How hard is paddle boarding? Paddle boarding is an easy sport to learn. All you need is a paddle board, some water, and the willingness to try something new. You can become an expert in no time and paddle board your way to a better physique. The best part is anyone can paddle board; it doesn’t matter what your age, weight, or physical condition is.
In this article, we will be discussing how easy it is to paddle board. We will go over some tips on how to get started and give you some reasons why it’s an amazing sport.
Is Paddle Boarding Easy To Learn?
Yes, paddle boarding is an easy sport to learn. You only need some confidence, and within a day or two, you’ll be up and paddling. It doesn’t matter what your age, weight, or physical condition is – paddle boarding is for everyone.
The great thing about paddle boarding is that you can go at your own pace. You don’t need to be an athlete or have any experience in paddle boarding to get started. All you need is a board, some water, and the willingness to try something new.
The Best Ways to Learn Paddle Boarding
If you are a beginner and would like to learn, here are some tips and tricks that can help you:
- Know how to swim
This is the most important thing you can do before getting on a paddle board. If you don’t know how to swim, it’s best not to get on the board. Swimming is essential because if you fall off your board, being able to swim will help you stay safe and get back on the board.
2. Practice before hitting the waters
It is advisable to practice on solid ground before hitting the open waters. This will help you get a feel for how to control the board and also give you some tips on what to do if you fall off. You may also start practicing in a pool.
3. Start out in calm water.
When starting paddle boarding, it is best to start out in calm waters. This will help you get comfortable with the movement of the board and how to control it. As you get better, you can then move on to more challenging waters.
4. Start in shallow water.
When starting out, always paddle in shallow water. This will help you avoid any accidents and also keep you safe. If you fall off, it is easier to get back on the board in shallow water than in deep water.
5. Start paddle boarding on your knees.
You don’t have to start standing up on the board from day one. You can start off by paddle boarding on your knees. This will help you get a feel for how to control the board and also help you build up your strength and confidence.
6. Keep your feet apart.
When you finally start standing up, it is important to keep your feet apart. This will help you balance better and avoid falling off the board. Your feet should always be at least shoulder-width apart when paddle boarding while standing.
7. Paddle board with a friend
When you paddle board with someone who knows what they are doing, it will help you learn faster. They can give you tips and pointers on how to control the board and stay safe while paddle boarding.
8. Learn how to hold your paddle
This is another most important thing I should have mentioned earlier. Learning how to hold the paddle correctly will help you maneuver the board better and also stay balanced better.
You should hold your paddle with both hands and place the paddle in front of you on the board when standing up.
9. Always look ahead
You want to look ahead while paddle boarding. This will help you stay balanced and also avoid any obstacles that may appear in front of you along the way.
It is important to know where you are going when on a board, especially if there are other boaters around who could be affected by your movement.
10. Learn the paddle strokes
Knowing how to use the paddle correctly is essential to staying balanced and paddling effectively. Long, straight strokes are best when paddle boarding. This will help you move forward and stay balanced at the same time.
11. Be careful of your surroundings.
Always be aware of what is going on around you while paddle boarding. Other boaters, swimmers, or anything else that may cross your path can easily disrupt a session if not seen in advance. It’s best to be aware of your surroundings when on the board.
12. Use your leash
Your leash is there for a reason. If you fall off, use your leash to get back on the board quickly and safely. You should never paddle board without using your leash as it is an essential safety accessory that can save you from injury or even death if used properly.
Is Paddle boarding Harder than Kayaking?
While it depends on who you ask, in general, paddle boarding is seen as a bit more challenging than kayaking. This is because you are standing on the board and need to maintain your balance at all times. Kayakers can sit down, which makes it a bit easier to stay balanced.
When paddle boarding, you have to always maintain your balance and keep the board under control while also doing your best to look out for any obstacles in the water. Kayaking is a bit more forgiving in that you can relax a bit more and not have to worry about balance as much.
That said, paddle boarding is an incredibly fun sport, and with a little practice, anyone can become good at it. Just remember to always be safe and use the proper gear when paddle boarding.
Is Paddle boarding Harder than Surfing?
Paddle boarding is way easier than surfing. This is because you can do it on calm waters, and you do not need to go out into the open water to start paddle boarding. Also, you only require basic reactive and balance skills to start paddle boarding.
Surfing is a whole different beast and requires deep-water paddling, strong waves, and lots of skill. You need better coordination, reactive skills, and balance when surfing. So, in general, when it comes to the challenges they pose for a beginner, paddle boarding is easier than surfing.
How to Paddle Board as a Beginner (Important Tips)
More momentum increases stability.
Just like when riding a bike, when you are trying to gain more momentum, it helps with your stability. If you find yourself falling off the board quite often, try paddling harder and increasing your speed a bit.
This will help keep you propped up better on the board while also making each session easier overall since it will be less challenging for you as a beginner.
Stay close to the shore.
If you are just starting out, it is best to stay close to the shore. This will help with your stability and make it easier for you to paddle in a straight line.
As you become more comfortable on the board, you can venture further away from land, but always be aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you.
Paddle with your core
It is important that you use your core when paddling. This will help keep you more stable on the board and make it easier for you to paddle in a straight line.
Do not just rely on your arms to do all of the work, as this will quickly wear you out and cause you to lose balance easier. Use your whole body when paddling for the best results.
Stay low on the board.
When paddle boarding, it is best to stay low on the board. This will help with your stability and make it harder for you to lose balance. You should also focus on keeping your weight centered while standing on the board.
Use a paddle board leash.
A paddle board leash is an essential piece of safety gear that you should never go without. If you fall off the board, use the leash to get back on as quickly and safely as possible. Remember to always be aware of your surroundings when using the board and avoid any obstacles in the water.
Never look down
You want to look straight ahead when paddle boarding, never down at the water. This will help keep you more stable and make it easier for you to maintain your balance.
It will also help you avoid any obstacles that may be in the water. If you find yourself losing balance, look up and try to correct your position as quickly as possible.
Stay relaxed
When starting out, one of the most important things to remember is to stay relaxed. If you are tense, it will be harder for you to maintain your balance and keep the board under control.
Take a deep breath, relax your body, and focus on keeping your movements smooth and consistent. This will make it easier for you to paddle in a straight line and avoid any accidents.
Know how to fall
Learning how to fall off the board in a safe and controlled manner is an important part of paddle boarding. If you find yourself in a situation where you are about to fall, try to do it as gracefully as possible.
This will help minimize the chances of getting injured and make it easier for you to get back on the board if you end up in the water.
Watch the wind
You want to be careful when paddle boarding in windy conditions. If the wind is too strong, it can make it difficult for you to stay on the board and even cause you to be blown away from shore.
Make sure to always pay attention to the wind speeds and use caution when paddling in high winds.
Paddle on waves you can handle
You don’t want to paddle on waves that are too big for you as this can be dangerous. Start out by paddling on smaller waves until you become more comfortable, and then work your way up to bigger ones.
This will help minimize the chances of you getting injured or losing control while paddle boarding.
Ask for help
There is nothing wrong with asking for help when you are just learning how to paddleboard. If you find it too difficult, ask someone who knows what they are doing to give you some pointers and show you the proper techniques so that your sessions can be as effective and safe as possible.
Not All Paddle Boards Are the Same (Understand which ones are good For Your size and your Experience)
I must mention that not all paddle boards are the same. You have to choose a board that is most suitable for your size and weight to get the best experience.
Note also that paddle boards come in different materials. You can choose the one that is most comfortable for you. Here are some quick tips on choosing the best paddle board:
Consider the board’s volume.
The volume of a paddle board indicates how well the board floats. The higher the volume, the better it is for beginners. So if you are just starting out, make sure to pick a paddle board with high volume.
Consider its length
The length of the board also determines its stability. The longer it is, the more stable it will be and easier for beginners as well as experienced paddlers alike. However, shorter ones are more maneuverable than longer ones.
The width is also important.
Obviously, the wider the board is, the more stable it is going to be. So if you are a beginner, make sure to pick one that is at least 30 inches wide.
Weight capacity
How much weight the paddle board can hold determines who can use it. You have to know your weight when choosing a paddle board. If you are not sure of your weight, go for the one with a higher capacity to be on the safe side.
The deck pad and the fin-type
These two elements determine how stable or maneuverable your board is going to be. So if you want more stability, go for one with a non-skid surface and fins that have closed edges.
On the other hand, if you want more maneuverability, go for a board that has a slick surface and fins with open edges.
Hard vs. Inflatable Paddle Boards
While it depends on preference, I find that inflatable paddle boards are more forgiving. If you end up falling off, it is not a big deal because the board will just bounce back up.
However, hard boards are more durable and have better performance in the water, but they can be quite expensive.
So these are some things to keep in mind when choosing your paddle board. Be sure to also ask around and do some research to figure out which board is best for you. Once you have the right paddle board, it’s time to hit the water and start enjoying this amazing sport.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Paddle Board
Material
Paddle boards are made out of different materials. The most common ones are polyethylene, fiberglass, and epoxy composites, but there is also an inflatable one that you can use if you prefer to do your paddle boarding on water.
Durability
If you need a paddle board you will use for years to come; then you should consider getting a fiberglass or epoxy composite one. These materials are more durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Portability
If you need to transport your paddle board often, then an inflatable board would be best for you as they are much lighter in weight than the other types.
Price range
If you are looking for a budget option, then an inflatable one is definitely the way to go. They are much cheaper than other types of paddle boards but have pretty decent quality too.
However, if you want something more durable and solid, fiberglass or epoxy composite ones will be your best bet. So consider your budget and needs when making your purchase.
Warranty
You want to get a paddle board that will last for a long time so consider one that has at least a year warranty. If the company is confident about their product, then they should be willing to offer you some sort of guarantee too.
FAQs
Is paddle boarding a good workout?
Yes, paddle boarding is a full-body workout. It builds endurance, strength, balance and works your core.
What do I need to start paddle boarding?
In addition to a paddle board, you will need a life jacket, paddle, and a wet suit or rash guard, depending on the water temperature.
What kind of board is right for me?
Different boards have different uses, which means they are suitable for different skill levels. So make sure to pick one that matches your skill level. You can ask your local paddle boarding shop for help.
What are some paddle boarding accessories I should get?
You might want to invest in the right equipment like a leash, ankle straps, bungee straps, and a roof rack. This will help make your paddle boarding experience more enjoyable and safe.
How many calories do you burn paddle boarding?
Depending on how intense your paddle boarding session is, you can burn around 400-700 calories an hour.
What are the safety precautions for beginners?
You should always stay hydrated and wear a life jacket when on the water. You also need to use your leash, stay close to the shore, and avoid paddling in areas with high traffic.
Can I use a paddle board to surf?
While it is not recommended, you can use a paddle board to surf. However, it is much more difficult, and you are less likely to be successful than if you use a surfboard.
Paddle Boarding Difficulty Summary
Paddle boarding is among the easiest sport to learn. You just need to get the right board, have the right gear and some confidence, and you are ready to go. However, you need to start slow and easy as you build up your skills. Remember to always stay safe on the water.
