Ever want to learn how to do paddle boarding? Then it’s about time you read on and learn from this beginner’s guide article for paddle boarding.
Reading Onyx Motion paddle boarding reviews online will not be enough to teach you the proper way of paddle boarding. It’s essential to understand what paddle boarding is all about and learn the basics.
Paddle boarding is one of the most popular water sports today. You can paddle board by either standing or sitting on a large, floating board and gliding through the water using a paddle. If surfing is too scary for you, you can do paddle boarding instead since it’s not done on rough waters, so it’s more stable and easier to balance. Moreover, the boards used is often broader and more prominent than surfboards. The common materials for a paddle board are fiberglass, foam, and even inflatable ones.
If you love nature and water and enjoy the outdoors, paddle boarding is the way to go since it can be done on flat water, lakes, rivers, or the ocean. It’s also a fun leisure activity or a competitive sport, participated by everyone from amateur races to professional contests.
There are basic things that you need to know as you start to learn paddle boarding. Check the list below:
Get The Proper Gear
Getting the right gear is essential for a beginner because, with the proper equipment, you can learn the correct and efficient way. If you need help in choosing the right paddle board gears, take note of the following factors:
Material of the board: The board’s material can be a significant factor if you’re still a beginner, so you must choose a material you’re comfortable with. Most boards are made of foam or inflatable material. You should note that foam boards are more challenging to navigate because they’re heavier. But they are more durable and long-lasting. Inflatables, on the other hand, are more portable but not as rigid as foam boards.
Size of the board: When selecting a paddle board, the size will highly depend on your height and weight. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing, but, as a novice, you can choose a longer, wider board since it will be more solid and simpler to balance.
Shape of the board: Paddle boards come in two primary varieties: displacement hulls and planing hulls. Their broader and flatter design makes planing hulls more stable and maneuverable. Meanwhile, displacement hulls are faster and more effective but less stable since they are more streamlined and pointed.
Material of the paddle: The paddle’s material is also crucial since this is the equipment you use to glide through the water. Paddles are usually made of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or aluminum. The aluminum is the cheapest, but it’s the heaviest. Carbon fiber and fiberglass are more expensive but lighter and easier to use.
Length of the paddle: Like with the board size, the length of the paddle depends on your size and height. As a general rule, choosing a paddle 6 to 10 inches taller than you are good.
Shape and angle of the paddle blade: Paddle blades can be found in many different designs, such as teardrop, rectangular, and triangular. The most popular blades have a teardrop form and offer a nice blend of speed and power. The blade’s angle might impact the strength and effectiveness of your strokes. Although a more inclined blade will produce greater power, paddling with one will be more complicated.
Know The Fundamental Skills
For novices to have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water, learning the fundamentals of paddle boarding is important. Here are some pointers to get you going:
Balancing on the board: To begin, kneel on the board and become accustomed to your balance. Put your hands on the board before you’re ready, then slowly stand up while keeping your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart. After you are upright, keep your knees slightly bent to aid stability. Maintain a balanced weight distribution on the board when paddling to prevent excessive tilting in any one direction. To keep your balance, engage your core muscles.
Using the paddle:
- Hold the paddle firmly in both hands, shoulder-width apart, with your arms straight. The paddle blade should be angled so it is facing you away.
- Use the paddle to move forward by immersing the blade in the water.
- Holding the paddle with straight arms, pull it back toward your ankle.
- Lift the paddle out of the water when it reaches your ankle and continue the stroke on the opposite side of the board.
Safety first: Always use a personal flotation device (PFD) and a leash to keep you connected to the board if you fall off. The leash should be fastened to your ankle or calf. Keep an eye out for other boaters and your surroundings.
In Conclusion
Learning paddle boarding can be challenging for most beginners, so you must select a paddle board that suits you. To advance your abilities and maximize your paddle boarding experience, keep in mind to take your time and practice these techniques frequently.
