Stand Up Paddleboarding is a Blast 🌊
From Kayak to SUP #
During the summer of 2020 (COVID-19) I bought an inflatable kayak and paddled local lakes and reservoirs. I really enjoyed it and found a new hobby through it. But, I kept seeing people on stand up paddleboard (SUPs) all the time and got a bit jealous. Not only did they look like a lot of fun, but they weren’t cramp - you could stand up, kneel, or lay on them without any issue. Good luck trying that on a kayak!
If you’ve never seen a stand up paddleboard, it looks like a large surfboard and you propel yourself along the water with a single paddle. They are best used on flat water (lakes) but can also be used in the ocean.
Anyway, this summer I bought a stand up paddleboard. I was a bit shaky on it the first few times I went out but I love it now. It’s a blast and a wonderful workout. Unfortunately, for my kayak, it has been replaced and longer gets to see the sun. 😞
SUP Tips #
Don’t worry about falling in. #
If you’re paddling on a lake, the paddleboard is stable. It takes a little time to get the hang of it, but if you ever feel a bit wobbly, just fall forward on your knees. That said, if you’re first time is out on the ocean, I take back this point - you will definitely fall in.
You don’t have to stand up. #
You can paddle while kneeling without any problems. In fact, paddling on your knees is the safest way to handle wind on windy days, waves from passing boats, and it is the safest way to approach a dock or ramp. Sitting down or laying down on your board is also a great way to relax. I’ve seen people lay on their stomachs just reading books.
Get water shoes! #
When I kayaked, I used flip flops to get in and out of the water. With a SUP, water shoes make more sense. It’s easier to get in and out of the water, you don’t risk losing a flip flop, and in the rare event that you fall into the water, shoes will protect your feet from debris on the lake or ocean floor.
You can strap stuff to your board. #
You can easily strap stuff to the front of your board - water bottles, coolers, waterproof speakers, and even small dogs are all fair game. The neat part about this is that it is all easily accessible. In contrast to a kayak, where storage holes are often behind you or far ahead of you, requiring you to be on land to open.
It’s like a bike. #
When you are standing, you’ll be more stable going forward than sitting still. And when picking a board, remember that more narrow boards are faster but less stable than their wider counterparts. When first starting, it’s recommended to use a wider board.
Bend your knees. (think 🎿) #
You can’t really react when your legs are locked straight. So make sure you’re bending your knees a bit. If you ski, you know what I mean. It makes it much easier to steady yourself using your quad and core muscles when your knees are bent.