Not only is stand up paddle boarding a fun way to play on the water, but also a good way to exercise your body. Paddling gives a clear view of what’s underwater and out on the horizon. Back to your question, is paddle boarding hard? At first, it may seem easy; however, the more you think about it, it gets pretty tricky.
While you are standing on the water you need to balance, not only that but remember you will also be paddling for momentum and gliding across the water surface at the same time. Paddling boarding is not hard, it is just challenging. Below are some of the factors that make boarding a challenge to anyone starting out.
The big question- Is Paddle Boarding Hard?
Our opinion is absolutely not but here are a few things to consider:
1. Balancing
That’s right; paddling on water needs a lot of balancing. Keep in mind that balancing will become pretty hard during windy days or during bigger waves. If you feel you are losing balance, lean back down onto your knees in the same position as when you started to mount your board. This is the most effective way to keep your balance during paddle boarding.
Another way to keep your balance is to ensure that you pick the correct board for beginners. Most beginner boards are wide, the wider the better. With a wider board, you will be able to keep your balance much easier.
2. Maneuvering
The best part of paddle boarding is maneuvering. Maneuvering is a being able to move around the waters and take in the scenery and surrounding. It will be challenging to move around at first, but after a few minutes it will all come to you. Steering is simply paddling on the opposite side you want to go and then alternating sides to go straight.The stronger the stroke the quicker you will turn.
3. Falling in the water
You will always fall in the water when starting out. Don’t be disappointed in yourself; falling in water at some point will be fun. Just live a day at a time and make most out of it. Of course on a hot day it should be intentional, just watch out for the fresh water sharks!
4. Patience
Your patience will always be tested and pushed to the maximum when starting out paddle boarding. One main advantage of paddle boarding is that you will be able to keep yourself distracted and busy while at it.
How to master paddle boarding
Try the following tips on how to get started as a beginner
1. Take a lesson
Paddle boarding is not about how strong you are but how smart you are. It is about the technique. You need to avoid the common beginners’ mistake at all cost (think: standing with straight legs looking down rather than with legs slightly bent as seen in skiing.).
Find out where to stand up paddling lessons are offered, join the wagon and learn. Paddling classes will not take much of your time; they can be done part-time too. One or two lessons is all you will need. Since this is fairly new you may have a hard time finding lessons in your area.
2. Focus on your core
More beginners focus on their arms, what beginners fail to understand is that you may not last long by using your arms more than your core. This is because your core has a group of strong muscles, the water levels constantly change so one has to be mindful of keeping their mid-section engaged for better balance and thrive.
3. Get the right paddle board gear
You need all the right equipment for paddle boarding before you start out. If you get a board too small for your weight or ability, it will be unstable and you might think paddle boarding is hard and sucking.
Our last words
Paddle boarding is easier than you think. It does not involve a massive investment of time and money. It is a fun sport worth trying. We hope that this article helped you gather the courage to go out SUP-ing soon.