Paddling is a fun and exciting activity that makes you go through water without floating or swimming. As a sport, you stand on the paddle board and propel yourself using a canoe paddle. Paddle boarding is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world and accommodates all genders and age groups. If you are a beginner and you want to start paddle boarding, there are things you need to consider or prepare yourself for. Below is the list.

Get a Leash

Paddling gets done in water. Before getting into the water with your paddle board, you need to consider your safety first. A leash tethers you to your paddle board. It saves you in case of an accident or when you lose your board. With a leash, it avoids you losing your board in stormy or windy weather conditions. Leashes can be straight or cold. It depends on your choice. Depending on an individual’s preference and paddling style, they can be attached to the calf or ankle. When purchasing for a leash, ensure it’s of the high quality such that it will hold your board firmly in case of a water accident. Cheap or inferior leashes won’t perform their intended duty effectively.

Choose the Right Gear

What do you require when paddling? In paddling, the necessary gear includes the paddle board and the canoe. It would help if you also had the right clothes for paddle boarding. The right equipment will ensure your safety is catered for and makes you enjoy the sport. According to online reviews, you need to get the right paddle board according to your skills and paddling level. For starters, you need to get a thick and wide board that won’t fall off easily. It will be easier to paddle on both calm and wavy waters. The small, narrow ones are for the skilled paddlers. You can also get a stand-up paddling gear that is comfortable and user friendly, and it’s best suited for individuals who want to paddle faster and to the furthest end. Consider your body type, too, when finding the best gear. The larger it is, the bigger the board will be.

Check the Climate

After getting your equipment and now you are ready to paddle, first, you need to check on the weather conditions. The stormy and windy climate is not suitable for paddling as it creates accidents during the activity. Before getting into the sea, check the direction of the wind. Your body acts as the sail, and the wind will push you in its path. It is easier to propel oneself in the direction of the wind, other than against it. Before getting into the water, check on the weather of the day and also the wind direction. It helps avoid accidents that come with strong wind and storms. When the wind is too much, you can get into your board and lie straight, just like surfing. If the conditions are safe, cancel the mission. There is always next time.

Use the Correct Paddling Technique

Do not hold the paddle incorrectly. Use the right procedure when paddling. Flip the paddle board so as the bending part is facing away from you, as recommended. You should also mind the placement of your hands. Putting them too close can limit your stroke power and can make you get tired quickly. When paddling, make sure the shaft gets parallel to your shoulders and that the arm holding the grip makes a 90-degree angle. You have to keep the paddle over your head, using both hands for a perfect grip. The shaft should be on top of your head. If possible, get a trainer who will guide you on this, especially if it’s your first time.

Engage your Core when Paddling

After finalizing getting your equipment and everything, it’s time to paddle and enjoy the activity thoroughly. As a beginner, you should note that paddling should get done using your core, not the arms. The reason is that the arms provide less power and make you get tired easily compared to the core anatomy, which is always powerful. Using the core provides excellent efficiency when paddling and makes you maintain balance on the board much more manageably. Using the core during paddling also acts as an exercise. It makes you become physically fit with time, strengthening your core while building the muscles. It’s one way of exercising your body.

As we wind up our article, you should remember that although surfing is an exciting sport, sometimes it is dangerous, especially when you are a beginner. When paddling for the first time, it gets recommended to get a trainer or expert who will guide you in the activity. 

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.