Paddle boarding tips...

[mauimichele]

anyone into paddle boarding? I'm interested in trying it out. The boat I have is in the San Francisco Bay (Oakland port/harbor area to be specific) I would love to learn to do this. I have a beautiful women's wakeboard if you're up for bartering! it's white, pink, grey and sparkly! top of the line!

[rebel heart]

It's a blast, I do it all the time. I've got a 12'6" yolo and in addition to surfing it, going out for hour long trips, and putzing around with my kid I've done some local races.

My tips:
- reach with your lower hand as far as you can. REACH!
- punch forward with your top hand.
- get your lower hand lower.
- twist.
- get the paddle out of the water when it's by your heel.
- your bottom arm should be straight or nearly straight during the pull.

[mauimichele]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

It's a blast, I do it all the time. I've got a 12'6" yolo and in addition to surfing it, going out for hour long trips, and putzing around with my kid I've done some local races.

My tips:
- reach with your lower hand as far as you can. REACH!
- punch forward with your top hand.
- get your lower hand lower.
- twist.
- get the paddle out of the water when it's by your heel.
- your bottom arm should be straight or nearly straight during the pull.

thank you! do you recommend taking any lessons first?

[tomfl]

Originally Posted by mauimichele

thank you! do you recommend taking any lessons first?

I did not take any lessons first, but I did go to a demo day put on by a local kayak shop and spent maybe 10 minutes on one before I bought mine. I would suggest you try and find a demo day but am not sure lessons are necessary. Just remember to start out on a nice calm warm day and stay within your limits.

I am in the FL Keys and enjoy my SUP, but find it somewhat limited. I have a Sea Eagle inflatable and am very happy with it. It has several D rings so I can attach a seat and cargo nets to carry goodies. I can stand up and paddle as well as sitting down which is nice going up wind in waves. Going down wind standing up your body can act like a sail. On clam spring fed rivers in NW Florida it is a real treat to stand up and get a better view of the bottom.

Here is a pix of me on the St. Marks river. Notice I am using what is called a Greenland paddle. I am a big fan of that type of paddle, not only for kayaks but also for a SUP. It is easy to make your own Greenland paddle, just do a web search.

Cruisers & Sailing Forums - tomfl's Album: Album #1 - Picture

[sww914]

I surf. I have one thing to say to all SUP surfers. If you're paddling for a wave, look both ways. If there is somebody already on the wave, DON'T GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by mauimichele

thank you! do you recommend taking any lessons first?

Nah. And like most things in life that are about technique it's about practice. Even the best guys have their form break down when they're tired, so just keep at it and try to work on one thing at a time.

Choppy water and head winds are about 100x harder than flat calm conditions.

[azsailor12]

I agree on the demo day. I had no problems when I first tried it in BVI, but the water was flat. I tried again in Cabo with small waves and struggled to maintain balance.

[Tallswede]

Can you take a passenger on one of those? I'm trying to decide what I want to use as a type of dingy for my 23.5 foot boat. I'm down to three choices: SUP Board, Kayak infatable, Kayak sit on top. I'll have to give the SUP a try!

Kevin

[sww914]

Kayaks are better for hauling food, water, & fuel. We have a double inflatable kayak. It isn't as good as a real kayak but it's good enough.

[mauimichele]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Nah. And like most things in life that are about technique it's about practice. Even the best guys have their form break down when they're tired, so just keep at it and try to work on one thing at a time.

Choppy water and head winds are about 100x harder than flat calm conditions.

Cool. Thanks