Hey there! If you’ve ever wanted to look like a pro on the water, confidently gliding across your paddleboard without wobbling or falling, you’re in the right place. I’m Ethan Huff, and I’m here to share everything you need to know to get started with paddle boarding, kayaking, and essential tips that will help you become a skilled paddler in no time. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your technique, this guide covers safety, gear, and practical techniques to make your paddleboard adventures safe, fun, and rewarding.
Let’s dive right in!
Prioritizing Safety: The Foundation of Every Paddle Board Session
Before you even step onto your paddleboard, safety needs to be your number one priority. Paddle boarding and kayaking are incredible ways to enjoy the water, but they come with inherent risks that you should be prepared for. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
1. Be Comfortable in the Water and Know How to Swim
The first skill you must have before paddle boarding is the ability to swim comfortably. If you’re not confident in the water, paddle boarding can be dangerous. If you’re eager to learn, consider taking a one-on-one lesson with a certified instructor. This ensures you’re supported in the water and can safely enjoy your experience.
2. Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Depending on local laws, wearing a PFD might be mandatory while paddle boarding. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea, especially if you’re still building your swimming confidence. However, it’s crucial to understand that a PFD is not a life-saving device designed to keep your head above water in severe situations—only a life jacket has that design. Always wear a PFD if you’re required by law or if you feel you need extra buoyancy.
3. Always Use a Quality Leash
A leash attaches you to your paddleboard, usually around your ankle or calf. This is essential because if you fall off, the leash keeps the board close, preventing it from drifting away due to wind or currents. Without a leash, you risk being stranded far from your board, which can be dangerous, especially in windy or current-heavy conditions.
4. Check Weather and Water Conditions
Before every paddle session, check local weather forecasts. Pay attention to wind strength, storm warnings, tide changes if you’re on the ocean, and any currents or hazards in the water. For example, calm conditions at 10 AM can quickly change by 11 AM, making it difficult to return to your starting point. Staying informed helps you avoid risky situations.
5. Conduct a Risk Assessment of Your Location
Every body of water is different. Whether you’re at a beach, lake, or river, take a few moments to assess your surroundings. Look for hazards such as rocks, boat traffic, swimmers, or strong currents. Being aware of these factors helps protect you and others while out on the water.
Choosing the Right Paddle Board Gear
Now that you know how to stay safe, let’s talk about the gear that will set you up for success. The three core pieces of equipment you need are your paddle board, paddle, and leash.
1. Selecting the Perfect Paddle Board
As a beginner, stability is key. You want a paddleboard that supports you well as you learn balance and paddling techniques. Here are some guidelines:
- Size Matters: I recommend a board that’s at least 10 feet 6 inches long and 32 inches wide. Longer and wider boards offer more stability, making it easier for beginners to stand and paddle.
- Volume (Litres): This measures the board’s buoyancy. To find the right volume, take your weight in kilograms and add 100. Your board should have at least that many liters of volume for proper flotation and stability.
- Board Type: There are racing, touring, surfing, and all-around boards. For beginners, an all-around paddle board is best because it has a wider shape throughout its length, providing better balance. Narrower boards like racing or surfing boards require more skill and are less stable.
2. Picking the Right Paddle
Your paddle is your main tool, and choosing the wrong one can lead to muscle strain or injury. Here’s what to look for:
- Adjustable Two-Piece Paddle: This is my top recommendation for beginners. It allows you to customize the length for your height and paddling style.
- Correct Height: The paddle length should be tailored to your body size and paddling position. A great resource is the Black Project SUP paddle size guide, which helps you find the perfect length.
- Shaft Stiffness and Blade Size: Larger paddlers need stiffer shafts and bigger blades to move more water efficiently, while smaller paddlers benefit from more flexible shafts and smaller blades to reduce strain.
Investing in a quality paddle upfront not only improves your paddling experience but also protects your body from injury.
3. Choosing the Right Leash
There are two main types of leashes:
- Coiled Leash: Best for flat water paddling. It stays coiled on top of your board, reducing drag and preventing it from catching on underwater obstacles.
- Straight Leash: Used mainly for paddleboard surfing. It stretches out fully but can recoil dangerously if not used correctly, so it’s not recommended for flat water paddling.
For beginners paddling on calm waters, a coiled leash is the safest and most efficient choice.
Techniques and Tips to Master Your Paddle Boarding Skills
With safety and gear sorted, it’s time for the fun part—getting on your paddleboard and learning how to paddle like a pro!
1. Attaching Your Leash
Start by attaching your leash to one ankle. For beginners, it doesn’t matter which ankle you choose since you’re paddling in a parallel stance. As you advance and start surfing or doing more technical paddling, the ankle choice becomes more important.
2. Understanding Your Paddle Board
Know your board’s parts:
- Back (Tail): Where the leash attaches.
- Center Handle: The grip point for carrying and the most stable area to stand or sit on.
- Front (Nose): The front tip of your board.
- Fin: Located underneath to help you track straight.
Be mindful of the fin when entering shallow water to avoid damage.
3. Entering the Water Correctly
Carry your board by the center handle on one side of your body and walk into the water until it’s at least knee-deep. This prevents the fin from hitting the bottom and getting stuck. Once you’re deep enough, gently set your board down.
4. Two Ways to Get on Your Board
Prone Position: Lie on your board like a surfer with your paddle blade under your chest. Paddle through chop or small waves by stroking one side at a time, keeping your hands close to the board to maintain a straight path.
Kneeling Position: Sit on your knees on either side of the center handle with the paddle laid across the board. This is ideal for flat water and helps you get used to the board’s movement.
5. Paddling While Sitting or Kneeling
Hold the paddle with one hand near the middle of the shaft and the other just above the blade. This grip keeps your paddle vertical, making strokes easier. Reach forward, place your blade beside your board, and pull back to your legs. Alternate sides every 2-3 strokes to paddle straight.
6. Turning Your Board
Use a sweeping stroke to turn. Move your hands to the top of the paddle shaft and make a big circular motion with the blade from the front to the back of your board. Practice turning in both directions to gain control.
7. Standing Up on Your Paddle Board
When you’re ready to stand:
- Hold your paddle with both hands in the middle of the shaft.
- Place the paddle in front of your knees.
- Look up at the horizon to maintain balance and reduce wobbling.
- Step up one foot at a time on either side of the center handle, about shoulder width apart.
- As you stand, slide your top hand to the paddle handle and your bottom hand to the middle of the shaft.
- Immediately place the paddle blade in the water to help stabilize yourself.
Looking down or holding the paddle awkwardly makes balancing harder, so practice good habits immediately!
The Three P’s of Standing Paddle Boarding
Once standing, focus on the three P’s: Posture, Position, and Paddle Stroke.
1. Posture
- Keep your legs relaxed, not stiff, to absorb water movement and maintain balance.
- Stand upright with your chest facing forward and eyes on the horizon.
- Avoid bending over or arching your back excessively to prevent strain and improve paddling efficiency.
2. Position
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, straddling the center handle on your board. This is the board’s widest and most stable part, giving you the best balance.
3. Paddle Stroke
- Enter the paddle blade fully into the water at the front of your board—half or partial strokes waste energy and cause splashing.
- Pull the paddle straight back alongside your board to your feet, then lift it out smoothly.
- Keep your paddle blade close to the board to paddle straight; paddling too far to the side will cause you to turn unintentionally.
- Listen for the water sound: if you hear splashing, your paddle isn’t fully submerged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Do I have to wear a PFD while paddle boarding?
It depends on local laws and your swimming ability. Many areas require a PFD by law. Even if not required, wearing one is a smart safety precaution, especially for beginners or weaker swimmers.
What type of paddleboard is best for beginners?
All-around paddle boards are ideal for beginners because they are wider and more stable throughout their length, making it easier to balance and learn the basics.
How do I choose the right paddle size?
Use a paddle size chart, like the one from Black Project SUP, which considers your height and paddling style. Adjustable two-piece paddles are great for beginners as they allow fine-tuning.
Should I use a coil or a straight leash?
If you’re paddling on flat water, a coiled leash is better because it reduces drag and stays out of the way. A straight leash is used mostly for paddleboard surfing to prevent recoil injuries.
What’s the best way to get on my paddleboard?
If you’re looking for a great paddleboard on Amazon, I recommend the one I’m currently using. It’s quite durable and has excellent longevity. This model is 6 inches larger, yet it’s reasonably priced, and they often offer discounts. You can check it out here: https://amzn.to/430ETmK
Final Thoughts
Getting started with paddle boarding and kayaking is an exciting journey. With the right safety mindset, quality gear, and solid techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy the water confidently and safely. Remember to always check conditions, wear your safety equipment, and practice good posture and paddling form.
Keep practicing these tips, and soon you’ll be the cool paddler everyone admires, effortlessly gliding across the water with skill and style. Happy paddling!
