Beginner Stand Up Paddleboarding Tips - By ASI Trainer Gina Bradley
Posted: 24 May 2017
SUP lesson from an ASI accredited Stand Up Paddle trainer in your region.
SUP is easy to do but it requires taught skills and techniques to be able to do it correctly. If you don’t have the right technique, over time can cause muscle fatigue and back problems. Plus, you will not be able to gain strength in your paddle stroke, which means it is not as enjoyable.
Have you seen some people paddling along without any effort at all? They can do it because they are using the correct technique. Just like when playing tennis, if you don’t have the right technique, you can hit the ball, but who knows where it will end up.
ASI SUP trainer Gina Bradley provides some basic tips to help get you started and have fun on the water while enjoying the natural beauty of the environment.
Standing up on your SUP It’s best to start your practice session in calm and flat water to be free of obstacles like boats, other paddle boarders, surfers, swimmers, etc. At first, you may find it easier to kneel on the board rather than to stand upright immediately.
SUP Stance To maintain balance as you try to stand upright on the board: 1. Balance with your hip and not with your body. 2. Keep your head and shoulders steady and upright and shift your body weight by moving your hips. 3. Avoid looking at your feet, it can make you off balance. 4. Just like when riding a bike, when your forward momentum increases, your stability increases as well.
SUP Stroke When you feel comfortable, balanced and confident on the board in flat water, it is the time to add in some paddling.
1. To move in a straight line, paddle about 4-5 strokes on a side, then switch to the other side. 2. Keep your stroke fairly short and do not overpower it, a consistent stroke is more effective.
SUP Turns Some easy ways to turn the paddle board:
1. Side stroke: Simply paddle on the opposite direction until the nose turns. To turn right, paddle on the left. To turn left, paddle on the right.
2. Back paddle: To turn or reverse faster, paddle backwards on either side of the board.
3. Sweep stroke: The board will turn to the opposite side of the stroke when you plant your paddle towards the front and take a long sweep away from the board and towards the tail of the board.
With these basic tips from Gina, you can start to have some real fun on the water with Stand-Up Paddle Boarding.
Things to remember – Be Aware! You are at the mercy of the water, wind, weather and often tides. Do not underestimate the mighty force of nature. It is imperative you have a sound knowledge of water conditions, weather conditions, tides and be able to understand how weather changes can affect your paddling ability. If the weather conditions change suddenly, as they often do, you may be blown a long way from shore.
Book a SUP lesson For the best SUP experience book a lesson or a guided tour with an ASI accredited SUP Instructor. They will ensure you have an enjoyable experience, find you the best conditions and ensure you are safe at all times. Plus, you will learn tips, techniques and hear about local water stories or myths AND learn about the local habitat as you paddle along. You’d be surprised at what an ASI SUP instructor knows!
Gina Bradley has a history of teaching sports, watersports and fitness throughout her life. As the owner of Paddle Diva, a women’s Stand-up paddle boarding centre, she provides her clients with inspiration and encouragement which makes her a unique ASI certified SUP instructor.
For more information on learning to SUP or to book a lesson go to the ASI website to find your nearest course: https://www.academyofsurfing.com/
ASI (Academy of Surfing Instructors), is the worldwide peak body for Instructors and Coaches in the outdoor recreation and sport industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
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