Beginner's guide: 5 tips to improve your paddleboarding technique!

You just got your first board and you can't wait to go on an adventure? The Quebec team SUP gives you 5 tips to help you understand le paddleboarding and how to don perform during your first walks on the water! 🌊

1. Tame your board…on your knees!

Even if the sport seems easy, the Quebec team SUP strongly advise you to start your first hike on your knees. This will help you understand how to properly balance your weight to maintain a good balance. Once comfortable, stand up quietly with your knees slightly bent and paddle gently, using your best side.

2. Pay attention to your posture!

On a calm body of water, your feet should remain parallel, on either side of the handle.< span data-slate-object="mark" class="carSeparateur" data-info="noeud"> This will allow you to be as stable as possible on your SUP and maintain maximum contact surface with water. The more your board touches the water, the better the gliding effect will be.

3. Push, don’t pull!

A common mistake among beginners is the incorrect use of the paddle. It is essential to push on your paddle, with the hand on the handle, rather than pulling with the hand holding the handle. By pushing on the paddle and by forming a "J" movement, you will be able to reach a much more interesting walking speed in addition to avoiding injuries.

4. Well done for better read.

Falls happen! Don't worry, fall in SUP, even when you are an expert, est very common. When you lose your balance, try to fall sideways rather than towards front or back, because you could fall on your board. When falling on the sides, you will reduce your chances of getting injured. Also, keep the handle of your paddle in your hand so as not to lose it (the majority of paddles float, but it is better not to have to swim long to find it, in order to conserve your energy). To get back on your boat, place yourself in the middle of the side of the board, place the paddle on it, and pull yourself up!

5. Get out of your comfort zone

Practiceget out when conditions on the water are less calm, or on bodies of water that you are less familiar with. This will allow you to adjust your posture and technique depending on the environment in which you paddle. The Quebec team SUP also advises you to try the SUP-Yoga, which will help you improve your stability and flexibility on the board!

Now that you know the basics, we wish you a summer filled with sunshine and fun hikes!

-The Team of Quebec SUP🏄🏽‍♂️