Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding, more specifically stand up paddleboarding, is a water sport that has been gaining popularity recently. In general, paddleboarding involves a person using either their hands or a paddle to propel themselves along the water while they are on top of some form of board. Some paddleboarding is performed ideally on flat water, while other types of paddleboarding involve riding waves in a similar manner to surfing. The size, shape, and overall design of paddleboards varies depending on its intended use. Shorter paddleboards are preferred for riding waves, while very long paddleboards are better suited for competitive racing on flat water. The ideal size of a paddleboard also depends on its intended user, with heavier individuals requiring a larger paddleboard.
| Board Type | Intended Use | Board Length |
|---|---|---|
| Short | Surfing | 10 ft or Under |
| Medium | General Use | 10-12 ft |
| Long | Racing | 12 ft or Over |
First, make sure to stand in the center of the paddleboard, with feet symetrical and spread equally apart. Once you are stable and comfortable standing up on the board, you can begin paddling. Hold the paddle with one hand on the grip at the end and the other hand at a comfortable length near the middle of the paddle. When you paddle, the bend of the paddle will be pointing forward and up.
Now you are ready to paddle. Reach the paddle toward the front of the board and drive the paddle into the water. Once the paddle becomes parallel with your feet, remove the paddle from the water and repeat this process. It is important to try to keep the paddle vertical as it enters the water, as this will help keep the board moving straight through the water. After a few strokes, it will still be necessary to switch the paddle to the other side in order to maintain straight movement through the water.
Once you become more comfortable paddleboarding, it is recommended that you consult more advanced tutorials in order to improve your speed and technique.