less fun to paddle.
If portability and maneuverability are priorities, or if you weigh less than 150 lb, you may want to go shorter than average and opt for a board in the 9’6†length range. 9’6†boards are a lot of fun and can be plenty stable if the design is right. Just make sure the width is appropriate for the length, about 30-32 inches. A 9’6†board that is wider than 32 inches will be slow to paddle.
If speed and straight tracking are priorities, consider a 12’6†touring or race board. 32 inches is a good width for a stable touring board. Race boards can be 28†or even 26†narrow, which makes them very fast but less stable. 30†is a common compromise width for a 12' 6†board that may be used for both touring and racing. Given the popularity of SUP touring, 12’6†should be a very popular length,
but some buyers shy away from this length due to storage concerns. However, if you go with an inflatable model, the extra length does not pose a storage issue and you can expect excellent performance from a quality inflatable touring SUP.
There are also specialized shapes for specific uses. 36 inch wide boards are commonly used for running rapids but are too wide for general paddling, as they are slow and you have to reach over more to keep your stroke vertical. Boards under 9 feet in length are usually designed for ocean or river surfing, but the lack of volume makes it harder to stay balanced for general paddling.
You may say what is the name of the board should i search for, Almost all sup brands will give the same name for beginner's sup call: All-around paddle board or All-around sup board.
This kind of paddle board can not only meet the beginners' needs for primary paddle board sports, but also take into account a variety of sports that can be carried out on the paddle board, such as fishing, yoga.
Although they are both all-around paddle boards, there is a big price gap between different brands. Fortunately, Goosehill is a brand focusing on all-round paddle boards, with the most cost-effective entry-level paddle boards in the industry.
Goosehill is currently running a giveaway program called "Buy paddle board without paying in the United States" , The goal is to provide 1,000 free all-around paddleboards for sup enthusiasts in the United States.
If you are in US region, Don't hasitate to join in the giveaway program.
How to balance and stand up on your sup
If you are just starting to learn how to paddle board, it's recommended that you find a place that allows you to get on your paddle board from a standing position, like shallow water. Also, a dock would be a great place to launch your SUP board, too. But that would require other techniques.
Here is how you can get on the board safely when you are standing in shallow water. Firstly, get on your knees on the board. It's always necessary to make sure you are right in the middle where the paddle is because that’s usually the center of the weight. If you are too far back, the tail will sink into the water, and so will the nose of the paddleboard if you are too far forward. So if you want to get on the board safely and steadily without falling into the water, always make sure you are right in the middle of the board.
Once you get used to kneeling on the board and are able to balance perfectly, you can try standing up. If you are still struggling to balance when you are kneeling, you might need a wider board to be able to balance properly. A bigger and wider board would be able to provide you with more stability, thus making it easier for you to balance on it. If you struggle to balance even when you are kneeling, it could be even more difficult for you to get into the standing position.
After getting on the board kneeling, try and take a few strokes and see how things go. You don't have to hold the paddle from the top, try holding it shorter and take a few strokes to get the board moving.
Paddle boarding Safety
The most overlooked thing for beginners in paddle boarding is safety, Pay more attention to the follow points, before head out to the water. First of all, you need to check the paddle board and accessories to ensure that they can be used normally, Secondly, you need to wear a life jacket and SUP leash to prevent drowning after falling into the water. Many people are in a hurry to get into the water and paddle, forgetting these basic safety backups, which are very prone to accidents.
Third, you need to know the weather conditions and water conditions in advance to avoid the negative effects of bad weather and avoid dangerous waters, such as white water river or lake, which are not suitable for beginners