First Time on a Paddleboard? Here's Our Top Tips for Not Falling In | Paddleboarding London (2024)

FAQs

How likely are you to fall off a paddle board? ›

No matter how hard you try to stay balanced on your paddle board, you're going to fall into the water at some point. Even the most experienced paddlers take the plunge from time to time. So, if you're feeling wobbly, don't worry about it and remember, SUP is a watersport, so it's OK to get wet.

Always Stand up in the middle of the board

The handle is the middle of the board and most stable position. Always stand up with your feet lined up with the handle, and shoulder width apart, facing forward. If you're behind the handle the board will be more narrow and less stable.

Falling off your paddleboard isn't just a possibility; it's an inevitability. However, there's no need to fear the water. With the right technique, falling can be as safe as it is inevitable. If you're in deep, obstacle-free waters, the method of your fall isn't crucial.

Stay relaxed and keep your knees bent. This will keep your body from becoming rigid and locked. You'll have better balance and more mobility on your board. Try to feel your board moving with the water.

Yes, paddleboarding is relatively easy for beginners. It's known for its gentle learning curve. Many people find they can keep their balance and start paddling comfortably after just a few tries. The key is to start in calm, flat water and to choose a wide, stable board.

Paddle boarding can be hard to balance if your board is too small for your size, if the water is choppy, if you're looking around or moving your body around a lot, or if your stance is incorrect.

If you're feeling particularly shaky, it may be best to start out by sitting or kneeling on your paddleboard. This will help you get used to the feeling of being on an unstable surface and will also give your muscles a chance to adjust. Once you feel more comfortable, you can stand up and start paddling!

Paddle boarding is a leisurely, low-impact, physical training that engages all muscles in the body. Most paddlers start with kneeling when they start to learn how to paddle board. If you are worried about aggravating your old knee injuries, try sitting on the board instead of kneeling in the beginning.

Are Inflatable Paddle Boards More Stable? The stability of an inflatable paddle board depends largely on the thickness of the design. A well-made 5 inch thick inflatable paddle board will generally be more stable than a hard board because of the difference in rail construction.

Fins contribute to the stability of the board by providing some resistance to tipping, although the width, thickness, and outline of the board have much more impact on the stability of a SUP board.

Why is it so hard to stand up on a paddleboard? ›

Conditions and paddling location; wind, weather and tides can affect your chances of staying standing when paddling. Checking the forecast and identifying a calm water location will increase your chances. Technique; You may just need to adjust your technique to help you with balance.

Balance is one of the biggest concerns from new paddlers. Often I hear 'I have bad balance.” But I tell folks, if you can walk fine without any instability, then your balance is good enough for SUP.