Over the past few years, paddleboarding has really taken off in popularity – and for good reason! Whether you’re new to water sports or a seasoned aquatic athlete, the paddleboard allows you to get up close and personal with nature and get a good workout doing it. From braving the open ocean waters to cruising flowing rivers and crystal-clear mountain lakes, wherever you go, your paddleboard will follow. Here are a few insider tips to get you up and moving on your board like a true professional.
A Firm Foundation
Like any sport, a strong foundation makes all the difference in your game. When it comes to paddleboarding, it’s all about balance, which means it’s all in your core. If you’ve never been on a paddleboard before, we recommend starting out on your knees to get a feel for the steadiness. Keeping your core tight, start standing up one leg at a time with your feet positioned in the middle of the board. Once you’re up, make sure you have a slight bend in your knees and all that’s left is trusting your body to do the rest!
Row, Row, Row Your Board
Okay, we’ve mastered standing up on our board, now it’s time to explore. Make sure your paddle is facing the right direction – we want the angle of the paddle facing the nose of the board. With your top hand gripping the handle, extend the bottom arm toward the fin. Dip the paddle as far into the water as you can and imagine yourself pulling past it. After a few strokes like this, switch sides and hand positions. You’ll be tempted to watch your paddle as you move, but keep those eyes up towards the horizon – you wouldn’t want to miss out on the views, right?
It’s All About Attitude
Look at you go! You’re paddling like a champ but even pros fall down sometimes. If you take a tumble, so be it! Keep the leash around your ankle and try falling away from your board to keep yourself from getting injured. Enjoy a little swim and get back on for another ride. This sport is all about having fun, so don’t forget to smile and soak up every stroke of the experience.
Now that you’re a pro paddleboarder, head over to our blog to learn other great tips and tricks.