Free delivery on orders over £805 Mistakes Every First-timer Makes On A Paddle Board
Main Photo: Andy Johnson
Paddle boarding has become increasingly popular over the last few years, and with good reason! It’s a great form of exercise, a brilliant way to explore somewhere new and can even boost your mood! The great thing is you don’t need master SUP skills or a superior paddling technique to have an enjoyable time out on the water.
In order to not look like a complete beginner, however, it’s probably worth having some idea before you start. We asked Andy, our resident paddle boarder, to shed some light on some common mistakes amongst beginners and how to avoid them.
Not Inflating Your Board Enough
Photo: Red Paddle Co
Let’s be honest, this is probably everyone’s least favourite part of paddleboarding. The constant strain on the body can often leave you feeling exhausted before you’ve even got moving. This has often led people to adopt a ‘that’ll do’ attitude when the eagerness of wanting to get out overcomes the need to make sure you’ve pumped enough.
It’s important to remember that a correctly inflated board is a rigid board, and a rigid board is easier to paddle. You’ll be able to move it about easier and go in a straight line for longer. It’ll also become more stable as there will be less ‘give’ and movement beneath your feet. We’ve all seen the person on holiday who tries to paddle an ill-inflated lilo around the hotel pool – don’t be this person!
*Extra tip* The Titan pump is a great way to ensure you spend less time pumping and more time paddling, especially compared to other pumps. It puts the volume into your board faster and reduces the effort required to reach a higher pressure.
Forgetting To Attach The Leash
(or just not wearing one at all)
Photo: Andy Johnson
Firstly, for those that are not sure, a leash is a length of cord that attaches the paddler to the board. If you fall off, the leash ensures you don’t drift apart. But for a lot of people, a leash can often seem like an inconvenience or perhaps they find it gets in the way too much while moving about on the board.
The truth is that a leash isn’t just important but can also be a lifesaver.
It’s crucial to remember, if someone falls off, their board tends to go in the opposite direction. Similar to when a skateboarder slips, and the board shoots off down the ramp – it’s the same on the water. If you then have even the slightest wind or surf, that very nice, new board, is suddenly disappearing rapidly off into the distance!
The second reason leashes are so important is because your board is often your only floatation device. Get separated and you can soon find yourself in a whole world of trouble!
*Extra tip* I will almost always wear a personal floatation device AS WELL AS my leash when out on my board. Not only does a buoyancy aid help keep me warm but I can store safety equipment in it and, most importantly; if I’m in the middle of a big lake and my paddleboard gets a puncture, I still have a secondary way of keeping afloat.
Wearing The Wrong Clothing
Photo: Andy Johnson
From t-shirts to wetsuits and even drysuits, having the right clothing can make a huge difference between enjoying your first time on your SUP and being miserable.
Unfortunately, unless you’re renting a board, there are usually no hard and fast rules about what to wear and when. It all comes down to experience, personal preference and the choices you make on the day. It’s important to do your research and even going on a beginner course can help hugely with your decision making.
As an example, in the middle of the summer, when I’m going to be spending a lot of time splashing about, I might just wear a light wetsuit. However, in the winter, waterproof salopettes, layers, even a bobble hat and gloves mean I can still get out and enjoy the water. Of course, a buoyancy aid can be worn year-round!
If you’re unsure, ask an expert and never go out unprepared.
*Extra tip* Don’t forget the sun cream, hat and shades, even if the sun isn’t that bright!
Going Too Big Too Soon
Photo: Andy Johnson
Start simple! The temptation is there to take your new board on the surf or to do an epic adventure to far corners of the UK, but it’s important to start simple and learn the basics before challenging yourself.
Many beginner paddlers think they can handle more than they actually can and it is important to know your limits and your skill level before heading out especially in conditions that are not ideal.
If it’s your very first time, then stick to flat sheltered water, never paddle alone and always check the weather before you start. As a beginner, it is common to be unaware of the risks and conditions, so you must consult a more experienced paddler for some advice and knowledge of the conditions you are considering paddling in. A qualified guide or instructor can help massively to keep you safe and ensure you learn the best technique straight from the get-go.
*Extra tip* Consider joining a club. This will mean you have regular access to your local body of water but also means you can improve your paddling quickly.
Holding The Paddle The Wrong Way
Photo: Andy Johnson
We have all done it and one of the most common paddleboard mistakes. Firstly, when you look at the profile of a paddle, you will notice that the blade is angled away from the shaft. This angle should point towards the front of your board and will help you glide your board across the water effortlessly.
Secondly, make sure one hand goes on top of the ‘T-grip’ and the other hand sits comfortably further down the shaft. A good way to check if they’re far enough apart is by resting the paddle on top of your head. Your elbows should form right angles if held at the correct distance.
Finally, if you’re paddling on the left, then your right hand should be on top and vice versa if paddling on the right. It’s okay to swap hands in while paddling but try to avoid doing this after every stroke!
*Extra tip* To get the paddle at the right height, make a ‘call me’ sign with your hand and place your thumb on top of your head. The tip of your pinky is where your paddle’s shaft should end.
Don’t Be Scared To Fall In!
No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddleboard, you are going to fall into the water at some point. It’s perfectly normal to fall in, in fact, it’s often encouraged! Even experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time and remember that paddleboarding is a watersport, so it’s okay to get wet.
Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to fall on your board. It is important to remember that your board is actually, relatively hard and landing on it unexpectedly can be rather painful! The best option is to fall to the side into the water rather than landing back on your board. It’s also worth practising falling off and getting back on your board in a variety of conditions while wearing different clothing/equipment. Trying to get back on your board with a buoyancy aid, for example, is a lot harder than it seems and requires a bit of experimenting to get it right!
So, if you're a beginner and looking to try paddleboarding avoid these five mistakes and you will be off to a great start! Don’t forget, proper instruction can go a long way, wear appropriate safety kit & clothing, check local access rights and keep it simple on your first go!
