Is Paddleboarding Hard?

Is paddleboarding hard? Some might think so, but it is easier than you think.

Paddleboarding is not a new sport. In the day, Hawaiian kings used these boards to travel short distances in water. Balancing on a paddleboard for an extended period is tricky, unlike plain surfing, where you only stay on top of the surfboard until the waves knock you off it. But is paddleboarding hard?

Is Paddleboarding Hard To Learn?

Paddleboarding is not hard to learn. It is just like learning to balance and ride a skateboard. And you can afford to fall as often as you want because you will ride the board on the water, not on hard cement. It means you are less vulnerable to injuries even if you fall off the paddleboard. 

Once you master the skill of balancing on top of the board, paddle boarding becomes a gratifying leisure sport. Make sure you wear the proper water sports attire to keep you warm. And more importantly, if you aren’t a strong swimmer, wear a life jacket. On second thought, wear a life jacket anyway.

The History Of Paddleboarding

Records show that people were already paddleboarding as far back as the 18th century, as proved by a 1731 painting of Captain Cook with a paddleboarder in the foreground.

The person credited as the pioneer in creating the modern paddleboard is Thomas Edward Blake. After redesigning the old Hawaiian boards in a museum, he joined all the surfboard riding events and won most of them. And this was way back in the 1930s. (sources)

Like any other sport, you need to start with beginner’s equipment. So, it would be best to determine the right paddle board for you. (source)

Tips On Learning To Use The Paddleboard 

Picking The Proper Paddleboard For A Beginner

As a beginner, you do not use the more advanced paddleboards designed for the pros. What you need is a board that can provide you with maximum stability. The best paddleboard for a rookie is the inflatable type. It is inexpensive and easy to carry, and it gives the stability that a newbie needs.

Choose a paddleboard that is wider, thicker, and shorter in length. Determine the recommended size of the paddleboard based on your weight. (source)

Here’s my favorite (and apparently also a lot of others’ favorite) starter inflatable SUP kit from Amazon.
Check the Price Here

Check The Weather And Choose The Right Location

You want to learn how to balance on a paddleboard, not compete in a Paddleboarding contest. The weather plays a vital role in your paddleboarding learning process. 

You do not want to start training on a windy day. And you need to pick an area where the waves are not too choppy. Ideally, you may wish to begin paddleboarding on a large pool or a lake. There, the water is flat and calm. It would help if you learned how to balance before heading out to the beach. 

Mounting Your Paddleboard

The best way to mount your paddleboard is when the water is already waist-deep. Once you are on board the board, you need to launch it from a kneeling position. Whichever side you choose, the other leg that is left hanging outside the board will act as your propeller. 

Do not stand yet. Let your body get used to the wave and flow of the water first. Place both your legs on the board and while still in a kneeling position, start paddling. 

Standing

Once you feel comfortable and confident with moving the board while paddling, you can begin standing up.  

The trick is to stand up on the paddle board and not look at your feet. Look forward and stand up while maintaining your balance. Do not raise your body abruptly. Slowly adjust your body until you are upright with your knees still bent.  

Do not attempt to stand up fast and ignore the people around you. Once you have achieved the standing position, slowly begin to paddle.  

You have discovered that paddle boarding is not hard. Poof! Just like that!