Stand-up paddleboarding is a watersport that requires strength, balance and endurance. It’s an excellent way to get a full-body workout outside the confines of a gym. However, before attempting advanced techniques for paddleboarding, ensure that you have mastered the basic moves and that your core muscles are strong.
Advanced Techniques for Paddleboarding
Here are six advanced techniques for paddleboarding you can employ to take your paddling skills to the next level:
1. Refining your Stance and Balance
A correct posture is the foundation of advanced paddleboarding. For proper stance, place your feet hip-width apart with your knees slightly bent to respond to movements from the water. Your footing and control will be more stable with this position and you will be able to make more efficient strokes.
You can also experiment with different foot placements, as they can be beneficial for different maneuvers, such as navigating through rough water or making quick turns.
2. Using Your Core
As we have seen, strong core muscles are essential for maintaining balance. Using your core (rather than concentrating on arm or leg power) will help you stay steady and upright, especially in choppy or windy conditions. Incorporate core-strengthening exercises into your exercise routine – they can significantly improve your stability on your paddleboard.
Watch this video demonstration on how to use your core muscles for paddleboarding:
Advanced Paddling Techniques
3. The Sweep Stroke
For making quick turns, perform the sweep stroke as follows: Place your paddle in the water near your board’s nose and sweep it towards the tail in a wide arc. This action will turn your board in the opposite direction of your stroke; this is useful for making sharp turns or navigating confined spaces.
4. The Cross-Bow Stroke
The cross-bow stroke is used for making more precise turns. After you paddle on one side, bring your paddle across the board’s front and dip it into the water on the opposite side. This technique delivers a more controlled turn and is useful for narrow passages.
5. The Sprint Technique
To rapidly increase your speed using the sprint technique, lean forward and bend your knees more than usual and use short, quick paddle strokes. Keeping the paddle in a vertical position will maximize your power and efficiency and is excellent for rapid acceleration.
6. Building Endurance
For long-distance paddleboarding, endurance is essential. To build stamina, paddleboard at a steady pace for extended periods of time. You can also do cross-training with running, cycling or swimming to enhance your endurance for longer paddleboarding sessions.
By integrating these advanced techniques for paddleboarding into your regular sessions you can enjoy a more dynamic and challenging paddleboarding experience. Always prioritise safety and remember essesntial paddleboarding safety rules before trying new maneuvers.
Gear for Advanced Paddleboarding
What gear will you need when using advanced techniques for paddleboarding? Whatever your reason for wanting advanced paddleboarding equipment, the gear you settle for should make a positive difference in your paddling sessions.
Here is a list of items that can take your paddleboarding outings to another level:
The Paddleboard
Should you use a solid or inflatable paddleboard? This would depend on the type of paddleboarding you intend to do, as well as your skill level.
For an advanced paddleboarder, a board that is designed for speed, performance and maneuverability would be an appropriate choice. Look for a board that has a displacement hull for racing or touring. For a more versatile option, a board with a planing hull would be suitable for flat water and waves.
The Paddle
A good-quality paddle that is the correct length for your height and suits your paddling style can greatly enhance your paddling comfort and efficiency. Although carbon fibre paddles are more expensive, they perform the best and are lightweight. Adjustable paddles are a good choice for adapting to different conditions and for fine-tuning your stroke.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
As safety should always be a priority when you’re on the water, wearing a PFD is essential, especially when paddling in challenging conditions or venturing into open water. Your PFD should fit you comfortably without restricting your paddling movements. See lifejackets here.
The Leash
A leash will keep you close to your board if you happen to fall off. For advanced paddleboarding on flat water a coiled leash will reduce drag; you can use a straight leash for surfing.
Your Clothing
The clothing you should wear will depend on the weather conditions. In cold conditions, a drysuit or wetsuit can keep you protected and warm. In warmer weather, a hat and UV-protective clothing can shield you from the sun. When choosing the clothing you will be paddleboarding in, consider the water temperature, not only the air temperature.
Paddleboarding Accessories
- Take along a dry bag to store your essentials and keep them dry.
- A SUP deck cooler bag can keep your drinks and snacks cool during longer paddleboarding sessions.
- A smartwatch or GPS can track your speed, route and distance.
- To save your energy for paddling, a portable electric pump can use battery power to do the work of inflating your board.
- With waterproof Bluetooth headphones, you can enjoy your favourite music while you paddle.
A Maintenance Kit
If you’re using an inflatable paddleboard, taking along a repair kit that includes repair patches, adhesive and a valve wrench can help you address such problems quickly and keep your board in working order.
Emergency Gear
You should always be prepared for unexpected events. Emergency gear such as a first-aid kit, whistle and waterproof flashlight could save your day.
You should now be ready to face a number of challenges and conditions that can come with advanced techniques for paddleboarding. Always check local conditions and the weather before setting out, and avoid paddling alone.
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