What is Paddle Boarding? Learn Today!

What is paddle boarding you may ask? Everybody needs to start somewhere and hopefully we can help answer some introductory questions and concerns you may have regarding the sport. Sooner than you know it, you’ll be a knowledgeable paddle boarder and frequently out on the water.

Let's start with what is paddle boarding. Paddle boarding is the action of using a paddle, via arm movements, to propel oneself and plane across the water while standing, sitting, or laying down on a board. Supposedly invented in Hawaii when the waves weren’t big, it is said surfers would take out longer and larger volume boards to stand on and tour through the ocean. They used these boards along with wooden paddles to “paddle” themselves forward in the water. What started as a way to get out on the water and kill downtime, has now transitioned into a worldwide sport. Anyone, anywhere near a water source can paddle board, making it a universally recognized activity.

Paddle boarding boomed onto the scene in the U.S in the early 2000’s and has since become a craze. Initially seen as a surfing activity, paddle boarding slowly started gaining popularity in beach and lake communities and has since become an everyday, anywhere activity for many.

What makes paddle boarding so desirable is it offers an escape from the mundane. Paddle boarding can take you to some extraordinarily beautiful outdoor environments. Many paddle board simply to be out in nature and away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Paddle boarding also requires little to no utilities and needs. All you need is a stand up paddle board and a SUP paddle and you can take to the water. Anyone can do it!

Paddle boarding is a great outdoor exercise for your upper and lower body. Whether you feel it or not, paddle boarding is actually exercising most muscles in your entire body. It’s no wonder many celebrities and professional athletes paddle board as a way to stay in shape and active. Once you develop your balance on the board, paddle boarding is a fun, unique way to workout.

What seems quite simple can actually be a tough task to initially learn. Learning where to stand, how to balance your weight, and how to correctly paddle are all vital skills in how to paddle board properly.

The best way to learn how to paddle board is to practice! Go out, get yourself a brand new inflatable paddle board (they’re the best boards on the market), and spend as much time as possible out on the water.

A derivative of paddle boarding is stand up paddle boarding, the action of surfing waves while simultaneously paddle boarding. Generally, when someone mentions stand up paddle boarding, they are referring to paddle board surfing. Stand up paddle boarding is very difficult and best left for those who have already mastered flatwater paddle boarding, but something to consider once you feel more advanced.

Hopefully this article has helped you gain a better understanding of what is paddle boarding. Now go out there and get on the water! We’ll see you out there.