Improving your stand-up paddling technique is a crucial aspect of becoming a proficient stand-up paddleboarder. By refining your technique you’ll be able to paddle more efficiently, increase your speed and enjoy your time on the water even more. Try using the following tips to enhance your paddleboarding skills.
Improve Stand-Up Paddling Technique
- Perfect Your Stance.
Your paddling technique will depend largely on the stance you adopt on the board. Your feet should be parallel, roughly shoulder-width apart, and centred between the edges of the board. This position will provide stability and balance so you can perform stronger and more controlled strokes.
- Optimise Your Grip.
Grip your paddle with one hand on the top of the handle and the other along the shaft. A proper grip will give you better control and transfer of power during the stroke. The distance between your hands should be a little more than shoulder-width to maximize the efficiency of your strokes.
- Master the Catch Phase.
The phase when the paddle blade enters the water before you pull is known as the “catch phase”. You should submerge the whole blade before you pull, in order to maximise the catch and avoid splashing. Plunging the blade into the water cleanly will set the stage for a powerful stroke (the power phase).
- Utilise Your Core
Stand-up paddleboarding provides a full-body workout but you need to employ your core muscles as well as your arms and shoulders. You should engage your core throughout the stroke to enjoy optimal power and stability. This core engagement will also help to take some strain off your arms and shoulders, thereby minimizing fatigue.
- Maintain a Vertical Paddle.
Keep the paddle as vertical as possible during the stroke to ensure you generate the most power and propulsion. A vertical paddle will also help to keep the board moving straight and reduce the need for corrective strokes that could slow you down.
- Focus on the Power Phase.
Pulling the paddle through the water after entry is known as the power phase: Push down on the paddle handle with your upper hand while pulling back with your lower hand. This motion should involve your whole body, not only your arms.
- Recover Efficiently.
When you lift the paddle out of the water to prepare for the next stroke is known as the recovery phase. It should be a smooth and controlled movement. You can minimize resistance by slicing the paddle out of the water at the end of the stroke.
- Keep Your Head Up.
Looking downward can throw you off balance. Keep your head up and your eyes looking forward. This will help you maintain a more direct course and improve your balance on the board.
- Practice Drills.
Incorporate specific drills into your practice sessions to work on each part of the stroke. For example, you can focus on only the catch or only the recovery movement to refine each particular aspect of your stand-up paddling technique.
- Analyse and Adjust Your Stand-Up Paddling Technique
Be aware of how your body feels during paddling and make adjustments as necessary. If you notice excessive splashing or feel that your strokes are inefficient, take some time to analyse and adjust your technique.
- Learn from the Pros.
There are instructional videos from professional paddleboarding coaches that can provide visual guidance and useful tips to improve your paddling technique. Pay attention to their body mechanics and how they execute each phase of the stroke.
- Get Professional Feedback.
Consider taking a lesson from a certified SUP instructor. He/she can provide personalised feedback and help you correct any flaws in your technique that you might not have been aware of.
By focusing on these key areas and practising regularly, you should see a significant improvement in your stand-up paddling technique. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in your efficiency and enjoyment of the sport.
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