You may have noticed that some people would hold their paddles backward. Then again, you may have found yourself repeating the same mistake when you first started because you simply didn’t know. Yet, after some brief research and watching other newbies, you would see it’s a common mistake What side of the paddle do you use to paddle backwards? Stay tuned for more!
So, how do you hold your SUP paddle? It may sound strange at first, but use the back side of the cutter for backward or reverse hits. They’re not performance or pace paddling hits. So, the leading advantage in efficiency here is that you’re not flipping the cutter to paddle backward.
Table of Contents
Is Paddle Boarding Somehow Risky?
Like most things in life, with the proper protection, circumstances, and suitable means, SUP is a relatively safe sport. Yet, necessary water safety rules always apply: wear a PFD, and a leash, never go alone and don’t do it after dusk. These are only a couple of basic things.
Many incidents involving paddle boarders getting into distress occur because someone was negligent. For instance, if they went out in the storm or missed using the proper safety gear like a leash. Verifying you’re staying safe out on the water is always critical, mainly if you’re paddling in more intense conditions.
How to Control a Paddle Board?
The right way to maintain a paddle board is with the cutter bent or leaning ahead. Your upper hand should have a soft hold on the upper handle. Also, your lower hand should grab the stake with your arms wider than shoulder-width apart. Holding your paddle this way decreases pain and improves power.
Tip: Do you know if a climbing rope can be used for canyoneering too? The answer might surprise you!
How do Newbies Hold a Paddle Board?
The fastest way to spot a newbie paddle boarder is to see how they maintain their SUP paddle. The majority of newbies make one or both of two standard missteps.
- Maintaining the SUP Paddle Backward – They either keep the paddle with the cutter backward—angled toward them.
- Hands Too Tight Together – Or they keep their hands too close together on the hold and the stake.
You can’t condemn them as it’s a familiar misstep. This goes without saying!
Tip: It is best to set up a canyoneering rappel properly. You should position yourself on both strands of the rope.
SUP Paddle Blade Backward
Maintaining a board paddle with the blade bent rearwards (toward you) is a wildly unfit paddling position. You see yourself pulling up on the water, making more drag on the board. This delivers the most onward power and speed, by all means.
What is fascinating is that most grips on a handle fit very amply with the round part forward. So, your finger joints cover around the bent part. By doing this, the paddle blade is automatically bent forward in the correct place. (On a “T” handle, this won’t do, and you should confirm the blade is inclined ahead.)
But for some logic, it appears more instinctive when you first begin to hold the blade back. Although, your hand feels comfier with the paddle in the right place.
Tip: You probably don’t want to end up hurt. So, note that it is never safe to surf in a thunderstorm. Having this in the back of your mind matters.
When to Employ the Back Side of the Blade?
You can utilize the back side of the cutter for rearwards or reverse strokes. They’re not undertaking or speed paddling strokes. So the primary use in competence here is that you’re not flipping the cutter face around.
Drawbacks to a backward paddle:
- A backward paddle lowers your sweep. Sounds terrible, right?
- Digs up water at the exit (end of forwarding stroke, starting of the feather)
- Makes more work which may direct to a shoulder injury. Keep this in mind!
Keeping Your Hands Too Close Together
The second most ordinary error that newbie paddle boarders make when holding their SUP paddle is that they grab the paddle with hands too tight together.
This is perhaps because when you first begin paddle boarding, you manage to stand straight up and down. Word-for-word “stand up” paddle boarding.
The truth is, your posture on a paddle board is more suitable with your knees barely bent as you paddle. After you do this, it is easier to move your lower paddling arm down the stake to get the most force out of your stroke.
How to Utilize a Paddle?
So, how to really paddle on a paddle board? To understand how to utilize a paddle, you need to comprehend some things. First, you need to know which arm goes on the hold of your paddle.
Next, how wide to keep your arms separated on a paddle. Also, which direction a blade goes, which muscles to use, and the right pose while you’re paddling.
The Arm That Goes on Top of a Sup Paddle
If you paddle longer than 5 minutes, you’ll discover that this is a rather simple inquiry. Still, we’ve all seen a newbie make this misstep, so there’s no critique here.
Your upper hand should be facing the side of the board. Paddling on the right flank of the SUP—your left hand is your upper hand, and it grabs the handle at the top of the paddle. On the left side, it’s your right hand on top.
You Can Solely Paddle Board on the Ocean?
If this was correct, just those living in 23 US states would be capable to paddle board in their land. If you see water more than knee-deep nearby, you can sway a paddle board. Surely, you won’t be able to discover the surf-able waves on your provincial lake like you can on the ocean.
But, on the other hand, it is incredibly hard to see dead glass still water on the ocean.
Tip: For your protection, learn what wind is best for surfing. This is extremely important, by all means!
Do You Need to Be Strong to Paddle Board?
Quite often, images online show ripped men with bulging muscles making their path through massive waves. Know that if they are in the images you are seeing, they are presumably skilled models, and they make a living from looking that way. This activity doesn’t take superhero muscles.
In reality, it doesn’t take much muscle at all – simply practice. So, before you dismiss SUP off your list, think about that we have seen people varying from ages 5 to 80 and of all extra fitness capacities learn to paddle board. It’s all about exercise– the more you rehearse it, the more powerful you will get, per se! That is the unwritten rule, by all means.
Tip: If you are not afraid of heights, you may be interested to know what does skydiving sound like?
Paddle Boarding Is High-Priced?
Let’s mention a board like the Cruiser SUP ECO Dura-Maxx. This one sells for $749 with the board, paddle, and free shipping to most US states considered.
While $749 is a large investment, that is in essence the only disbursal you have. In many urban centers, the waterfront has ample public water entry ends to set up. So, there are really no other notable fees (such as green costs in lift entrance in skiing).
Tip: Only place your paddle’s blade flat on the wave to equip yourself with extra balance, and run your trust board with your shoulders. This is an important point to know!
Note: Did you know that because of its gorgeous topography, New Zealand is home to extreme sports?
Paddle Surfing Safety Advice
Without further ado, let’s take a look at how you can make your paddle surfing routine less stressful, safer, and more pleasant:
- Paddle surfing’s always better with a buddy. If something’s to go wrong, you won’t be alone.
- Try to evade offshore breezes. That’s because they can quickly push your paddle board far from the coast, making your return a bit harder.
- Don’t forget your PFD (Personal Flotation Device). Choose a jacket that allows you to paddle with your arms freely. This is a must!
- Utilize a paddle board with a proper leash. A leash will let you stay attached to the board at all times. If you fall, you won’t have to swim towards it.
- Review the forecast before you begin. Notably, if the water’s just too wild, you won’t have a pleasing time.
- If you’re going solo, inform someone. Make sure that people know where you’ve set out to paddle and what’s the estimated time of your return.
- Wear a water-resistant pouch. Since numerous folks like to take shots with their phones while on their boards, a waterproof pouch will hold their iPhones from getting watery.
Don’t think these suggestions are only for newbies, per se. In spite of your age and background, you should indeed follow each one.
Hopefully, this article has helped you see what side of the paddle to use to paddle backward. Enjoy!
