How to Build Confidence on Your Stand Up Paddle Board

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Once you get the hang of it, gliding across the water on a stand up paddle board (SUP) is a fun and exhilarating hobby. But building confidence is key in the beginning, as you need to find your balance to help you stay dry and upright. Once you build your confidence on your SUP, however, you can float on the water, soak up some rays, and enjoy your natural surroundings. We all start somewhere, so here are four tips to help you build confidence in your paddle boarding abilities. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Take a Tumble

Everyone falls off their SUP at one point or another. Whether you have an inflatable SUP or a solid one, and whether you are a rookie or a veteran, you’ll get wet eventually. So how do you build confidence if you know your chances of falling in the water are high? Simple: Don’t be afraid of the water. If it helps, you can even purposefully step off your board a few times to start. That way, you condition yourself to be ok with falling. You’ll soon realize there is nothing bad about ending up in the water, and it can actually be quite refreshing on a hot summer day.

Start with a Beginner-Friendly SUP

Not all paddle boards are the same, and some are more suited for beginners than others. It might be hard to find your confidence if you start with the wrong board as it can be more difficult to find your balance, leading to a frustrating experience. Instead, choose a board that is sized well for beginners. A medium-length board, from 10 to 12 feet, is maneuverable and easier to balance on than a smaller board. Also, look for a planing hull that is flat and wide. These two details can help you maintain your balance as you build your confidence on the water.

Find a Spot Away From Distractions and Obstacles

When learning to paddle board, you want to choose your location carefully. You need to be able to focus on building up your fundamentals without distractions or obstacles in the way. Much like driving, it’s better to learn in a big, wide-open space before adding other people and objects into the mix. You can help your confidence soar if you practice your paddling and balancing skills in a calm and secluded environment. Once you feel confident in this quiet part of the water and you can comfortably control your board, you can then move into more crowded areas.

Don’t Feel Discouraged

If you give up the first time you stumble or fall into the water, you won’t be paddle boarding very long. Before you get in the water, you need to decide that you won’t give up. Having a positive attitude is essential when mastering new skills, and mastering the SUP is no different. If you promise yourself that you won’t give up and always get back up on your board, your confidence will soar. Nothing will be able to stop you from becoming an expert paddle boarder. The best part is paddle boarding has a fairly low learning curve, and it’s a lot of fun too. So, find a beginner-friendly SUP and get out there!

About Boardworks

Whether you want to experience the thrill of riding the waves or spend a chill day out on the water, Boardworks has the boards you need. Since the early 90s, they have become one of the leading brands in the stand up paddle (SUP) and surfboard communities. They take pride in helping more people, from beginners to experienced surfers, get on the water. With over 25 years of experience, they are dedicated to delivering high-quality SUP and surf products for recreation, touring, or adventure. Boardworks carries a wide range of boards. From an inflatable SUP to Froth foam-covered surfboards, there is something for everyone. For oceans, lakes, rivers, and all the waterways in between, choose Boardworks.

Find the perfect beginner-friendly paddle board for you at https://boardworkssurf.com/

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