Stand Up Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is the coolest water sport since surfing. It has been steadily gaining in popularity as a super fun new sport. Requiring a combination of balance and strength, this is also one truly effective workout.
Read what you need to do to prepare yourself for your first time trying SUP as well as all the reasons why you need it in your life. Master the tips and tricks below so you can become a Stand Up Paddleboarding master.
How To Prepare Properly For SUP
How To Prepare Properly For SUP
Set yourself up to have a productive first SUP session by doing the following:
● Wear sunscreen - Bodies of water reflect the sun and therefore the proper sun protection is absolutely necessary.
● Wetsuit or bathing suit - Check the weather to make sure you are dressed appropriately. Make sure you are comfortable so that what you wear doesn’t get in the way of your SUP success.
● Practice balancing exercises beforehand - The better shape your body is in, the easier it will be to stay on the paddleboard.
● Purchase a package of lessons - Not only will you save money when you buy a bunch of lessons at once, but you won’t be tempted to quit after just one.
● Rent or borrow a board - Before purchasing your own board, rent or borrow one from a friend. This way you can ensure that when it’s time to buy one, you’ll know which type of board works best for you. The wider the board, the easier it is to balance. As you get better, you can get a narrower board.
● Choose a calm body of water - Dealing with a strong wind is not advised for your first time out.
● Stay hydrated - It’s easy to forget to drink, especially if you keep falling into the water.
● Fuel yourself properly - As with doing any exercise, making sure to eat the proper nutrients beforehand will ensure you don’t feel dizzy or lightheaded. If you think your diet is lacking in nutrients, consider taking a supplement. Analyze That is a website which provides unbiased reviews on manufacturers and supplements so you know that what you are purchasing is high quality, safe and effective.
7 Amazing Benefits to SUP
Staying upright on an unstable board, being in the sun and having fun means you will get the following awesome benefits when you do SUP.
1. Core strengthening
2. Full body workout
3. Improving balance
4. Great date activity
5. Opportunity to get Vitamin D
6. Low-impact cardio
7. Inclusive activity for all ages
Tips On How To Stand Up On Your Paddleboard
● Bring the board deep enough into the water so that the fins are not touching the ground
● Kneel onto the board, staying in the center
● Take a few strokes and then lay the paddle across the center of the board to use as leverage to help you stand
● Place your feet where your knees were and then slowly rise
● Hold onto the sides of the board to steady yourself
How Do I Stay On The Board?
Once you’ve managed to successfully stand upright, don’t fall over! Imagine you are balancing a book on the top of your head and try these tips to stay standing up.
● Center your feet on either side of the board
● Always look straight ahead and not at your feet
● Make sure your feet are parallel and that your knees are slightly bent
● Straighten your back and move your hips in order to shift your weight
Paddling Basics
Now that you’re standing tall and confident, you can start to paddle. Place one hand on top and the other lower down on the paddle. If your hands are too close together, you won’t have enough power in your stroke. After about 5 strokes, switch arms so that your paddle is on the other side of the paddleboard.
Make sure that when you paddle you are using your core muscles and not just your arms, otherwise your arms will tire easily. In addition, if you submerge the paddle deep into the water it will help you keep your balance.
Falling Off
Falling off happens to even the most experienced Stand Up Paddleboarders. If you feel yourself falling off, try these tips to help minimize injury and to help you get back on your board:
● Bend lower and get your paddle deep into the water to stabilize yourself
● Fall away from the board; don’t fall on the paddle
● Try and climb back onto your board by slithering your body up from the back end
● Lying on board, paddle with your hands in order to reach your paddle
● Once you have your paddle, use it to help you kneel into the standing position
Take Away
No matter how old you are or how out of shape, you should try Stand Up Paddleboarding. Learn how to engage your core muscles and have fun doing it. Once you get the hang of it, make it more exciting by trying adding more exercises like yoga to enrich your experience.