Paddleboarding is a fun activity in the warm season, especially if you want to spend some quality time with your loved ones. But it can be a bit tricky if you don’t know much about paddleboarding, to begin with, and therefore shouldn’t jump into it just yet. A lot of things go into it, some are important even before your paddleboarding trip and some are applicable on the trip itself! So here’s what beginners should know about paddleboarding and the gear that comes along with it!

What is paddleboarding?

When you think of all the activities you can do in water, it doesn’t just stop with swimming and boating, there are actually a lot more options out there. For instance paddleboarding is actually not that uncommon and strange as you may think, even though you may not know a lot of people who do it. Basically a person has to stand on board and use a paddle to move in the water – basically think kayaking but standing up! There are actually multiple types and variations of this water sport, like stand-up paddleboarding surfing, stand-up paddleboarding yoga and even racing – so you can try whatever attracts you the most!

The gear

So the first thing you need to do is get all the right gear for your paddleboarding adventure! A lot of beginners are confused and have no idea exactly what to buy and how to choose the right stuff. When you are choosing the right sup for a learner you need to consider all the options, and what will suit the person based on their abilities.  So it’s safe to say that the right gear can truly make or break the whole paddleboarding experience!

The board

Boards are the largest element when it comes to paddleboarding and choosing one can be determined by a lot of factors like the type of paddleboarding you want to participate in or the level of your skills. All-around paddle boards are great for total beginners, as they are long, wide and more stable than the rest – perfect for open waters and environments for beginners! Whilst on the other hand surf paddle boards are for more fast paced action, as they are built with a sharp and narrow tip and a slimmer yet longer body – but they are suited  for more experienced people!

The paddle

What’s a board without its paddle? In order to have the best experience, getting a high quality paddle to go with your board is the best idea! When it comes to paddles, they are more customizable than the boards, and the key is to get one that goes with your body so you can paddle easier! The paddle can’t be the same height as you, it needs to be at least a few inches taller if you want to be comfortable while using it! Also the material is important too, so mare heavier than others as they are made from plastic, whilst lighter ones are usually made from fiberglass!

Safety comes first

No matter if you are an absolute beginner or a pro, wearing a lifejacket is always a good safety precaution, especially if you are going to paddle alone, having a life jacket can save you from drowning. Some people shy away from getting one since it makes it harder to paddle when you are wearing one, but actually there are multiple types of lifejackets you can find, some are suited for paddling so it doesn’t interfere at all! Another pro tip is having a leash that connects you to the board so you don’t get separated from it and so it doesn’t swim away too far from you!

Personal items

Like with any outdoorsy activity, you want to be prepared the best you can be! Since paddleboarding is mostly a summer water activity, chances are you’ll be spending lots of time in the sun, so you need a good sunscreen to protect your skin from the dangers of sun exposure. A lot of people suffer over the years due to this, so it’s absolutely necessary for everyone that dabbles in water sports to take care of their skin properly! On top of that maybe bring some water to keep yourself  hydrated and make sure you eat beforehand so you have the strength to paddle!

Paddleboarding shouldn’t be a dangerous sport, especially if you get the right gear and know all the safety precautions! It can be as slop paces or as fast paced as you want, so it can suit everyone’s needs! At the end of the day spending time outdoors and in water is lots of fun, you just need to give it a try!