5 things I wish I knew as a BEGINNER Paddle Boarder.

[@TheNightstalker80]

I started paddling few years ago and most of the things were pretty obvious to me. Like standing relaxed or paddling straight. However many people seem to not know that and sometimes when I meet some of them on the water I just tell them and they immediately benefit. But there's one HUGE thing I learned relatively late an that's how posture helps/affects your power delivery or how to optimize your power delivery for less tiring paddling. First you need the perfect paddle length, a relaxed and stable stand and you need to paddle straight of course. But what was really an eye opening moment for me was when I realized that you basically do not (really) apply or deliver force WITH your arms rather than just "through" your arms. What I mean is that your lower arm basically just serves as an leverage point or support for the shaft and by adjusting it's poition up and down the shaft you can adjust the intensity of your stroke. The upper arm on the other hand does also basically just pushes the the paddle down, the main force shoukd come from the weight of your upper body, so you don't even need to grab the handle very thight rather than just losely rest your hand on the grip and push down. To add even more power you can use your legs and do a slight squat-like movement. Using all of these once I learned it granted me the ability to adjust my strokes from basically effortless crusing to powerful "race like" strokes that help pulling you through tough wind or currents. You can even further improve on that by changing yous stance slightly to get the paddle even further out in front and lengthen your stroke, which is, by the way what really makes the difference in speed.

[@flymypg]

Though I've been doing various watersports for decades (scuba, open-water swimming, triathlon, kayak, sailing, etc.), I only got my first SUP last week. I took a lesson yesterday to minimize my time to get to comfortable and efficient paddling. All these points were covered in my lesson. I started on a wide board, and after some wobbling and shaking, I smoothed out fast enough to switch to a regular width board in the middle of the lesson, switching while on the water! I'm ready to get out on my own board next time.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Awesome! Stoked to hear this! Have fun and welcome to the SUP family! 🤙🏼

[@KT-sv6jx]

Great Video 👍 Lots Of Useful Information Thank You!

[@HindsightFPV]

Keep these coming I'm a 2nd year paddler and can always use tips and trick.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Awesome! 👏🏼 Keep up the great work! 😃

[@piotrimioa8428]

I have watched a few of videos about SUP, but this one was most useful for me. (after first try SUP today :) ) Thanks!

[@BorislavaKaradeglija]

It was very helpful. Thanks.

[@JadwigaBrzezinska-b2k]

Though I've been doing various watersports for decades (scuba, open-water swimming, triathlon

[@Narfs]

The first person who counts all the 'paddleboard' get's a like ;) Anyway, I got a question about body stance. I'm still a beginner with this and eventhough I try, I always end up bending forward while paddling and hurting my lower back. I watched this vid and this is mentioned and showed it in the part about paddle height. But when you/he have/has the right stance in the part 'correct position', the stance looks even worse. 6:54. So how to counter this forward bending lower back pain stance?

[@DominiqueB]

I'm no expert, but i _think_ the difference is between bending forward so you can reach further forward for the catch ==> at the waist _while keeping your back straight_, vs. _rounding your back_. With the former, you can use your whole body, and specifically your core, to pull on the paddle, not just the lower back, with the latter, you're putting a lot of stress on that lower back as you're pulling on it in a weak position (and probably will also tend to use your arms more.)

[@Narfs]

@@DominiqueB This makes sense and might be it. Eventhough I still can't see it in the vid 😅but again, this makes sense. Thanks ;)

[@savannahnewton9341]

I didn’t see you comment but I saw another about how many times he said paddleboard. I used a clicker counter and counted 97 times in the video he said “paddle” (paddleboard, paddle, paddler, etc) all together

[@Narfs]

@@savannahnewton9341 Haha good one. That's a lot of clicking ;) You deserve a like 😁

[@821maestra]

I learned how to paddleboard three weeks ago and I’m hooked! Great tips! I won’t go out without a life jacket though!

[@F0CAL0R5]

same!!

[@DogbertChew]

As long as you're leashed, the board acts as your flotation device. Its easier to climb back on too. Unless you can't swim well, then a life jacket will help

[@tonye2465]

Very helpful vid thx.

[@DavidWorthington-r2b]

Surprising KIRSY Leaves ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dzonikojitetovira7073]

thx

[@SB-xu8pi]

#6 Don't leave your inflated board in the sun, I exploded mine today, had no idea that it happens.

[@mikesmithjr27]

I have a 15 foot board leave it inflated for week at a time. I paddle board 3-4 times a week had it 3 summers now. Only issue I have is the padding starting to peel.

[@globetrotter5800]

Well, missed a big one. How to get in the paddle board....

[@janmar3269]

Thanks for video Ethan! Was that Starboard "banana" from the beginning?

[@ethanhuffsup]

It was slightly under pressure since my battery air pump ran out of juice and I forgot to bring my hand pump. 😅 So, that led to it being less stiff.

[@Woolymanmuth]

I'm 6'4. Do I need a 14ft board. I'm currently using a 11ft imagine board.

[@Woolymanmuth]

I find it really hard to stand up right. I'm also 270, athletic build.

[@ethanhuffsup]

I recommend using a wider board with a width of 32-36". This will provide you with more stability. The board length mainly helps you with increased glide and speed.

[@stormgetts]

“Sability” 🤣

[@stakesysmetalworkmachinery7402]

He mentioned the word paddle board 764 times

[@420yogisup]

😅😂😂

[@angieoffthefarm]

Trying to get that essay to a full five pages...

[@stakesysmetalworkmachinery7402]

@@angieoffthefarm i now hear this in my sleep. it won't leave my head. arrrgghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@Gospodindoktor]

Its paddle video

[@aak8297]

Bullshit, stop lying

[@CharlieThePuffBall]

What if my board turns left and right even if I paddle right along the rails?

[@cprotoole]

It will always move one way or the other. Best thing to check is that you have a fin attached - a longer fin will keep you straighter for longer. Apart from that, you do have to switch sides every few strokes to keep you in a straight line

[@DogbertChew]

One of the competency test is to go straight while paddling on just one side. Some strokes related to the blade angle will eventually be learnt

[@garyramsdale9340]

Paddling straight your stroke was a J STROKE

[@steffennielsen7209]

Paddle ! Paddle ! Paddle ! jesus christ

[@billf9847]

Why is your lanyard so damn high in your leg I’ve never seen anybody do that that makes no sense

[@DogbertChew]

Easier for stepbacks, mine is attached at waist level

[@macfady2181]

Second time I fell off my board, I thought the water was 5ft deep but was only about 18", went over backwards on my ankle and broke my fibula. Watching this 1wk into 12wks off work.

[@ethanhuffsup]

Ouch! So sorry to hear that. 😕Hope you recover well!

[@vjr5261]

Ohhhhh dang 😮

[@821maestra]

😢😢😢😢 another reason why a life jacket is so important! Hope you feel better soon!

[@SirTE0]

Why do you keep repeating "paddleboard" a million times? That's really annoying.

[@JayJayStevenson92]

Because it’s a video about Paddleboarding…