How hard is paddle boarding? 

Stand up paddle boarding is not very hard if you have the proper equipment, the right sized paddle board for your weight and the correct SUP paddle length for your height. Then simply learning the right techniques to paddle safely and effectively combined with practice, practice, practice will get you going everywhere!

While paddle boarding is not hard, it is a skill to learn, and is one that gets better with time. In just a few simple steps, you will be paddling like a pro in no time. First, here are a few stand up paddle boarding tips you should know:

>  Make sure you’re on a beginner paddle board because they offer the most stability and will be the easiest to learn on (generally a board 32" wide or bigger). An inflatable paddle board is a great choice for learning because of its overall versatility, although a hard paddle board can also perform well for beginners by sitting more in the water.

>  Go to a calm, flat-water destination like a lake (if you are local the harbour is perfect!) in the morning or evening when the wind has died down. Because of the chop, we suggest you avoid the ocean for learning.

Don’t worry if it takes you a couple of tries to stand up. Normally, it takes people a few tries to realign their balance on the water.

Poole Harbours Top Tips 

When you’re learning how to stand up paddle board there are a lot of common SUP mistakes paddle boarders make. To avoid making these mistakes, here are more paddle boarding tips for beginners:

>  The more momentum you have on your paddle board, the more stable you will be. Just like riding a bike.

>  Posture and stance are important to ensure that you have the most effective stroke and will improve your paddling technique.

>  Don’t stand too far forward on your SUP. Standing around the handle of the board is a great starting place. 

>  Never look down while you’re paddling. If you do, you will lose your balance and potentially fall off your SUP.

>  If you need help maintaining your balance while paddling, focus on something on land or in the water and begin to paddle towards that subject to help you to glide across the water.

>  When standing, you want to be upright with your knees unlocked (always have your knees slightly bent until confident).

>  Be sure to place your SUP paddle’s blade fully into the water.

>  To turn your paddle board, you will want to submerge you paddle’s blade into the water and push backwards. This will rotate your SUP. Be sure to plant your feet comfortably, prior to doing so, and turn with your shoulders and not hips. 

The main thing is to enjoy yourself on the water -  spend time learning the basic movements and practice as often as you can. Paddle blade to the water, and eyes set on nature's surroundings around you, you'll never see time on the water the same again—it'll only get better from there. 

Want some more help?

If you are still struggling or just want some help on your technique we offer one hour lessons with our paddle board experts down at our school! What better way to improve than getting some top tips from our paddle board enthusiasts'?

 https://www.pooleharbour.co.uk/collections/paddleboarding-lessons-tours-hire

With a great selection of boards to try, you may even find yourself popping into our shop to talk about buying a new paddleboard perfectly suited to you! 

As always if you ever have any questions please give us a call 01202 700503 we are alway happy to help and offer top tips!