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Can everyone paddle board?
Whatever your age, morphology or physical condition, paddle boarding is an activity accessible to all! Beginners and experienced skiers alike can take full advantage of this aquatic discipline. The only physical condition required is to be able to swim. Don’t panic about mastery; The balance needed to stand upright on the board is learned over time.
For those who want to strengthen their physical and mental condition, paddle boarding is also an excellent choice. In addition to strengthening muscles, improving balance, coordination and concentration, paddle boarding also offers an experience of relaxation and well-being in the middle of nature, far from the stress of everyday life.
Paddle boarding prerequisites and tips for choosing the right equipment for beginners
Like any water activity, a few prerequisites are necessary before taking to the water:
First of all, it is essential to know how to swim to practice SUP. Although the paddle board is stable and easy to maneuver, it is not impossible to fall into the water. Knowing how to swim allows you to get back on the board in the event of a fall and stay safe on the water.
Then, in terms of equipment, a paddle board, a paddle and a leash – a tether to connect the board to your ankle, are necessary to get started in paddle boarding. We also recommend wearing a life jacket for added safety, especially if you are a beginner or if you are operating in wind or strong current conditions.
Different types of paddle for all profiles
A popular water activity, SUP is available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit everyone’s needs and desires. Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate or an expert, you’ll always find a board that suits your level of practice and body type.
- For beginners, we recommend a wide board. This type of board offers better stability and makes it easier to learn basic movements. For kids, shorter, lighter boards are also available to help them learn how to stand on a board more easily. The “All around” type boards are perfectly suited for beginners or those who want to practice in calm waters. The stiffness of the board, and therefore, the quality of the board, will influence your progress.
- For intermediate riders, opt for faster, narrower, and more streamlined boards for an exciting and dynamic experience. These boards often have features that promote gliding, such as more streamlined shapes, with a pointed nose and longer fins. Touring boards are an excellent choice for these more advanced practices. They will also allow you to be more efficient in your train. So you’ll have to make less effort to cover more distance.
- The more experienced will need more efficient and longer boards. They will be perfectly suited to explore the most extreme environments, to engage in more technical maneuvers to work your cardio even more effectively.
Safety rules to follow for safe paddle boarding
To fully enjoy paddle boarding with complete peace of mind, safety is key. Here are some tips to consider to ensure a safe practice:
- Wear a life jacket if you don’t feel comfortable in the water.
- Use a leash to keep the board close in case of a fall.
- Check weather conditions and forecasts for wind, thunderstorms, rain, waves, and currents before venturing out on the water. Make sure the conditions are favourable for paddle boarding.
- Avoid high-risk areas such as swimming areas, areas with a lot of current, boating areas, fishing areas or areas where visibility is limited.
- Practice in a group, especially if you are a beginner, or if you are navigating in unfamiliar areas.
- Know your limits and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. If you are a beginner, for example, start on calm waters and work your way up slowly.
At Sroka, we offer a wide range of paddle boards so that everyone can find the model that best suits their practice. Whether you want to go for a ride, tour, run or paddle surf, we have the right paddle for you. To find out more about the usefulness of the different boards, find our article Which inflatable paddle to choose according to the practice. Don’t wait any longer to learn paddle boarding and enjoy a pleasant experience on the water while taking care of your body.
In short
SUP is first and foremost a fun and friendly sport accessible to all. All you have to do is learn the practice to enjoy the benefits of this nautical discipline. Regular practice helps improve your strength, endurance, and flexibility. Regardless of your experience, it is still important to choose a board that suits your body type and your level of practice. Once you’ve chosen your board, you’ll be able to hit the water with peace of mind.
In addition, paddle boarding is a safe and low-risk sport if you practice on a flat and calm body of water. Unlike other water sports, paddle boarding is gentle on the joints and does not cause bodily trauma.
If you still have questions about this, or for any other request, please do not hesitate to contact us !
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