Stand up paddle boarding sup 101 edited

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) 101: Everything You Need To Know
Are you looking for a fun way to work out? Paddleboarding is a popular water sport that burns lots of
calories and engages your core and multiple muscles in the body. Paddleboarding is a great way to
unwind and be one with nature, allowing you to appreciate nature and gain a new perspective. This
article will provide you with everything you need to know about stand-up paddleboarding.
Types of SUPs
Your choice of paddleboard will depend on your lifestyle and needs. Each board is different from the
next, and you should choose the best board for you. Below are some types of stand-up paddleboards.
All around SUPs
If you are a beginner, all-round SUPs are the perfect choice as they are the most common and most
versatile SUP shape in the market. You can use all-round SUPs to glide on calm lakes as well as surf
through ocean waves. Activities you can participate in with all-round SUPs include SUP fishing, SUP
touring, SUP yoga, and SUP surfing.
Inflatable SUPs
Inflatable SUPs are better suited for users who travel a lot as they can be rolled up like a sleeping bag
and stashed away until subsequent use. These boards are also very durable and, even when dropped,
cannot get damaged.
Fishing SUPs
Fishing SUPs, as the name suggests, contain a broader deck to provide more space to store fishing gear.
Some fishing SUPs also offer attachments such as bait trays and fishing rod holders for your
convenience. Using a fishing SUP provides you with a better angle to view fish in the surrounding, not to
mention how lightweight and easy they are to transport.
Yoga SUPs
Yoga SUPs can not only be used for yoga but also as a recreational paddleboard for beginners. They
come with a broader deck pad to create enough room for yoga stretches.
Touring SUPs
If you are a more experienced paddler who loves long-distance paddling, look into getting yourself a
touring SUP. These paddling boards are also designed for competitions. Touring SUPs are long and
streamlined to increase speed and contain displacement hulls for tracking.
Surf SUPs
As the name suggests, surf SUPs are designed for surfing ocean waves as they are more responsive and
maneuver very well in the water. However, surf SUPs are the least stable on the water, making them
unsuitable for beginners.
Paddleboard equipment
A paddling board is not all you will need to hit the ocean. Here is a couple of additional paddleboard
equipment you will need.
Stand up paddle
A rule of thumb is that your paddle should be six to ten inches above your height. If you are using your
paddle in flat water, size it a bit longer than you usually would and shorter if you use it in the surf. Standup paddles can be made out of either wood, aluminum, or plastic and come with various shaft shapes
and handles.
SUP leash
A SUP leash is one of the most crucial paddleboard accessories and consists of a Velcro strap around
your ankle that keeps you attached to your board. We recommend using a leash that is slightly smaller
than your board. In the unfortunate event that you fall off your board, the force of the ocean waves can
turn your board into a lethal weapon.
Board bags
Inflatable SUPs come with a board bag that helps safely transport your board and prevent wear and
tear.
Life vest
The US Coast Guard recommends paddlers use a USCG-approved life vest beyond a paddling board for
recreational use.
How to stand on a SUP
Starting on a small board will leave you feeling discouraged due to the lack of balance. We recommend
beginners jump on a comprehensive and thick board. The steps below will guide you on how to stand on
a SUP.
Step 1. Push the board into the water so that the fin is not hitting the ground.
Step 2. Kneel on top of the board and take a few strokes on each side.
Step 3. Slowly stand up on the board one knee at a time, ensuring that your feet are parallel to the
stringer. Your feet should also be shoulder-width apart and balanced in the middle of the board.
Step 4. Make sure your core is centered above the board and that your knees are slightly bent.
Step 5. In case you fall off, hop back on the board and try again.
Paddling techniques
Use the paddle as a lever, the bottom hand is the pivot, and the top hand is the load. Check out the
following paddling techniques.
Forward paddle
Ensure your bottom arm is straight while you pull your upper arm toward your body. Bury the blade
deep into the water as you rotate your shoulder forward and extend your reach. Aim at pulling yourself
forward past the paddle rather than pulling the blade through the water.
Turning with the Forward sweep stroke
To turn to the left, you should turn your torso to the left while placing your paddle in the water on your
right side. Bending your knees will make it easier to turn the board.
Turning with the Reverse sweep stroke
If you want to turn to the right, shift your torso to the right, place your paddle near the board’s tail, and
pull towards the nose.
Common SUP mistakes
It is not advisable to hold the shaft of the paddle with both hands like a broomstick. Instead, one of your
hands should be at the top of the handle and the other on the shaft. Standing in a surf stance will
increase your chances of falling. Spread your feet about shoulder length apart and keep them parallel. A
short grip on the paddle will result in a powerless stroke, so ensure your hands are shoulder-width
apart. Use your back muscles rather than your arms for a more efficient stroke and ensure you dip the
blade entirely into the water.
In A Nutshell
Gather your friends and loved ones for a relaxing weekend of paddleboarding in the location of your
choice. Expect to fall off your board a couple of times but don’t let that discourage you. Practice makes
perfect, and even the most experienced paddlers started somewhere.
…