10 Common Beginner Paddle Boarding Mistakes
These are typical mistakes that a lot of people make when getting started paddle boarding.
Avoiding these mistakes will get you off on the right foot and in some cases could even save your life.
You don’t have to learn the hard way, like I did. Learn from my mistakes and do things the right away from the get go.
“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”
– Albert Einstein
1. Holding the Paddle the Wrong Way
The correct way to hold a paddle is with the blade angled away from your body. At first it might seem counter intuitive but once you start paddling you will understand why this works.
Also, when paddling on the right side your left hand will be on top of the t-handle and your other hand a few feet down.
Now switch hands to paddle on the left side. When paddling on the left side your right hand will be on top.
2. Not Adjusting Your Paddle Length
Your paddle should be between 8-10″ above your head. A good starting point is to stand in front of the paddle with the blade near your feel. Reach up comfortably, don’t stretch your arm, and the t-handle should read your wrist.
It’s important to experiment. A paddle too long will put stress on your shoulders. A paddle too short will stress your lower back.
Paddle Length =
Your Height + 8-10″
3. Arms to Wide or Narrow on the Paddle
If your arms are too narrow you will have little paddling power. If your arms are too wide your will paddle in a too crouched position. For the correct hand placement hold your paddle on top of your head with your arms at 90 degree angles.
4. Paddling With Bent Arms
Keep your arms straight when paddling. It may be natural when learning how to balance to keep your arms bent. But to generate power you need to keep your arms straight.
5. Paddling with only the Tip of the Blade
The paddle blade must be fully submerged in the water during your stroke. Not only will a fully submerged blade give you power, it will help with your balance.
6. Not Keeping the Paddle Vertical
To paddle in a straight line your paddle needs to be vertical and close to the edge of your board. If your paddle is off at an angle, away from the edge of the board, your board will begin to turn.
7. Paddling Past Your Feet
The blade of the paddle must exit at your feet. Don’t “shovel” water behind you. When your blade moves past your feet it not only wastes energy it actually slows your board down,
8. Learning in Choppy Water
When you’re just getting started with paddle boarding only go out when the water is flat.
As a beginner you want to get basic paddling technique down as fast as possible. If you are fighting to keep your balance you can’t focus on learning technique.
You can’t focus on learning proper technique if you can’t keep your balance
In choppy waters you will be frustrated and it may turn you off to paddle boarding forever. So wait for that calm flat day and go for it.
9. Not Wearing an Ankle Leash
Always wear a board leash. Your ankle leash connects you to your board. When you fall, and as a beginner you will fall, your board will quickly move away from you. And it will often move much quicker and farther away from you than you can imagine.
Your board leash is without a doubt your most important piece of safety gear.
Without a leash you must swim for your board. See how dangerous this is? Your board leash is your most important piece of safety gear. Always wear one.
10. Paddling With the Wind
First, if it’s windy don’t go out. Paddling in windy conditions is for advanced paddlers only. And even advanced paddlers don’t like it.
Your body acts like a sail when standing on a paddle board. The wind can quickly take you far out to sea.
Paddling against the wind is hard and often impossible.
Always paddle into the wind when you go out. So on your return trip you will have the wind to your back.
You body acts like a sail when paddle boarding. The wind will take you out to sea quicker than you can imagine.
11. Not Buying the Right Paddle Board
Start out renting boards (often)
When getting into paddle boarding you should rent a board and get out paddling as often as you can before buying.
Once you get comfortable on a board you will begin to understand what type of paddling you like.
What type of paddling do you enjoy?
You may think you want an all around board. But a touring board with more speed and easier glide might fit your style better.
All-arounders are the most common type of board. That doesn’t mean you should buy one.
Understand what type of paddling you enjoy. And the only way to find out is by renting a board and getting on the water
A wide board is better for beginners
Wider boards are more stable. If you are young and athletic you probably don’t need a wide board. If balance is a problem go wide.
Beginners don’t buy a cheap board…. but don’t buy the most expensive board either.
Don’t buy a cheap stand up paddle board
A cheap board will turn you off to paddle boarding. Cheap boards do not perform well and lack durability.
On the other hand, for my first paddle board I would not buy an expensive one either. The more you paddle the more you will understand your needs as a paddle boarder.
And if you enjoy paddling your first board will not be your last.
Look for a good quality mid-level priced paddle board around $600-700.
