Is It Hard To Balance on a Paddle Board? Vital Tips for Balance
Does paddle board need good balance?
Knowing how to improve balance for paddle boarding is very important. Come to think of it, stand up paddle boarding is all about balance.
Therefore, knowing how to get better at paddle boarding is everything for beginners.
It is more or less the same as learning how to ride a bicycle. This time, the buoyancy of the water makes how to balance on a paddle board a bit harder. However, the good thing is that once you have mastered this skill, you will never forget it.
In the past, we looked at how to balance on a paddle board in waves. This is an extension of the same article since it will teach you the bare basics.
Keep reading for five simple and actionable tips to help you on how to balance on a paddle board.
Balance paddle boarding tips for beginners
As a beginner, the first challenge on the SUP board is not even balancing on the paddle board. It is staying on the board itself.
However, here, I will show you how you can do that. Here are a few helpful tips that you should bear in mind:
Choose the right board
This is where the buck stops, with the best balance board for SUP training. In the past, we wrote an article about the solid vs inflatable paddle boards.
However, here, we shall see what the right board is for you. First, for your balance as a stand up paddle boarding beginner, your board should be as wide as possible.
In addition, if you are on the heavier side of weight, or are taller, you will need a bigger board than a smaller person.
As you get better, you will find it easier to keep your balance on narrower and smaller boards. However, for now, buy or rent a broader board.
The most appropriate SUP board size for a beginner should be 32 to 34 inches wide and 10 to 12.5 feet long. It will cost you more but it will be worth it.
Start your balance training in the shallow waters
Most likely if you are looking for ways on how to improve balance for paddle boarding, it means you are a beginner. Therefore, before you take on the open sea, start practicing near the shore.
That way, even if you fall from the paddle board, you will not fall too deep. In addition, it is important that you fall far from the board.
The good thing with training in the shallow waters is that you will feel confident about it.
Therefore, you will learn how to balance on a paddle board faster. If you train in deep waters, you will feel anxious and this can affect your ability to learn.
Lean how to keep your balance when climbing on the paddle board
Of course, you will have several tumbles into the water when you are learning how to climb on a paddle board.
OK, you are keeping to the shallow waters. The first thing is to get on the board, on your knees. This should be easy since your feet are touching the floor.
Just place the paddle across the board and get one knee on and then the second one follows.
Remember to climb on the middle of the board because if you do it too near the back, the tail will start to sink. If you climb too close to the front, the nose will sink.
You can start paddling from the kneeling position. Do not hold the paddle to the at the end. The middle is good enough position for you.
Once you have kept a good SUP balance board while kneeling, you can proceed to stand on the board.
How to balance on a paddle board while standing
Standing from the kneeling position on the board will be so easy. First, place the paddle upright on the board with the oar side on the board. You will use it to hoist yourself upright.
Stand slowly from the kneeling position with your feet positioned about shoulder width in the middle of the board.
You can then dip your knees slightly, keep your eyes looking ahead instead of looking at the board and start rowing.
The most important thing is to keep your knees slightly bent to make them soft. That way, they will help you keep your balance.
If you lose your balance, just bend low to regain it.
Do core exercises for paddle boarding
Most people ask: how do you keep a balance on a paddle board? Well, the first thing is to make sure that you are fit. Therefore, how do you get in shape for paddle boarding?
There are several ways. However, it is best that you start by doing simple gym and home exercises for balance.
The first thing that you should start with is one leg balance. Stand on one leg for 30 seconds before you switch to the other. Do this simple exercise as many times as you can.
Other workouts include using an exercise ball, swinging your leg while keeping your arms by your side for at least 15 times before you switch to the other.
Basically, if you have been asking: How can I improve my sup balance? You got to start with balance exercises at home.
They will help condition your body for finding balance on the buoyant nature of the waves.
Conclusion: Have Fun
That is it for does paddle board need good balance?
Once you know how to get better at paddle boarding, go ahead and have fun. So we fall, but we rise again.
The most important thing is to have fun! In addition, to get better at paddle boarding, you need to learn how to steer the board. You also need to know how you can turn on the board without tipping over.
Does paddle board need good balance? That is what it is all about really, staying on your feet on the board. So, go ahead and start working on those balance workouts.
Also wear a life jacket for paddle boarding in the first few days of paddle boarding. It will boost your confidence.
