Paddleboarding is an exciting sport that has risen in popularity in recent times. It allows people to have fun and unwind, all while getting some much-needed exercise.
In addition to being an absolute blast, paddleboarding is also beginner-friendly. If you're looking for a chill sport to try out this summer, you may want to hop on the trend.
Before that, though, you need to answer a few questions to ensure that you have a fantastic experience.
1. Do I Have the Necessary Equipment for Paddleboarding?
You need a few items to have a proper paddleboarding experience. The first is quite obvious, which is a board. Without it, you can't go paddleboarding. For beginners, the bigger the better. The longer and wider a board, the more stable it is. As you progress, you may want to look into boards designed specifically for different purposes, including surfing, racing and yoga.
After the board is the paddle, which allows you to move when you're finally on the water. It's important to have a paddle that is property sized. Hold the paddle with the blade touching the ground, raise your arm straight up to the sky, the handle of the paddle should be at the level of your wrist.
If you plan on going out in cold weather, investing in a wetsuit is recommended. A leash can come in handy as well. You can use your own surf leashes, but it is recommended that you get one made especially for paddleboarding.
When you're on the board, going barefoot or wearing water shoes won't make too much of a difference. However if you're exploring new areas or frequently hoping on and off the board, then can definitely save your feet. A pair of good quality water shoes that don't hold water can be used while paddleboarding. We recommend shoes with rubber soles as they offer a much better grip compared to shoes made of canvas or other materials.
2. Where Will I Be Paddleboarding?
Different areas have various water conditions. For that reason, you must consider where you will be paddleboarding before you go out to purchase any equipment.
For example, if you're planning to paddle in the ocean, investing in a leash with a quick-release clip will be a good idea. A lot of surf leashes do not have quick-release clips, which can be pretty dangerous in heavy waves.
Take the time to do some research before you go out to purchase your gear. You may want to check out the water conditions to get an idea of what you should expect.
3. How Do I Start Paddleboarding?
With the many ways you can get started, you may wonder which of the methods will suit you best. There are a few ways to get started with paddleboarding, including going to a seminar or class. Often paddler's start by going out with an experience friend or family member.
That said, you may also be interested in finding a mentor or coach who can help you get started. You can also head to a paddleboarding shop and get a short intro lesson.
Whatever you decide to do, find a way to get started and have fun!
4. Will I be Going Paddleboarding Alone or with a Group?
If you're going out solo, you can get away with owning only one paddleboard and paddle. However, having multiple boards or a boat is a good idea if you'll be with a group of people.
You may also be interested in picking up an extra paddleboard and paddle to let other people join in on the fun. You can split the cost of a board with other people, or you can look for seasonal deals & sales.
If you're planning on doing this, it's best to coordinate with others involved before you head out. That way, all of you will have an overall better experience.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many questions that you need to ask yourself before you start paddleboarding. For that reason, you should take a moment to answer them to give you peace of mind before embarking on your next adventure.
Once you do that, you will have a better idea of what you should expect. This will allow you to have a fantastic experience as you start with paddleboarding.
If you're looking for high-quality paddleboards to take with you this summer, why not check out CoreThird's collection? Our collection features a wide range of paddles, boards, and other accessories to help you enjoy your paddleboarding experience to the fullest. Shop now!