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The Ultimate Guide To Paddle Boards And Stand Up Paddleboard Reviews

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Stand up paddle board

Before we get to the part where we look at actual stand up paddle board reviews I think it will be a good idea to give you some handy information and history about stand up paddle boards.

What Are Stand Up Paddle boards

Paddle boarding is a sport that has consistently been gaining momentum and popularity. Similar to surfing, it involves using a board to surf the ocean waves. Originally, it was only done using the prone or kneeling position. However, there has been a recent revival of the ancient form of 1surfing, now known as Stand Up Paddle boarding.

Known in the Hawaiian language as Hoe he’e nalu, it’s now seen as a way for surfers to paddle much longer distances. Now recognized as the fastest-growing water activity, it allows people of all athletic builds to participate in a challenging activity that relies on skill and agility to tame the biggest and baddest waves.

Led by such famous paddle boarders as Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Rick Thomas and Kai Lenny, the sport has been adopted by many former surfers due to its versatility and ability to let them catch more waves within a set while offering better views of those incoming waves.

Stand up paddle boards are made up of a blade, shaft and handle and generally cost from $600-$1,500. Most are now classified as vessels by the Coast Guard and require riders to wear personal flotation devices when boarding in certain spots.
Introducing Inflatable Paddle Boards and The Top Stand Up Boards

A major development in the design of sup’s has been the creation of inflatable stand up boards. This has allowed both the board and pump to be carried in something as small as a backpack. Durable yet lightweight, some boards can be inflated to as much as 30 pounds per square inch.

When someone is trying to find the best stand up paddle board, they usually look for product reviews. We will look at many Stand up paddle board reviews from  a number of different models. A few of the best ones we will review are the Tower Adventurer Inflatable SUP, Ocean Kayak Nalu Hybrid Paddle board, Solstice Stand Up Paddle board and Naish Paddle Boards.

When a person is deciding which is best for him, stand up paddle board reviews can be of great help. I will be doing some in depth reviews on these particular boards inside this site.

BIC Sport ACS with Adjustable Paddle

BIC sport acs  while surf’s up, let’s climb on board and check out the BIC Sport ACS with Adjustable Paddle. The BIC Sport is widely recognized as a great board for beginners as well as a great second board for more skilled boarders.

The greatest feature of this board is its volume of 175-205 liters. While some other boards on the market have less volume, the BIC Sport ACS offers more volume  that guarantees  to eliminate sagging in the middle. While that extra volume may not sound like much, what it offers its rider is increased rigidity and buoyancy on the water, resulting in less drag and a more comfortable ride.

The width of this board is another big draw to riders. It’s 32 inches wide, which is two inches wider than most other boards on the market. The wider platform allows riders to have greater stability on the board while also having increased maneuverability and speed.

This wider platform is especially helpful when boarding in lateral currents. This board is also one of the easiest ones to transport.

The BIC Sport ACS is an extremely durable board for less money than you’d expect. Thermometer in steel molds to ensure consistent and accurate reproduction of the original shape. Proven and long-lasting with great performance. Priced from $899.95, it’s a bargain for anyone who wants one of the best SUP’s available.

The Ocean Kayak Nalu

Next up is the Ocean Kayak Nalu Hybrid Paddle board. This one is considered to be a great all-purpose board that’s known for its durability. Whether a person wants to paddle on a calm lake, ride the ocean waves or sail through whitewater rapids this board is up to the challenge. Constructed of polyethylene, it’s as tough as they come while delivering a smooth ride.

The best feature of this board is it can be used as both a stand up or sit down model. It’s a great board to take with you if going to places where weather may be uncertain. Likewise, if going to a calm lake or river it’s just as much at home there as well. And if you find yourself somewhere with the wind gusting, you can simply decide to sit down and use it this way.

Whatever the weather throws its way, the Nalu Hybrid can meet it head on and come out on top. Its shallow design and long keel make it easy to maneuver in choppy waters while being faster than you’d think. Despite looking bottom-heavy it can really go at a fast clip.

Considered a great starter board, it’s so easy to use that many people in their 50’s, 60’s or older who are new to paddle boarding make this their board of choice. Weighing 40 pounds, it may not be best for kids because of its weight but adults will have no problem handling it. Priced around $650, it’s a great board to buy if speed, stability and ease of use are at the top of your list.

Solstice Stand Up Paddle board.

This board is another favorite of the SUP community. Weighing only 22 pounds, it’s almost 11 feet long and extremely rigid and strong. Considered sleek, lightweight and very fast the Solstice is a board that meets and exceeds the expectations of everyone who rides it. It’s list price is close to $1,000 but it can usually be found for about $600-$700, which is a steal for a model that delivers this kind of performance.

The Naish Paddle Board Line

Speaking of performance, Naish Paddle boards give that and then some. Considered the industry leader in paddle boarding by many, Naish boards get great reviews. The types of boards they make are almost endless, and they have something for all ages and skill levels.

The company’s Air series of inflatable stand up boards come in lengths of 10 feet and are 33 inches wide, providing excellent stability. Supporting riders weighing up to 240 pounds, they are ideal for almost anyone wanting to get out on the waves. Priced slightly higher at about $1,000 they are well worth the price for the hours of pleasure and fun they will give their owner.

Paddle boarding Is Just Plain Fun And Healthy

Paddle boarding continues to grow in popularity not only with everyday people, but athletes and celebrities as well. Professional particleboard like Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Josh Beckett loves paddle boarding, as does one of Hollywood’s favorite leading ladies, “Pretty Woman” star Julia Roberts.

One reason so many athletes and actors and actresses love paddle boarding is its ability to provide a full-body workout while having fun on the water. Athletes such as skiers and snowboarders use SUP’s as one of their cross-training activities to stay in shape, and kayaks also use it as an alternative exercise when training for competitions.

Before hitting the water for a day of paddle boarding, a person should keep some things in mind to make the experience more pleasurable. Besides having the board, paddle and PFD, wearing the proper clothing can not only keep one more comfortable but also help a person stay safe depending upon the weather conditions.

If someone is going to be boarding where hypothermia may be a concern, wearing a wetsuit or a dry suit can guard against this. In warmer areas a bathing suit or shorts and a t-shirt will work just fine, and allow the rider to be able to freely move around while getting wet. To guard against the sun, applying sunscreen and wearing some good sunglasses will protect against sunburn and the glare off the water.

The Paddle boarding Basics

Now that you have the right equipment and clothing for paddle boarding, it’s time to get the right techniques to help make the most of the experience. It’s best to start out on calm waters, and it’s a good idea to take a friend with you when first learning. When learning the proper stance, it’s good to have a friend stabilize the board as you stand on it.

The key to a good stance is all in the hips. Feet should be parallel and hip-width apart, and balancing is done with the hips. Stare off at the horizon instead of down at your feet, and remember paddle boarding is a lot like cycling in that when forward momentum increases, so does stability.

To turn a paddle board one can use a sidestroke, sea-stroke or back-paddle. To sidestroke, just paddle on one side until the board turns in the direction you wish to go. To go left paddle on the right and vice versa. A sea-stroke, also called a sweeping stroke, is used when the paddle is put near the front of the board and a long sweeping stroke is used from front to back. Back-paddling is used to turn or reverse course, and is done by either dragging the paddle or paddling backwards on either side of the board.

Unfortunately, falling off a board is inevitable. While it’s important to learn how to stand on a board, it’s also good to know the proper way to fall off of one. When a rider feels a fall coming, aim for the side so that you fall into the water rather than on the board. Falling on a board can sometimes cause serious injury, while falling in water will only get you wetter. If you get separated from the board and paddle, find the board first and then use it to paddle to and retrieve your paddle.

When first starting out, many beginners make some common mistakes on their paddle boards. Two of the most common ones are standing hunched over and keeping their knees straight. Instead of being hunched over, it’s best to keep the shoulders level and back straight. Also, bent knees help with stability and one’s ability to maneuver the board.

Stand Up Paddle boarding Is A Way Of Life

SUP For those who paddle board they describe it as a passion and way of life for them. They are usually very eager to talk about and share their love of the sport with others. To hear them talk, life starts and stops with paddle boarding. They live it and breathe it, and many have turned it into their life’s work.

There are many companies throughout the United States and the world that offer paddle boarding instruction and parties. Those people looking for something different can choose a SUP party for someone’s birthday or anniversary as a way to remember special times in life.

Paddle board adventure trips down whitewater rapids are also popular, as are business meetings conducted via paddle boarding. Many companies now send employees to corporate “board” meetings, where business is conducted while paddle boarding. These are great ways for employees to bond with one another, and if they’re lucky they may get to see their boss fall off his board a few times during the day!
And To Sum It All Up

So if you are looking for something new and exciting to help with relaxation while providing a great workout, consider taking up paddle boarding. Whether you live in Hawaii and wish to ride some waves, or want to paddle on a calm, serene lake paddle boarding can provide you with hours and hours of fun. For those looking to really enhance their workout, consider taking a Stand Up Paddle boarding exercise class.

Some places even offer yoga performed on paddle boards! With today’s stressful workplaces and hectic personal lives, paddle boarding offers people a chance to unwind and get away from the hassles of home and work. Standing on a board in the middle of a calm body of water can be a fantastic holistic experience, and may lead to another convert to the exciting sport of Stand Up Paddle boarding.

All About Stand Up Paddle Boarding

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The fast-growing sport of stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is really a fun, good way to go experience water. Having a minimum of equipment, you are able to paddle everything from sea surf to ponds and rivers-no waves needed.Paddle boarding provides an amazing full workout and it naish-picis being a favorite mix-training activity for snowboarders, snowboarders along with other sports athletes. And also, since you are standing around your full height, you’ll relish excellent sights of all things from ocean animals to what’s coming. It’s similar to walking on water!

You’ll need only a couple of key items to savor this sport:

Stand up paddle board: This really is undoubtedly your most critical gear investment. Dimensions derive from the paddler’s weight and experience. More knowledgeable and lighter paddlers can pick narrower boards. Novice paddlers should select wider, flatter boards, that offer more stability.

Paddle: Fully stand up paddles come with an position or “elbow” within the shaft for optimum efficiency. Select a paddle that’s roughly 6” to 8” taller than you’re (though some producers recommend an 8” to 10” differential).

PFD (Personal Flotation Device): The U.S. Coast Guard classifies fully stand up paddle boards as ships, so always put on a PFD whenever you are paddling navigable water.

Proper clothing: For cold weather where hypothermia is an issue, put on a diving suit or dry suit. In milder conditions, put on shorts along with a T-shirt or swimsuit-something which moves along with you and may get wet.

Sun-protection: Put on sun block and shades.

Techniques: Getting Began

Transporting Your Board towards the Water

In case your fully stand up paddle board continues to be made with a built-in handle, transporting it’s a breeze. Just lean the board on its rail (edge), achieve for that handle and tuck the board under one arm. Carry your paddle using the other hands.

For extended distances, or maybe your board doesn’t have handle, you are able to easier carry your paddle board in your mind. Here’s how:

1. Stand the board on its tail (finish) using the deck (the surface of the board) facing you.

2. Lay your paddle on the floor within easy achieve.

3. Hold the rails (the perimeters from the board) with both of your hands.

4. Walk yourself underneath the board to ensure that your mind is all about half way between your nose (front) and also the tail.

5. Stand upright using the board overhead, still holding it by its rails.

Now bend lower and get your paddle and make it alongside the board.

Mind for that water.

Paddle boarding on Calm Water

When you are learning the game, it is best to begin in ideal conditions: flat, calm water that’s free from obstacles like motorboats and buoys.

Mounting the Paddle board

When you are a novice, it’s simpler to kneel around the board instead of to face directly upright. Listed here are a couple of pointers to enable you to get began:

Standing alongside the board, place your paddle over the deck from the board and employ it being an outrigger. The paddle grip is around the rail (edge) from the board the edge rests around the water.

Contain the board through the rails. One hands may also be holding the paddle grip.

Pop yourself to the board right into a kneeling position, just behind the middle reason for the board.

From that kneeling position, obtain a sense of the total amount reason for the board. The nose should not appear from the water and also the tail should not search in.

Keep their hands on each side from the board to stabilize it.

Once you are ready, stand on the board one feet at any given time. Place your ft where the knees were. You could also bring a buddy to wade out about knee-deep together with your board. Have your friend stabilize the board while you get used to sitting on it.

Techniques: Around the Water

Paddle boarding Stance

A couple of guidelines to help you keep the balance while you stand upright around the paddle board:

Your ft ought to be parallel, about stylish-width distance apart, centered between your rails (board edges). Don’t get up on the rails.

Keep toes pointed forward, knees bent as well as your back straight.

Balance together with your sides-not your mind.

Keep the mind and shoulders steady and upright, and change unwanted weight by moving your sides.

Your gaze ought to be level in the horizon. Steer clear of the temptation to stare at the ft.

It’s similar to cycling: Whenever your forward momentum increases, your stability increases too.

Paddle boarding Stroke

Once you have practiced balancing around the board in flat water, you’re ready to remove on the paddle boarding trip-in which the real fun starts. Here are a few pointers to get began using the fundamental paddle boarding stroke.

If you are paddling around the right, your right hands is gloomier as well as on the paddle shaft. Your top (left) hands is on top of check your grip.

The elbow (position) from the paddle faces from you.

Keep the arms straight and twist out of your torso while you paddle. Think about making use of your torso to paddle instead of your arms. You’ve more strength in individuals stomach muscles compared to your arms.

Push lower around the paddle grip together with your top hands.

Plant the paddle by pushing the edge completely underneath the surface, pull it to your ankle, then from the water.

When you are beginning, keep the strokes fairly short and close alongside the board. You don’t need to overpower it.

A little draw stroke at the outset of the paddle stroke could keep you moving forward.

To use a relatively straight line, paddle about four to five strokes on one for reds, then change to another.

Whenever you switch sides, you’ll reverse hands positions.

Paddle boarding Turns

You will find several straightforward methods to turn a paddle board.

Sidestroke: One particular approach to is just to paddle on one for reds before the nose turns within the direction you need to go. Wish to turn right? Paddle around the left. Headed left? Paddle around the right.

Back paddle: Another fast method to turn or reverse direction would be to simply drag the paddle or paddle backwards on each side from the board.

Ocean (“c”) stroke: Plant your paddle for the front from the board and have a lengthy sweeping stroke for the tail. This really is sometimes known as a sweep stroke.

Other tips: Walking back around the board or overlooking your shoulder towards the direction of the turn will help with creating a turn.

Another turn that work well, particularly in surf, would be to paddle in your dominant side (left feet forward, paddle in your right side). Really bend the knees and set excess fat lying on your back feet. This enables the board to pivot and turn rapidly.

Whenever You Fall

Fully stand up paddle boarding is comparatively simple to learn, but expect to accept periodic fall as you are attaining abilities. For individuals inevitable occasions you lose balance:

Goal yourself aside, to ensure that you fall under water and never to the board. Falling to the board is more prone to cause an injuries.

If you achieve separated out of your paddle as well as your board, get the board first, then paddle it to retrieve the paddle.

Common Beginner’s Mistakes in Paddle boarding:

1. These mistakes are simple to make when you are beginning out. Avoid them you’ll also find much more fun around the water:

2. A hunched posture. Keep the back straight, shoulders level.

3. Looking at the ft rather than the horizon.

4.The elbow (bent position) from the paddle facing within the wrong direction. It will point from you.

5. Getting both of your hands around the paddle shaft. Your top hands goes towards the top from the paddle, around the grip.

6. Standing straight-kneed. It’s much simpler to balance with bent knees