Stand-up paddle boarding is an action-packed water sport that allows you to work out your entire body while essentially “walking on water.” This sport does not require waves; in fact, you can paddle anywhere you’d like, from your lovely local ocean to a nearby lake or river. Paddle-boarding is an intense work-out that is quickly becoming popular for snow-boarders and other athletes due to its versatility and ability to work out the core abdomen muscles.
First, what will you need to prepare yourself for paddle-boarding? You will need an actual paddle-board (and remember, the wider the board, the more stable it is), a paddle that is taller than your current height, a personal floation device for safety, a wetsuit or bathing suit, sunblock, and sunglasses. If this is your first time, you might want to bring someone else along as well. In regards to boards, most surf shops sell and rent paddle-boards; thus, if you’re looking to try out this intense but rewarding sport, check out your local surf shop. You should be able to use the roof rack of your car to move your paddleboard. Costs will range from $1200 to 2200, so be aware of this if you do decide to buy a paddleboard.
To mount the paddleboard, first stand along the board and place the paddle across the deck. Use one hand to hold the board and the other hand to grip the paddle. Kneel onto the board and gain a sense of your balance. Leave your hands on the board to stabilize it, and once you feel ready, slowly rise and put your feet on the board, one foot at a time. If this is your first time, you might want to have someone else next to you who can stabilize the board while you attempt to rise. Keep your feet parallel and bend your knees. Do not stare at your feet. Paddle-boarding is basically like bicycling; your level of stability will increase in conjunction with your rate of forward momentum. If you are right-handed, your left hand should be at the top of your paddle grip, and your right hand should be below your left hand.When you start using your paddle grip, push down on it with your top hand. As a beginner, your strokes should be small and steady. (You must reverse your hand positions if you decide to switch sides.) In order to go in a straight-line, you should paddle four strokes on one side of the board and then switch and repeat on the other side. Look in the direction of where you want to go to help you turn your board on the water. Do not hunch your shoulders; instead, try to keep your body straight. Bend your knees while on the board. If you fall, aim your body to the side so that your body will land in the water. As a beginner, it is best to begin in calm waters that do not have other obstacles (such as boats and floating devices) blocking your way.
Boards that are used for Stand Up Paddle Boarding are easily confused with the boards used to surf with and for good reason. They started out as the same thing. Way back in history the royalty of Hawaii used boards that bore a striking resemblance to a SUP or stand up paddle board. They were much lighter and easier to paddle through the water in order to get out into the wave zone than a standard surf board. They were mostly forgotten until about 100 years ago when a man was refurbishing some of them for a museum and he got an idea. He bored holes in a surf board to lighten it up and then covered them over with material to make it buoyant. He refined his design over time and for years was unbeatable in the paddle boarding races throughout the islands. Many of his records still stand to this day.
Once these boards came over to the United States, people began to stand up on them using a specially designed paddle. The paddle is usually about 6 to 10 inches taller than its user. It has a flexible elbow built into the middle of the shaft that allows the maximum amount of force from each stroke to be used in powering the board. It is surprising how much speed a professional can build up while Stand Up Paddle Boarding. With those modifications the Stand Up Paddle Boarding that we know today was born. The boards themselves are made from epoxy and fiberglass to enhance their durability and light weight. The length and width of a SUP is dependant on the height and weight of its owner but on average they are between 12 to 18 feet in length and 29 inches wide. The width is one of the main factors in the board’s stability so you will want to make sure that you get a board suited to your measurements. That is why it is recommended that you rent your equipment at first instead of buying everything new at Paddle Board Retailers.
One other thing that is a little different on a board used for Stand Up Paddle Boarding is the traction pad. Surf boards need to be constantly waxed to provide traction for the surfer. Without the wax the surfer would slip right off the wet board. A SUP has a traction pad affixed to the board that provides all the traction that you need and will never have to be reapplied. If you haven’t tried Paddle Sports like this then you owe it to yourself to visit a paddle board retailer and rent some equipment to hit the water.
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Physical fitness is something that we all need to be concerned about but it so hard to stay with an exercise program. People every year join a gym but then stop going within a few months. It is not really a surprise that they quit because they do not truly enjoy what they are doing. Eventually even the effort of driving across town seems too great. The secret to losing weight and getting in better shape is simply to find something that you enjoy doing. Stand Up Paddle Boarding may be the answer. It is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, see the sights and gradually get in shape without injury.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding uses a board similar to a surf board but it has been modified to be lighter and stronger. To move through the water you use a oar that was specifically designed to be used while standing. The main difference between it and a normal paddle is the flexible elbow in the center. That elbow allows you to use all of the energy of your stroke to move the board through the water with no wasted motion. Since you are paddling from a standing position the entire time that you are on the board, it helps to give you a total body workout.
When you are using the paddle to go forward, backward or sideways on the board, you are utilizing the major muscle groups in your chest, shoulders and back. Exercising these large muscles give you a bigger health benefit because it is burning the most calories in the smallest amount of time. Until you get used to the new exercise, you will probably find that the long muscles in your legs and lower back are tiring out as well. That’s because you are using them to make the continuous small adjustments needed to keep your balance on the water. By doing SUP or Stand Up Paddle Boarding you will get all of the benefits of strength training and cardiovascular exercise without any of the joint damage or injuries normally associated with some strenuous exercises.
Paddle Sports like these have very little disadvantages and people of all fitness levels and ages can participate. If you have a lake, river or ocean near you then you owe it to yourself to give it a try. The first step is to find any Paddle Board Retailers in your area and get fitted for a board. The length and width of the board will depend on the height and weight of its rider so you will want to make sure that you are using the one that’s right for you.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise at the same time. There are no other Paddle Sports or exercises that give you the opportunity to see the sights like SUP. If you are riding down a river on a canoe or kayak then you are only able to see the area around you and possibly the shore. If you are standing up on a board while riding down the river then you can see everything around you and not miss anything that’s going on. If that sounds good to you then it is time to find the Paddle Board Retailers nearest you.
To start Stand Up Paddle Boarding you will need 3 key pieces of equipment:
1. The board – The most important piece of equipment because without it, you are just swimming. A standard board is made of fiberglass and epoxy to give it a lot of strength but not much weight. They range in length from 12 to 19 feet but it depends on the height and weight of the rider. It is always best to start out by renting your equipment instead of buying from the Paddle Board Retailers. The salespeople at the rental shop can help to find the best board for you without a lot of trial and error.
2. The Paddle – The paddle for SUP has been modified a bit from the standard design. It has an angled elbow in the shaft that allows you to get the maximum amount of force from every stroke. These paddles also depend on the height of the rider and are usually 7 inches or so taller than you are. It may take a few trips to find the length that is most comfortable to you.
3. The PFD – Also known as a personal flotation device and it is required by law. The United States coast guard classifies a Stand up Paddle Board as a vessel so you must have a PFD with you at all times.
Once you have the equipment, it is just a matter of choosing a body of water to go play on. SUP is great for doing on lakes, rivers and the ocean but each has its advantages and disadvantages. It is usually recommended that beginners start learning the ropes in a lake near the shore but if Florida Paddle Board Rentals are any indication, there are a lot of beginners that go for the gusto and dive right into the ocean.
SUP or Stand Up Paddle Boarding is becoming one of the most popular Paddle Sports around and it is a fantastic way to get your exercise. The only equipment that you need is a board, a paddle and a personal flotation device to get out on the water and all of these can be found at your local Paddle Board Retailers. The main question that you will face is whether to go to the lake, river or ocean. Granted, a lot of that depends on which one is closest to you. If you are close to all three types then you will need to know what sets each body of water apart from a SUP standpoint.
Lakes are great for people that are new to Stand Up Paddle Boarding or just want to check out the wildlife. It is by far the most laid back environment of the three. You can go to the shallow spots near the shore or dock to get the hang of climbing onto your board. You will fall off a lot in the beginning so it is nice to have a quiet place and still water to get the hang of it. Once you are up on your board, you will be amazed at the distance that you can cover while Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Another nice thing about SUP is that you make almost no noise, so you can slip up on wildlife that would normally have heard you long ago and ran for the hills. Many people bring their camera for just that reason but you had better be confident in your balance or the camera had better be water proof.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding in a river ups the ante a bit. Now you start to get a workout because you will have to hold your own against the current at all times. You will also have to be aware of things like rocks, sticks, people and rapids so that you will have time to maneuver safely around them.
The ocean is like an advanced course for SUP. That is one of the reasons that Destin Paddle Boarding is a popular destination for anyone that loves Paddle Sports. You are constantly challenged while boarding in the ocean. You have to be aware of boats and larger ships as well as surfers and swimmers. There is a very strict etiquette in place for what you should do in some of the popular surfing areas and disregarding it can make you unpopular very quickly. The hardest part of paddle boarding in the ocean is of course the waves but you can get into very good shape fighting against the waves and have fun doing it. Visit your local paddleboard retailer for assistance on equipment rentals or purchases.
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These tees are remarkably comfortable. The design itself really stands out. Soon we will be showing a full line of these original tees that were designed and created right here in the gulf coast. So check back in a few days for lots of choices. Or simply call GUSU and order one today.
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So stand up for what is right. Buy your original Get Up Stand T-Shirt from GUSU. This is the only licensed distributor and original supplier of these tees. Call today so you can buy a t-shirt and wear your support. Show those other guys you will not be fooled.
In this article we will look at how to get started in the fastest growing water sport around: Stand up Paddle Boarding. A paddle board looks just like a big surf board but it has developed differently over time. A Stand up Paddle board is lighter and often made of different material than a standard surf board. When you are ready to get started Paddle Boarding you will need to find your Local Paddle Board Equipment rental shop. The type of board that you will need is dependant on your height and weight. So, you would not want to buy equipment right off the bat because you could get the wrong fit. After you have tried out what the experts at the Paddle Board Equipment store recommend, then you can start to customize. For instance, if you are having trouble maintaining your balance on the standard model for your size, then you may want to get a longer board than is customary.
Take your board and paddle out to the nearest lake to start with. The nice thing about paddle boards is that you do not need rushing water to have fun. So, in the beginning it is easier to learn the movements on a stationary body of water. At first you will fall in repeatedly, don’t feel bad, it’s half the fun. You will eventually get your balance but stay near the shore at first. In the beginning many people will not even bring a paddle with them. Instead of standing they will lay on the board like a surfer would when waiting on a wave. Then you can essentially dog paddle the board around to get a feel for it and its specific quirks.
When you are ready to stand up on your board go into waist deep water. Lay the paddle horizontally across the board and pull your self up onto it from the rear, like a cowboy would mount his horse in an old western. Once you are straddling the board, slowly maneuver yourself until you are on your knees slightly back from the center of the board. Once you have your balance, grab your paddle and pop to your feet. Then place your feet exactly where your knees were except shoulder length apart. This will take practice so make sure that you do not hit the board when you keep falling off. Now, keep your eyes on the horizon and paddle around at a leisurely pace. It is a great way to see the sights and get a little exercise along the way. To see new paddle board equipment visit our site at http://www.gusupaddlesports.com
Where you should go Paddle Boarding has a lot to do with how much experience that you have and what your goals are. If you want to catch some big waves or have an adventure, then you will be heading to the ocean or a white water river. If you are looking for exercise and doing some sight seeing then a lake or river is probably right for you.
Paddle Boarding has been growing in popularity because it is so versatile. People of all ages and fitness levels, can go out on their Stand up Paddle Board at any time of the year. Unlike surfers, you are not tied to only going our on your board when the waves are right. Any body of water can be a playground for a Paddle Boarder. Let’s look of some benefits of the different types:
- Lakes – These are by far the best place to start for beginner Paddle Boarders. There is not a current to speak of and if there are any obstacles in the water, you will be able to see them from a long way off. They are also deeper so when you fall of your board, and you will, you don’t have to worry about hitting the bottom of a river or getting rolled by a wave. Lakes are great for wild life viewing and looking at the scenery. A paddle board makes almost no noise on the water so an animal on the shore will not hear you until you are right up on it. Plus, since you are standing instead of sitting, you get to see everything that is around you.
- Rivers – You will need an intermediate knowledge of using your Paddle Board Equipment to play in the rivers. The current will make it harder to hold your balance and they are generally narrower than a lake. That means you have less time to dodge and maneuver around people, boats or rock that may be in your way. Once you have gotten used to rivers, there is not greater rush than blasting through some raging white water on your Stand Up Paddle board. The sense of speed is incredible but you have to take all the needed safety precautions or you could injure yourself badly on the rocks.
- The Ocean – Now you are at the top of your game. When you visit the ocean for the first time you will want to stay on the edges of things and observe what’s going on. If there are surfers waiting for waves, then they will be lining up in a line to catch them. You are faster than them but don’t jump ahead and grab waves out of turn. Watch until you are comfortable and work your way into the queue. You will be welcomed more easily and your new friends will probably be glad to help you learn the ropes
If you practice steadily you can go from lakes to the ocean in only a few months but you may not want to. I know of many Paddle Boarders that use their equipment to explore places in their home state that not many people have seen from a Stand Up Paddle Boarders perspective. Good luck to you whether you end up watching deer from the lake or riding the waves in. To view paddle board equipement, visit http://www.gusupaddlesports.com
If you spend any time on a lake or river on a sunny weekend, then you have noticed the people standing on a surf board and gliding over the water. Some of them are so good at it that their dog is seated on board in front of them. It looks like great fun and I have recently learned that it’s a fantastic way to lose weight. Diet is always a primary concern for losing weight but finding an exercise that you enjoy doing is equally important. Stand up Paddle Boarding is the answer to a lot of people’s exercise problems. It is especially true if they are too heavy to enjoy a lot of the traditional callisthenic exercises. Here is why:
- No joint problems. Some people that are really overweight find that exercising can cause joint or back pain. Most of the cardiovascular exercises that are recommended for losing weight cause stress on the joints. Running and jumping rope are good examples.
- It’s great for people with leg injuries. If you have a persistent injury that will not let you use your legs to their maximum capabilities, then you should be Paddle Boarding. If you can stand, you can paddle board. The main muscle groups involved are the abs, chest, back and arms. Building a strong core is a great way to minimize back pain and other chronic injuries.
- Not much of a time investment. People that have gone Paddle Boarding on a regular schedule have lost up to 50 pounds. Most of the people reporting losses of this size have went out Paddle Boarding 3 times a week for only about 30 to 45 minutes per session.
- Its fun! You are not sitting down in a canoe or kayak where you can’t see anything above the waterline. You are standing on the water and you get a great sigh line of everything around you. It is a perspective that very few people get to enjoy.
- There are rental opportunities. You are not locked into buying expensive equipment before you even know if you will like Paddle Boarding. More and more Paddle Board Equipment shops are cropping up across the country, so you probably have on near you. The experts there can tell you about the best equipment for you, as well as the local fun spots to go Paddle Boarding.
That being said, Paddle Boarding is a surprisingly vigorous cardio vascular activity. So you may want to go get your doctors ok before you hit the water. To View new paddle boards, visit http://www.gusupaddlesports.com
Have you heard about paddle boarding yet? It seems like it is a new trend in water sports but it has been around for a long time. Way back in history, the royalty of Hawaii would use surf boards that are lighter and constructed differently, than the standard surf board. In the 1950’s a man was doing restoration work on surf boards of this type and he had an idea. He used the basic design of the older boards and made holes in the board, to lighten it further. Then he covered it with a material to make the first Paddle Board. It was not quite the activity that we know today but it was close. He did not stand up on his creation but instead paddled it like a surfing going out to find a wave. He won competitions and broke records because he could paddle his board much faster and for longer periods, than people could a traditional board.
It stayed a Hawaiian secret until two surf board enthusiasts happened on the idea while visiting the islands in the eighties. They made a few modifications but keep quite a bit of the construction from the thirty year old board design. The biggest edition was a paddle that would allow you to stand up on the board instead of sitting on it to paddle. The paddle allows your movements to be much more efficient and can move you through the water like you had a motor. They opened a Paddle Board Manufacturing company in the United States and quickly started to account for a significant portion of Paddle Boards Manufactured in the United States. Paddle Boarding still lingered on the cusp of popularity until one of the legends of surf boarding was seen tooling around on his Paddle Board. That is when Paddle Boarding gained its popularity in California and then it quickly spread across the nation.
The best part about Paddle Boarding is that anyone can do it. To surf well or especially competitively, you need to be in top shape. You need to have a strong core and a great sense of balance to stay on the board. It helps to have a good sense of balance to Paddle Board but the paddle helps you to maintain your balance regardless. Also, you can go out in any type of weather. You are not dependant on good waves to have fun because you are providing your own forward motion. If you haven’t tried it yet, you need to find a place to rent Paddle Board Equipment and get out on the water. Once you have tried it out, you will never want to stop.E To View GUSU Paddlesports site, click on http://www.gusupaddlesports.com.
