Over the years, paddle surfing has become one of the most popular water sports worldwide. Today, 3.7 million people get on a board and start paddling the sea, no matter which continent they are on.
Its accessibility, its benefits and the fun it offers have been the ‘culprits’ for the growing number of people interested in the sport every year. So, if you’re thinking of taming the sea, this article will give you the best techniques to perfect your technique, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced paddler. Will you be able to keep your balance and paddle more effectively when you read what follows? Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Type of paddle surfing you want to do
There are different types of paddle surfing, and the type of activity you choose will directly influence the type of board you need:
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All-round or multi-purpose: Perfect for beginners and those looking for a versatile board that works well in most conditions. They are stable and easy to handle, ideal for exploring, yoga or flat water paddling.
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Touring or touring: If your goal is to travel long distances or explore rivers and lakes, this type of board is for you. They are longer and have a sharp tip to cut through the water efficiently, offering more speed and stability in a straight line.
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Race or competition: These boards are designed for speed and performance. They are long, narrow and more difficult to balance, so they are recommended for more experienced users.
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SUP surfing: If you want to use the board in waves, look for a shorter, more manoeuvrable board designed specifically for this purpose. These boards are more similar to traditional surfboards.
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Yoga SUP: These boards are wide and very stable, making them ideal for yoga poses in the water.
Board size: length, width and thickness
The size of the board is one of the most important aspects, as it directly affects stability and manoeuvrability.
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Length: Longer boards (above 3 metres) are faster and offer more stability, so they are ideal for beginners or for long rides. Shorter boards (under 9 feet) are more agile and manoeuvrable, so they are recommended for surfing waves or for advanced users.
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Width: Wider boards (30 inches or more) offer greater stability, making them perfect for beginners or for people looking for a more relaxed experience. However, narrower boards (less than 30 inches) are faster and more manoeuvrable, but require more balance.
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Thickness: The thickness of the board affects its buoyancy. If you are a heavy person, you will need a thicker board to keep you stable in the water. Inflatable boards are usually thicker to compensate for the flexibility of the material.
Train in and out of the water
To progress in paddle surfing, it is also important to train out of the water. Exercises that strengthen your core, legs and arms will improve your stability, endurance and power.
To do this, practice:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Strength training with weights or elastic bands
These can help you develop the muscles you need to paddle more efficiently.
Weight capacity and board stiffness
Make sure the board you choose has the right weight capacity for your body weight and the equipment you plan to carry. A board with insufficient weight capacity will be unstable and difficult to handle. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications, which usually indicate the maximum supported weight.
Also, one of the most important decisions when choosing a paddle surf board is whether you prefer an inflatable or a rigid board.
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Inflatable boards: These are ideal for those who have limited storage space or need to transport the board easily. They are easy to inflate and deflate, and modern technologies have made them very rigid and durable. However, they offer less performance in speed or surf conditions.
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Rigid boards: These are made of solid materials such as fibreglass, epoxy or wood. They offer better performance on the water and are faster, but require more storage space and are more difficult to transport.
Paddle surf board accessories
Don’t forget to pay attention to additional details that can enhance your paddle surfing experience. For example:
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Keels help the stability and direction of the board. Boards can have single or multiple keel configurations (one main keel and two side keels), depending on the intended use.
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Carry handle: Facilitates the transport of the board when out of the water. It is especially useful on rigid boards.
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Non-slip surface (deck pad): Provides a safe standing area to prevent slipping.
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Attachment system for paddles or additional equipment: If you plan to go on long trips, it is useful to have ropes or attachment areas to carry a backpack, water bottles or even a small cooler.
The price of paddleboards varies considerably depending on the brand, material and type of board. Inflatable boards are usually more affordable than rigid boards, but if you are looking for a high quality or specialised board, you may need to invest more.
