The Dos And Don’ts Of Paddleboarding

One of the most popular watersports is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Paddleboarding may be used to explore the coast or to paddle around the UK’s lochs and lakes, making it an extremely versatile way to get your sea legs.

Whether on an inflatable paddleboard or a solid paddleboard, SUPing is a great way to have fun on the water while simultaneously staying in shape. If you do it often enough, your general fitness will increase, particularly your core body strength, which is where the majority of your paddle power will come from. But, before you get in, here are a few things you shouldn’t and should do:

• Tide Times And Wind 

It’s a wise idea to check the local tide schedules before arranging your next paddleboard trip to the seaside. You should steer clear of pounding waves and dumping beach breaks, favouring mostly calmer waters. ‘Slack tides’ are the best time to get out at most beach areas where you can stroll right into the ocean with your board. This is commonly seen for two hours on either side of low and high tide and occurs when the sea is most likely to be calm.

Windy weather can make the water rough and difficult to balance on your board, so approach with caution. The wind will also alter the water’s movement, causing you to move fast in one way. It could also suggest that paddling in one way is simple, but paddling in the opposite direction is more difficult.

• Keeping Warm In The Water 

Many paddleboarders like to wear their swimming suits or shorts, occasionally with a t-shirt, when the sun is shining and temperatures are at their highest in the summer. If this is your plan, remember to apply enough sunscreen, as water reflections will enhance your chances of getting sunburned or windburned.

A wetsuit is recommended in the months prior to summer, and other seasons of the year, or if you are frequently cold. This will keep you warm while you’re on the board or if you fall into the water. You will be able to paddle for longer if you’re warm. Water socks or water shoes with a gripping sole are a great choice for many people who feel cold on their feet. They’ll help keep your feet safe while you walk down to the ocean on your board.

• Using Your Paddle 

One of the most important things you can do to make your life simpler on the water is to hold the paddle correctly. You can lose your equilibrium if you hold or place your paddle wrong. Hold the paddle in your hand with the curve facing you and gradually submerge it in the water – the fewer splashes the better. To get the most out of each stroke, make sure you stand up straight and keep your hands well separated. Face the direction you wish to go while keeping your gaze in front of you.

• Water Etiquette And Safety 

Your major safety equipment is your leash, which should be worn at all times. If you wear a leash that connects your ankle to the board, your SUP will not drift away from you if you fall off. If you’re not linked to your board, it can simply float away, leaving you exposed to the elements in the water. The laws for the ocean, canals and lakes differ slightly from those for fast-flowing rivers. Instead of using a regular coil leash in fast-flowing rivers, most kayaking instructors recommend using a quick release leash. This is because if you get tangled up in something and the current is strong, you’ll be able to easily separate yourself from the board. 

Paddleboarding is one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world, and it’s been adapted to include additional fun activities, giving rise to derivatives such as SUP Fishing, SUP Yoga, and SUP Racing. Beyonk can help you find places that offer you these activities in the UK. With these paddle boarding tips, you can improve your skills and have a fun and safe time on the water!