How does Paddle Boarding work?

Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a water sport born from surfing with modern roots in Hawaii. Stand up paddle boarders stand on boards that are floating on the water, and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water.

The sport was documented in a 2013 report that identified it as the outdoor sporting activity with the most first-time participants in the United States that year. Variations include flat water paddling, racing, surfing, whitewater SUP, yoga, and fishing.

What is the difference between surfboarding and paddle boarding?

The difference between surfboarding and paddle boarding mainly lies in the apparatus. Surfboards are single-point paddling where you use your toe or foot to push yourself through the water, whereas with paddle boarding, you utilize an oar to propel yourself forward.

Is stand up paddle boarding just for surfing pros?

No! Stand-up paddleboarding is perfect for beginners.

If you do not feel like learning to surf, it is the next best option when in the water.

Stand up paddleboarding can be done with or without a board; when wearing your board, you will use an oar, which propels yourself head in whichever direction necessary. The SUP sport itself has roots in surfing and is highly influenced by Hawaiian coastal lifestyles.

Interestingly enough, this water sport became popular in 2013 after forty years of popularity elsewhere in the world! It’s still new to many people – even if they’ve been living on or near the coast their whole life! But eventually most people catch on to it quickly because it’s so easy and fun. Fun fact: stand up paddle boards can even be used to surf!

When and where is the best place for me to go standup paddleboarding?

There are endless bodies of water across the world that we could recommend you SUP, but Hawaii is a top choice given its beautiful waters and mild year round weather. If you’re looking for calm waters, Maui is your place to SUP.

There are so many great spots on the island including Baldwin beach which offers beginner friendly conditions. If you’re looking for some fun waves, the north shore of Oahu has you covered with Pipeline being one of its most iconic beaches.

What equipment do I need for stand up paddle boarding?

For stand up paddle boarding, you will need a board, oar, leash and of course the right clothing for your area.

How does a paddleboard work?

A paddleboard uses a paddle to propel through the water. Typically, surfers will use one-foot propulsion while stand up paddle boarders will use two hands to push themselves forward.

Standup paddleboarding is a water sport that became popular in 2013 after being around for forty years everywhere else in the world.

The sport was documented as having the most first timers out of any outdoor sporting activity in America that year with roots in surfing and Hawaiian coastal lifestyles. Variations may include flat paddling, racing or surfing depending on where you are SUP’ing but typically SUP boards have fins so people can catch waves too!

Stand up paddle boards are used all over the world but Hawaii is great choice given its beautiful waters and mild year round weather.

Is paddle boarding good for sore backs?

Some people find that stand up paddle boarding can be the best form of exercise for their sore backs, and in some cases it will help alleviate chronic pain. If you have a history of back problems or injuries it is best to take caution and speak with your doctor prior to using SUP boards in place of traditional treatment methods.

What is the average weight limit on a paddle board?

For a paddleboard, the average weight limit is typically up to 220lbs.

If you’re looking for a beginner friendly board, one of our personal favorites would be the Kailua 210 which has a very high weight limit and comes in several different color styles.

The Surfski brand also includes SUP paddles that will help people with back problems or other injuries catch waves with ease because it features a low profile deck as well as an ergonomic shape as opposed to the more traditional “V” style shapes.

How do you know if the water is deep enough to stand up and paddleboard?

Stand on the bottom of the water and place the paddle flat on top. Put your weight evenly between your toes and heels. If you can rise up to full height, this area may be acceptable for stand up paddle boarding.

Standup paddle boards are recommended to use in calm, waist deep water because it is much harder to balance when there is a current or undertow present. If you find yourself feeling unsafe or uncomfortable try finding a less turbulent or choppier body of water instead!

Remember: stand up paddle boards offer many adventuresome ways to have fun so if you’re using one for fishing, surfing, yoga or just cruising please have common sense about your surroundings before getting out there! Stay safe!

Does your balance change when surfing or paddling in waves as opposed to flat water conditions?

Stand up paddling in waves provides the most challenges for someone’s balance because you are trying to stabilize yourself on an object that is wobbling back and forth.

For flat water SUP, the majority of your balance will come from having strong legs rather than relying on your core to keep you upright.

The speed at which waves are created also affects how difficult it is to stand up paddle board in them. Slow rolling waves are much easier to stay balanced on than steep, wave high breakers.

Likewise, shallow sandbars with small breakers are often more favorable for standup paddlers as these tides give less opportunities for being knocked down or off your board by larger waves or sudden currents not many people consider when starting out.