Austin Texas Paddle Boarding Tips

With any new sport, there are a lot of great tips to learn.  Learning how to go paddle boarding is no different.  You can avoid a lot of  beginner paddle boarder mistakes by reading our list of 10 awesome tips for the beginner stand up paddle boarder. Whether you are renting a Stand up paddleboard and paddle, you have just bought a fresh epoxy paddle board, or you are thinking about it, these paddleboarding tips will help you become an amazing paddle boarder.

1. Use a leash and a pfd.
Even though Lady bird lake is a calm lake for paddleboarding, it still is a great idea to get in the habit of using a leash.  A paddleboard can get blown away from you real quickly if you fall off and if you ever go paddleboarding in a river, the flow of the river will sweep the paddleboard away real quick.   Just make sure your paddleboard leash is at least as long as your board. Make sure to use a pfd too, they don’t work unless worn.  If you don’t like them, then we suggest using a lower profile model.

2. Correct Paddle Technique
It is not a spoon, most people have made this mistake. The paddle angles backwards and it works more easily and also creates a smoother paddle stroke and less stress on your arms and back. The blade slightly trailes your stroke which aids blade stability and as you stroke, when the blade is vertical, it provides the most effective angle through the middle of the stroke, which creates the best power.

4. Use your core to Paddle!
Like most sports, use your core. Don’t use your arms. Your core is one of the strongest muscles of your body and provide the most amount of power for your stroke.

5. Keep your balance by looking at the horizon
Like most sports, you go where you look.  So keep your head up and use your vision to tell your body where to go. Stand up straight.  That is why they call it stand up paddleboarding.

6. Keep some momentum
Like riding a bike, if you have some momentum, you are less likely to fall.  So keep your speed up and the balance will happen more naturally.

7. Keep at it.
It take awhile to develop the muscles for balance and stability.  So don’t give up, take a rest, paddle on your knees and then when your strength is recovered, give it another go!

9. Know the conditions,
Check the weather and make sure you are not getting in over your head if there is a storm or winds on the horizon.

10. Paddle with a partner
Safety in numbers.  Always let someone know where you are going and have a mentor to show you some techniques on the water or have someone to goof off with.  Either way, paddling with a partner is safer and more enjoyable.