Through the years, I’ve taught a whole lot of individuals how one can stand-up paddle board, from 3-year-old youngsters to 80-year-old grandparents, celebrities, athletes and as soon as even somebody who didn’t know how one can swim (don’t fear, they wore a life jacket).
And each single particular person was in a position to do it.
I consider one of many causes stand-up paddle boarding turned so well-liked is that it’s a sport for everybody — you don’t have to have a background in athletics; you simply want a board, a paddle, a physique of water and a few dedication. Should you haven’t given it a strive already, I extremely advocate it. Who is aware of, it might change your life. I do know it modified mine!
Listed below are the issues you must get began:
A Lesson
Should you’re new to stand-up paddling, I like to recommend getting a lesson. Like several new exercise, it helps to have somebody offer you a run-down in particular person on the place to be on the board, how one can carry it out and in of the water, how one can rise up, and so on. Should you reside close to a spot that rents boards, they might have somebody who can assist.
Board
For freshmen, go large. Usually, the longer and wider a board, the extra steady it’s. As you progress, you might wish to look into boards designed particularly for various functions, together with browsing, racing and yoga.
Paddle
Having the suitable size paddle makes a distinction — too brief and also you’ll end up leaning over an excessive amount of and straining your again, too lengthy and also you’ll find yourself placing a number of stress in your shoulder joints. Maintain the paddle with the blade touching the bottom, elevate your arm straight as much as the sky, the deal with of the paddle ought to be on the degree of your wrist. Some paddles are adjustable, so it’s not a foul concept to start out with an adjustable paddle to find out the size that feels greatest for you.
Physique of Water
Circumstances could make a giant distinction as effectively. Should you’re simply beginning out, exit when it’s calm, with gentle winds and little to no wake or surf. The flatter the water, the simpler it will likely be to remain balanced in your board.
Sunscreen
Be solar conscious! Put on reef-safe sunscreen to maintain your pores and skin protected and the water freed from poisonous chemical compounds.
As you progress, you’ll in all probability end up including extra gear — watches for measuring your distance and pace, water packs for staying hydrated, cameras, communication gadgets just like the Garmin inReach®, and so on. However no matter what you want, one factor rises to the highest as most necessary: have enjoyable!
