Stand-up paddle boarding is a fairly new sport that has become widespread over the last couple of years. Do you have to be strong to paddle board? Read on to find out more on this topic!

In that time, there’s been a lot of talk about education, security, equipment, and everything else SUP-linked. Yet, you shouldn’t always accept all the things you hear or read.

Although paddleboarding is a full-body workout session, individuals of all ages and fitness levels can test this activity. It’s different from surfing, as you don’t require waves to paddleboard, and quiet, balanced water is most suitable for newbies.

Is Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Difficult to Learn

Speaking of learning any new sport, the needs you pick to learn to make or break the venture. In the start, it’s essential to begin small and work your way up the ladder.

Same with SUP – if you choose to go to the beach for your first SUP tour on a 10ft surf day, the chance of victory is pretty slim. You should be mindful of this! 

Yet, with a stretch of clear water, moderate breezes, a soundboard, and a little knowledge and you will likely find you are up and paddling in no time, maybe not even slipping in. Select your situations wisely, and you’ll find that knowledge of paddle boards is a lot easier than many think.

Tip: There is a catch. Some surfers may lose their surfboards while they are on the waves. How do we prevent this from happening? Is using the leash the only answer or is there more?

Do You Have to Be Strong to Paddle Board?

Quite frequently, photos online show ripped men with bulging muscles powering their path through giant waves. Know that if they are in the photos you are seeing, they are probably skilled models, and they get paid to look that way. SUP doesn’t take superhero muscles.

In reality, as you’re paddling utilizing the bigger muscle groupings in your body, it doesn’t take much muscle at all – just practice. So before you remove SUP off your list, think about that we have seen individuals varying from ages 5 to 80 and of all extra fitness abilities learn to paddle board.

It’s all about training – the more you practice it, the stronger you will get! That is the unwritten rule, by all means.

Tip: You may be wondering if paddling is the hardest part of surfing. It may be more demanding than anything else.

You Can Exclusively Paddle Board on the Ocean?

If this was true, just people in 23 US states would be competent to paddle board in their motherland. Anyplace you have water that is more than knee-deep, you can swing a paddle board. Of course, you won’t be able to locate the surf-able waves on your regional lake like you can on the ocean.

Whereas, on the flip side, it is extremely hard to see dead glass calm water on the ocean, like you assumably have on your local lakes.

Tip: For your own safety, you should know what wind is best for surfing. This is vitally important, by all means!

Is Being Too Young, Old, Overweight, or Weak Stopping You?

Old – This is total absurdity. You only need to be able-bodied to enjoy the water and have a sense of the experience to be able to SUP. Someone who is 70 can do this better than some 40-year-olds. 

Young – Not really. It’s never too early to begin paddle boarding. Kids under five may stumble to paddle their surfboard. Yet, you can let them ride on the front of the board with you.

After they are large enough for their board, keep them secure with a PFD, Leash, and be sure they paddle near the beach in calm states under management. Shortly they may even be better than you.

Overweight – Not valid at all. We can stand up paddle boards that can readily take riders up to 300 lbs. With a new board, as well as a new activity, you’ll be on your path to a more promising, more active lifestyle.

Weak – You already know this one, but if you can maintain the paddle, you really can paddle a board. Together with SUP, you can be an avid highway cyclist. It goes without saying that everyone has the power to paddle. So, do not worry about this! 

Paddle Boarding Is Risky

Like all the things in life, done with the right security in mind, proper states, and the right tools, SUP is a quite safe sport, as it takes place at low paces. Yet, basic water security rules always apply: unravel a PFD, wear a leash, never paddle alone, and don’t do it after dusk. These are just a couple of the basics.

Many incidents affecting paddle boarders getting into despair occur because someone was careless if they went out in the wrong states or missed using the right safety gear like a leash. Confirming you’re staying safe out on the water is always crucial, mainly if you’re paddling in more severe states.

Tip: There is a theory that it is not safe to surf in a thunderstorm. It is truly not advisable to do that, just as much as playing an electric guitar in a thunderstorm is dangerous.

Paddle Boarding Is Pricey?

Let’s observe a board like the Cruiser SUP ECO Dura-Maxx. This one retails for $749 with the board, paddle, and free shipping to most states included.

While $749 is a big investment, that is essentially the only expense you have. In many cities, the waterfront has abundant public water entry ends to launch, so there are no other fees (like green prices in lift access in skiing).

If You Are Not Strong How Do You Lift a Paddle Board on Your Car?

You are able to lift the board overhead and put it on the roof, or perhaps lean it against the back of your car and place the board firmly to avoid moving.

How to Paddle Board in Strong Winds?

To lower how much the wind moves you around, try to lay lower. This will make it a lot more manageable to paddle while fighting the wind. Utilize brief, fast strokes. 

Manual to Stand-up Paddleboarding

#1 Take a Class

The key to being the best in paddleboarding isn’t about how strong or muscular you are. Yet, instead, it’s all about style and technique. 

To detour typical newbie missteps (think: standing with linear legs pointing down sooner than with legs slightly bent like in skiing for better balance and for gazing ahead at the horizon), paddleboarding newbies are supposed to sign up for a course from a WPA-certified instructor. 

Finger Lakes Paddleboard, for instance, delivers an opening to SUP class that guides you on how to accurately size and carry a paddle, useful paddling style, necessary turns on the board, how to remain safe in wind and waves, and how to slip and remount. The one-hour class begins at only $25 which contains gear rental.

#2 Focus On Your Core Rather Than Your Arms

Your foremost instinct when paddling may be to concentrate on your arms. “Newbies may not recognize that you won’t succeed by utilizing your arms more than your core.

Your core is a larger and stronger muscle group, and the water regularly switches, so you need to be cautious about holding your core engaged for better balance and steadiness.

Tip: You maybe want to know why it’s so essential to wax a surfboard. There are many reasons why this matters.

#3 Bring the Right Equipment

One of the most alarming things you can do when beginning any sport is to fetch the wrong gear. This is a fact! 

If you get a board that’s too short for your poundage or capacity, it will be unsafe, and you’ll feel SUP is too hard or that you can’t do it right.

Here is the equipment you’ll require to begin:

A stand-up paddleboard: Consult a licensed paddleboard professional and test out the boards in the water before you purchase them to get an opinion about how they run.

Wider, flatter boards are more durable, and a plain, all-around board for most people tends to be approximately 12 feet, such as the Riviera Voyager.

In fact, you will be paying at least $800- $900 on a typical board. Purchasing a paddleboard is an investment, as is purchasing a road bike, while it won’t lose its buck value because you can always sell it afterward.

Paddle: Stand-up paddles alter, but the majority have a linear shaft with a bent cutter whose size is clear to each person. As a matter of fact, pick a paddle that’s nearly 10 inches taller than you if you’re flat-water paddling. 

A solid paddle will cost you roughly $300-$400. Yet, you shouldn’t have to substitute it, ever.

Individual flotation device: It is essential that all paddleboarders include a life jacket or additional PFD onboard. 

This holds the board from drifting away if you drop it off and makes it more manageable to pull it back so you can also employ it as a flotation apparatus when you need to rest.

Tip: Maybe you want to know what is easier to learn, kitesurfing or windsurfing? Some say that windsurfing is much easier to learn, per se!