If you’ve ever been to a coastal town, or island resort particularly over the last few years, you’ve most definitely seen the rise of stand up paddle boards popping up as one of the most popular methods for cruising around waterways, catching waves that are barely surf-able at the beach, or even just sight seeing on the river-ways.

Stand up paddle boarding throws its origins way back to as early as 3000 B.C. but its modern origins trace back to the early 1900’s in Hawaii where it became popular as a method for older Hawaiian surf legends to only have to stand up once without the constant up and down causing aches to their bones. 

Despite how simple riding one of  these new fangled (old technology) boards may look, there is a knack to getting it right the first time, and by arming yourself with a few tips and tricks before you head out for your first paddle, you can probably avoid looking like a massive kook in front of all your mates who are seasoned veterans of the old salt.

Board handling
Paddle boards are quite large and cumbersome to handle to the inexperienced paddle boarders, and when you are new to the game, it can feel a little bit overwhelming at first, but with the right technique you will look like a pro on the water.

Start by grabbing your Adventure Kings Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board up off the ground using the rail (outside edge of the board) that is closest to you when standing alongside, lift the board up so it is resting on the opposite rail. This will put you in the perfect position to grab the built-in grab handle.

Carry your board and your paddle out to the water, being careful to wait until the water is deep enough to offer clearance to the fin underwater. Once the board is floating, hop on with your knees placed either side of the integrated grab handle. This is the perfect balance point along the length of the board, and because of the forward facing stance you should be balanced from front to back, its important to keep your head up and not look down at the board, this will ensure your weight doesn’t end up being nose heavy.

As a beginner this kneeling stance, might be your best starting point to get a feel for how the board handles in the water, but if you are keen to give standing a go, steadily place your hands just in front of your knees, and replace your knees with your feet in the same spot next to your grab handle once your feet are placed stand with slightly bent knees and a straight back with your head up looking at a stable point in the distance.

You are now ready to start paddling like a pro SUP surfer. 

Paddle Handling

A stand up paddle board is just a stand up board if you forget your paddle, this is where paddle handling makes a massive difference, and the first part of making your paddle board experience is making sure you have the paddle set to the correct length. A perfect rule of thumb is to extend the paddle so it touches the ground next to you and stands approximately 30cm above your head, if you can reach up and wrap your hand over the top you have the right length.

To paddle efficiently you need to consider the direction of the paddle choosing to have the “raked” angle pointing forward, this seems counter intuitive but when you are following through on your paddle you will have the most power, the end of this powerful stroke the blade should be perpendicular to the board.

When gripping the paddle, one hand should fall comfortably into the wide grip on the end, whilst the other should grasp the shaft around half the way along.

To make an efficient stroke simply enter the water as far forward as you can comfortably reach and gently stroke to the rear of the board without pushing hard enough to spray water on your follow through.

The paddle is like a crutch and when using it correctly should ad extra balance to your setup, when you are felling a little off balance, place the paddle in the water and you will see just how comfortable you will become.



Water Safety

Whilst it goes with no explanation there are plenty of risks when heading out on the waterways, the first being that if you aren’t a confident swimmer then a life vest should be worn, additionally certain waterways mandate wearing a floatation vest in certain conditions for safety reasons.

You should also avoid waterways that are high in water traffic, this will mean that you don’t have to concern yourself with traffic rules (however it is advisable that you learn them anyways).

  When paddling around, you should always fit the leash rope to your ankle so if you fall off the board the wind will not take the board away from you and whilst learning you should always stay within swimming distance of the shoreline.

To find out more about the entire range of stand up paddleboards from 4WD Supacentre head to www.4WDSupacentre.com.au or call our expert team on 1800 88 39 64 for all the best advice on the Adventure Kings Stand Up Paddleboard.