What is Paddle Boarding?
Paddle boarding is becoming increasingly popular with both locals and tourists to beach towns like Hawaii. It is a great variation of surfing that can be learned by anyone in a short while.
Many people wonder how this type of water sport differs from conventional surfing. Well here’s how:-
- In Surfing, the surfer uses his/her body to direct the movement of the board through the water. The hand moves the board out to start surfing while changes in the direction of the bodyweight ride the waves. In paddle boarding also known as stand up paddle boarding (SUP), the surfer uses a paddle to move the board.
- The boards used in the variants of this water sport are different. SUP boards are longer (about 14inches), thicker, and much heavier. They are ideal for families and learners because of their stability. Surfboards on the other hand are lighter and shorter (between 5 to 9 inches). Paddle boards are designed the way they are because they have to be stable on the water. Surfboards on the other hand have to be light enough to ride the waves
You can get more information on this water sport on this site: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standup_paddleboarding
Starting Out With Paddle Boarding
SUP is a fun activity that helps one have a full-body workout while experiencing the splendor of the outdoors. It is an activity that can either be conducted alone or in pairs (which makes it very popular for people who want to bond).
Once you have decided that you want to learn this, to start enjoying the benefits thereof, there are basic pieces of equipment to be had. But before then, you must choose the type of board that you want. There are two main categories of paddle boards and they are: – Hard paddle board is known as epoxy paddle board and inflatable paddle board.
Both categories come in different sizes and shapes and each one has its pros and cons. The hard types are made with a core of EPS foam that is wrapped with fiberglass. They usually have one fin or more that helps them to move on water.
The inflatable types on the other hand are more recent inventions that came into being in 2014. These types have some benefits that the epoxy variants do not have.
Beginners are advised to go for designs that are longer, wider, and thicker. This is because they have more stability for the learner to master the basics on a body of water that’s flat. The board can get smaller with experience and more skill.
It’s worth noting that there is more to paddle boarding than meets the eyes. Once you become more confident you can take up challenges, such as paddle boarding through long distances, or even take your pup on a water adventure, as this enthusiast explains here: https://paddleboardinsiders.com/.
The bottom line: There is a lot more to do than you imagine when you get started. This could be your new favorite hobby.
Basic Paddle Boarding Equipment
After choosing the board that’s most appropriate for you, the next step is to choose basic equipment. They include the following:-
Stand Up Paddles
These pieces of equipment are made with different materials; they can either be aluminum, plastic, carbon fiber, or wood. No matter the material of manufacture, they all have different types of shaft shapes, handles, and blades. The rule of thumb for this equipment is that whatever paddle you choose to use must be between 6 and 10 inches longer than the height of the user.
If you want to use the paddle for flat water, it should be on the higher limit while surfing should be on the shorter limit.
SUP Leash
This is a leash that is used to attach the paddler to the board using a Velcro strap which is put around the ankle of the paddler. These leashes come in different sizes but the rule of thumb is that the leash should be the same size as the board or a little bit smaller.
This is to keep the rider secured to the board in case they fall. The reason for this is that if the board is swept away from you by the wind and currents, it can be dangerous or even lethal to anyone it hits.
Personal Floatation Device (Life Vest)
This piece of equipment is a compulsory requirement for anyone who wants to use their SUP for more than recreational use, paddling, or surfing. There are life vests that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and those are the standard requirements. Check out this site for more on the safety regulations for this sport/activity.
SUP Board Bag
This is just to protect your board and make it more convenient to store and also transport. Inflatables come with bags but if you buy the epoxy variant, you have to get a bag that would fit it.
How To Choose The Best Hard Paddle Board
As you move from beginner level to more experienced levels, you may want to change up your board. In this
segment, we would discuss what to look out for when shopping for a hard paddle board. The following are the factors to consider:-
Construction
The construction of a paddle board is very important. Traditionally, they are made with solid fiberglass and/or expanded form. This solid construction is best for people who live close to water or those who have a big vehicle for transportation
Additionally, you have to be sure that the product you choose is constructed with high-quality material that is anti-rust/corrosion. It has to also be able to withstand the rigors of the sport that it is intended for.
Bear in mind that the more advanced the construction, the higher the cost but you can rest assured that the board would be lighter and more durable.
Features
After you have confirmed the construction, the next thing to look out for is the features. These features include the following:-
Fins
The most basic of boards come with a plastic fin that’s 9 or 10 inches in length. But the more advanced ones have longer fins. The fins are what determine the tracking performance of the product. So bear in mind the performance that you want before selecting any product.
Fins are either single or in thruster set-ups. The thruster setup is a configuration of 3 fins that are used together with planning hulls and they are ideal for riding the waves. Long single fins on the other hand are made for racing and touring
Fins can either be made of fiberglass or plastic. If you want the long single fin design on your board, ensure that they are made of fiberglass.
Deck Pads
This is the part of the board that provides traction and comfort. Some folks are concerned about a full-length deck pad but some others are not. But one essential factor to consider is the thickness and how it is designed for traction; this is usually in alligator or diamond patterns.
Ensure that it is padded with top quality and durable material that would provide adequate comfort and traction. It should be such that you can comfortably kneel or sit on when you are tired and need to rest as you paddle.
Carry Handle
Ensure that the board you choose has a carry handle. It goes without saying that it would be hard to carry such an item with one’s arms wrapped around it or even on your head.
These carry handles are usually molded or recessed into the board to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your paddling. Additionally, you have to make sure that it is designed in such a way that you can hold it comfortably.
Pricing
After you have considered all the above, another factor that would determine your choice is the price. Note that the higher the quality, the costlier it would definitely be. But ironically, this may not be true all the time.
This, therefore, means that you have to do your due diligence to ensure that the value of the product is commensurate to the price for it.
If you want to buy your paddling board online, ensure that you visit reputable brands. You can go to Paddle Board Surf to learn more about how to get good quality equipment.
Conclusion
Water sports are great ways of exercising and getting a full-body workout. Stand up paddle boarding or SUP as it is also called is a more recent variant of surfing. Having the right pieces of equipment is important for the safety and ultimate enjoyment of the sport.
We believe that the information that we have shared in this article would go a long way in helping you start out.
