How to Paddleboard

Paddleboarding has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, offering a unique way to enjoy the water and stay fit simultaneously. With a heatwave approaching this summer in the UK and temperatures set to soar, there couldn't be a better time to take up this exciting water sport. Whether you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into paddleboarding or an experienced enthusiast seeking to enhance your skills, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information to get started and master the art of paddleboarding. From selecting the right equipment to perfecting your technique, we'll cover everything you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

 

Choosing the Right Equipment

To embark on your paddleboarding journey, the first step is to choose the right equipment. Here are the key components you'll need.

 

Paddleboard

Selecting the appropriate paddleboard is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Consider your skill level, intended use, and the type of water conditions you'll encounter. Beginners often find wider and more stable boards easier to handle, providing a solid foundation to build their skills. On the other hand, experienced paddlers might opt for narrower and more manoeuvrable boards, suitable for challenging water conditions or specific activities like surfing or racing.

Paddle 

Your paddle is your primary tool for propelling and manoeuvring the paddleboard. Opt for an adjustable paddle made of lightweight materials such as carbon fibre or fibreglass. These materials offer a good balance of strength and weight, making your paddling strokes more efficient. Adjust the length of the paddle to match your height and the type of paddling you'll be doing. A general rule of thumb is to set the paddle's height to be a few inches taller than your height when standing next to the board.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD) 

Safety should always be a top priority when engaging in water activities, including paddle boarding. Ensure you have a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) that fits you properly. PFDs provide buoyancy and can be life-saving in case of emergencies. Look for a PFD specifically designed for paddleboarding, which offers freedom of movement and comfort, allowing you to paddle without hindrance.

 

Leash 

It's crucial to wear a leash while paddleboarding to keep the board attached to you at all times. A leash is typically worn around your ankle or calf and is connected to the board. In case you fall off the board, the leash prevents it from drifting away, making it easier for you to retrieve and climb back onto the board. This is particularly important in strong currents or windy conditions, where the board can quickly get out of reach.

Next, we will talk you through the essential techniques for beginners to get to grips with.

 

 

Essential Techniques for Beginners

Before venturing into the water, familiarise yourself with these fundamental paddleboarding techniques, split into six steps below.

 

Step 1: Standing Up 

When it comes to transitioning from kneeling to standing on your paddleboard, it's important to start in calm, shallow waters to build your confidence and balance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the process:

• Find a suitable location: Look for a calm and shallow area, free from obstacles and strong currents. This will provide a stable environment for you to practice standing up on your paddleboard. 

• Position your paddleboard: Place the board parallel to the shoreline, ensuring that the fin is facing down and not dragging in the sand or shallow water. This alignment will help maintain stability during the standing-up process.
• Kneel on the board: Begin by kneeling in the middle of the board, ensuring that your weight is evenly distributed. This position lowers your centre of gravity, providing a solid base as you transition to a standing position.
• Maintain stability: To maintain stability while transitioning, keep your hands on either side of your board, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. This will give you better control and balance throughout the process.
• Rise into a standing position: Slowly rise up from the kneeling position, one foot at a time. As you stand, keep your feet hip-width apart, parallel to the stringer (the centerline of the board). This wider stance provides better stability and balance, especially when encountering small waves or slight movements in the water.
• Engage your core: Once standing, engage your core muscles to stabilize your body. This will help you maintain balance and control as you begin paddling.

Remember, practice makes perfect. It may take a few attempts to find your balance and develop a fluid motion while standing up on the board. Be patient with yourself and don't be discouraged by initial wobbles. With time and practice, you'll gradually build your confidence and become more comfortable with the process of transitioning from kneeling to standing on your paddleboard.

 

Step 2: Proper Stance

As the sun shines and the heat envelops you during your paddleboarding adventures, maintaining the right stance becomes vital for both balance and comfort. Follow these guidelines to ensure a stable and enjoyable paddleboarding experience:

Feet Hip-Width Apart: Position your feet parallel to the stringer, which is the centerline of the board. Keep them hip-width apart to create a stable base. This width allows for better balance and control, especially when encountering small waves or gentle movements in the water.

Knees Slightly Bent: While standing on your paddleboard, maintain a slight bend in your knees. This relaxed position helps absorb any minor movements of the board, providing stability and minimizing the impact of waves or water currents. Bent knees also allow for better manoeuvrability, making it easier to adjust your weight distribution and respond to changing conditions.

Engage Your Core: Activate your core muscles by gently contracting your abdominal muscles. A strong core stabilizes your body and improves balance, making it easier to maintain control of the paddleboard. Engaging your core also promotes proper posture and reduces strain on your lower back.

Look Ahead, Not Down: While paddling, focus your gaze forward rather than staring down at 

 

Step 3: Paddling Technique

As the temperatures soar and the sun's rays glisten on the water, it's time to embrace the refreshing sensation of paddling. Mastering the proper paddling technique will not only propel you gracefully through the water but also provide a delightful coolness with every stroke. Follow these steps to hone your paddleboarding strokes:

Grip and Position: Hold the paddle with one hand on the top grip, and the other hand about halfway down the shaft. Maintain a relaxed grip, ensuring your hands are spaced comfortably apart. Position yourself in the centre of the board, maintaining a balanced stance.

Reach and Plant: Reach forward with the blade side of the paddle, extending your arm to plant the paddle blade into the water. Allow the paddle to enter the water smoothly and steadily, focusing on a controlled and deliberate motion. The blade should be fully submerged, perpendicular to the water's surface.

Pull and Exit: With a slight rotation of your torso, pull the paddle back towards your feet. Engage your core and back muscles to generate power and propel yourself forward. As you complete the stroke, exit the paddle blade from the water near your feet. Maintain a smooth and continuous motion throughout the stroke, aiming for a rhythmic and efficient paddleboarding experience.

Repeat and Alternate: After completing the stroke on one side, smoothly transition to the other side of the board. Switch the positioning of your hands on the paddle, and repeat the same fluid stroke, feeling the coolness of the water with each paddle. Find a comfortable and balanced rhythm, syncing your movements with the gentle ebb and flow of the water.

 

Step 4: Changing Direction

To change direction, you simply need to follow these steps.

To turn left, paddle on the right side of the board, inserting the paddle into the water alongside the board's rail. Take a sweeping stroke, pulling the paddle towards the tail of the board. This stroke creates a turning force that steers the nose of the board to the left. Repeat this stroke on the right side to maintain balance and control.

To turn right: Paddle on the left side of the board, mirroring the same technique described above. Insert the paddle into the water alongside the left rail, and execute a sweeping stroke towards the tail of the board. This action generates a turning force that directs the nose of the board to the right. Alternate strokes on the left side to maintain balance and control.

Remember to maintain a stable stance and engage your core muscles during the turning process. Smooth, controlled paddle strokes combined with subtle weight shifts will assist in executing precise turns while maintaining balance on the board.

 

 

Step 5: Pivot Turns

The pivot turn is a more advanced manoeuvre that allows you to make a quick and tight turn while maintaining forward momentum. Here's how to perform a pivot turn:

While in motion, position your feet near the tail of the board to shift the weight towards the back. This action lifts the nose slightly out of the water, reducing the board's resistance and making it more manoeuvrable.

As you approach the desired turning point, place the paddle blade in the water behind you, using it as a pivot point. Gradually drag the paddle in an arc-like motion, pivoting the board around the paddle as you continue to maintain forward momentum. Use your body's rotation and weight shifts to facilitate the turn smoothly.

The pivot turn requires practice to achieve precision and balance. As you become more comfortable with the technique, you can experiment with different paddle angles and weight distributions to control the speed and tightness of the turn.

By mastering these turning techniques, you'll gain greater control over your paddleboard and enhance your manoeuvrability on the water. Whether executing gradual turns or executing quick pivot turns, practising these techniques will enable you to navigate various water conditions with confidence and finesse. Enjoy the freedom of fluid movement as you effortlessly explore the scenic waters during the summer heatwave.

 

Practice

If you can get your hands on the best equipment for you and put in the practice with these techniques, you will really transform your paddleboarding game whilst having a fantastic time on the water!