If you love paddle boarding and want to get more out of your time on the water, then it’s time to take your skills to the next level! It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting your stand up paddle boarding journey or you enjoy getting out on the water regularly—there are plenty of ways you can improve your experience and upgrade your SUP game. It comes down to refining your skills on your board. So, before you head out for your next adventure on your inflatable SUP board, keep these tips in mind and get ready to make a splash (figuratively, of course).
What’s Paddle Boarding Without the Paddle?
Mastering the paddling aspect of paddle boarding takes practice, but once you get it down, you’ll be gliding across the water like a pro. One tip for newbies is to keep a close eye on the angle of your paddle in the water. It’s easy for the paddle to twist or become parallel to the board, which can cause each stroke to require more effort. Your best bet is to keep your paddle as perpendicular to your board as you can while carving through the water’s surface. That way, you won’t have to expend extra energy stabilizing yourself on the board each time. You can simply glide across the water with smooth paddle strokes. It’s also important to consider the length of the paddle arm. You don’t want to be hunched over while you’re on the water. This can put a lot of strain on your back and could even lead to injury. At the same time, a paddle arm that’s too long can put a lot of strain on your arms and tire you out. If you don’t have an adjustable paddle, consider getting one. An adjustable paddle allows you to find the perfect length so you can enjoy paddling with proper upright posture.
Mind Your Feet
The position of your feet plays a big role in your ability to stay balanced and secure on your blow up paddle board. The correct foot position can also improve your ability to paddle without wasting precious energy in the process. It’s safe to say most paddle boarders know to stand in the middle area of the board. However, if you’re newer to SUP boarding, this isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. You also want to keep your feet separated for a stable base. As a rule of thumb, keep your feet about shoulder-width apart with each foot pointed slightly toward the edges of the board. It might take some practice to find your footing, so if the board feels wobbly, try adjusting the position of your feet. When you’ve got them in the right place and you feel balanced, the wobble will go away and you can get back to smooth paddling!
Your Core is Your Cornerstone
One of the most common mistakes you can make while paddle boarding is placing too much emphasis on your arm and leg muscles. Relying too much on your limbs can put a lot of strain on these muscles and tire you out fast. The goal is to engage your core muscles as the foundation of your stability. When your core is engaged, you can use your arms to steer and your legs to feel balanced all the way down to your feet. Keeping your knees slightly bent is a huge help when maintaining balance and responding to changes in the water. When you rely on your core to do most of the work, you’ll find that you can glide across the water more effectively and efficiently. This means you get to spend more time on the water, having a blast.
About iROCKER
Your next adventure on the water begins with iROCKER! Since 2013, iROCKER has become the go-to online destination for all things paddle boarding. They offer a wide assortment of paddle boards, including inflatable paddleboards and hard boards, along with a variety of accessories to help you make the most of your time out on the water. Plus, iROCKER is home to the iROCKER, BLACKFIN, and NAUTICAL brands. Each brand offers an array of styles and board types, which means there’s something for everyone. Whether you are getting out on the water for the first time or you’re a SUP pro who practically lives on the water, you can find the perfect board for you. iROCKER is also a resource for paddle boarders. You can find videos on their website to help improve your SUP experience and help you grow as a paddle boarder.
Get everything you need to take your SUP skills to the next level at https://www.irockersup.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/3h2JZY1
