🌊 Paddle basics
Paddles come in many flavors to suit all tastes: from inflatable boards for juggling storage space, to foiling paddles for the speed-hungry and thrill-seekers. And let's not forget wingfoils, the latest way to add a pinch of wind to your gliding recipe. There's a paddle for everyone, whether you're a beginner or a regular on the surfing podium. 🏄♂️
Of course, the board is the foundation. Inflatable or rigid, it needs to match your activity: a leisurely ride into the sunset or a frantic race against the waves. Next, the paddle, an extension of your arms, needs to be carefully chosen for fatigue-free paddling. Let's not forget the leash, that sacred link between you and your board, because nobody wants to swim after their board at the first fall, do they? And finally, the lifejacket, because being an acrobat is fun, but staying afloat is even better! 🏊♂️
Every detail counts in making paddling a rewarding experience. From the choice of board, which must be balanced and adapted to your level, to the little accessories that make all the difference, like a waterproof bag to carry your treasures (or just your snack and your phone). In short, paddleboarding is the perfect way to have fun on the water, whatever your experience.
🏄♂️ Standing (or kneeling)
First kneel, then stand! That's the mantra when you start paddling. 🏄♂️
Kneeling first is not a sign of weakness, far from it! Rather, it's your first encounter with balance on the water. This is where you begin to feel the board beneath you, to understand how it reacts to wave movements and your own weight. A word of advice? Keep your hands on the sides of the board for maximum stability.
Now it's time to stand up, but gently! Think of a smooth transition, like a jazz song. You go from kneeling to standing, placing first one foot, then the other, hip-width apart for ninja stability. This width is the key to balance: not too wide apart, otherwise you'll be doing the splits, and not too tight, otherwise you'll be dancing the samba with the plank. And we all know that samba is best done on the beach. 🕺
Practice makes perfect, and paddleboarding is no exception. Beginners may find this step a little intimidating at first, but once you've mastered the standing position, you'll feel so good 🥰. Remember, the secret is in the position of your feet and the confidence with which you stand. So, ready to take your paddling to new heights?
🚣 Using the paddle without worrying
With one foot on the board and your gaze fixed on the horizon, it's time to make friends with your paddle. The dominant hand takes hold of the handle at the top, while the other finds its place halfway up the shaft.
If you don't want to end up with a bruised back or noodle-like arms, adjusting the paddle to your size is crucial. The golden rule? Neither too short, to avoid turning you into a T-Rex, nor too long, to avoid the stilt-walker look. 🦖🦩
Now for the technique. The front paddle stroke involves stretching out your arms and pushing the water backwards, working your whole body. We don't just want to see Popeye arms, everyone puts in their best effort, from shoulders to toes. To change direction or slow down, a stroke of the back paddle will do the trick. 💪
Here are a few tips to avoid ending up exhausted after two paddle strokes: keep your posture upright, engage your abs (yes, they serve a purpose other than looking pretty on the beach 😉 ), and let your shoulders play their part without turning them into stress balls. And remember, the paddle is not your enemy. Together, you'll glide through the water with elegance and power. 😎
💦 Knowing how to fall... and how to get back up again
Falling is a rite of passage in the SUP (stand-up paddle) world. But here, you learn to fall with panache to avoid hurting yourself. The trick? Relax and let go, as if you were diving into a pool of foam balls at a birthday party. Avoid clinging to the board - after all, you're not in a rodeo. By falling away from your board, you reduce the risk of encountering its hard surface abruptly. 🥴
The ascent, meanwhile, needs to be strategic. Approach your board from the side, not from the front or back, to avoid receiving an unintentional blow. Use your hands to pull yourself up onto the edge, then swing one leg over the board before bringing the other in. Think of a sleek sea lion putting on a show, and you're already halfway to success. 🦭
Let's not forget safety, the star of our water show. The lifejacket isn't there to look pretty, but to keep you afloat even in the most "splashy" moments of your adventure. As for the leash, it's your indestructible link with your board, ensuring that it won't go off without you.
And of course, keep an eye on Mother Nature. Knowing the weather conditions and safe boating areas is like reading the weather forecast before planning a picnic. After all, who wants to end up in the middle of a storm with a soggy sandwich? 🌧️
With these tips in hand, you're ready to take the plunge, literally, while staying safe and smiling. Ready to take the plunge?
