13 Beginner Paddleboarding Mistakes to Avoid

This article was one of the easiest ones I’ve written so far just because of how many mistakes I made when I started paddleboarding. I’ve made every beginner paddleboarding mistake on this list numerous times and witnessed many others do the same.

I can laugh at them now, and hope you do too. Through a lot of trial and error, I’ve created this list of common mistakes that beginners make and how to avoid them.

Underinflating your board

I used to be guilty of this a lot and now it’s my #1 pet peeve when I see others doing it.

You MUST inflate your board to at least 15 PSi in order for you to have a stable enough board to paddle on. Anything less will make paddling more difficult and potentially dangerous.

Unless you have an electric pump, using the manual pump to achieve 15 PSi is a bit of a workout.

TIP: Use your body weight to increase your leverage while using the manual pump. Pop out the circular button on the side of your pump to reduce tension when you get closer to 15 PSi.

TIP: If you don’t see your pump dial moving and you’re still pumping, don’t assume the dial isn’t working. You just haven’t gotten enough air in yet. You are more likely to underinflate your board than overinflate, so keep on pumping!

TIP: If you find that the valve lets out air when you release the pump you need to make sure you lock and twist the valve on your board. Push down and twist counter-clockwise to lock the valve, then turn the valve further counter-clockwise. This will offset the clockwise turn that you’ll make as you release the pump when you’re finished pumping.

TIP: Buy an electric pump!

Using the wrong-sized paddleboard

Using an incorrectly sized paddleboard will make paddling much more difficult than it needs to be. Make sure before purchasing your board, you take your height and weight into consideration.

Taller and heavier people need wider and thicker boards, it’s not a one-size fits all scenario. However, there are set minimum size standards per height and weight for men and women.

TIP: Check out the measurement chart from the retailer you are purchasing your board from. Consider your height and weight as you choose.

TIP: Beginner paddleboarders will benefit from purchasing a wider board.

TIP: Make sure your paddle is also adjusted to the correct size for yourself. Stand up, and extend your arm straight up. Take your paddle and align it with your arm that is being held up. Bend your wrist forward over the handle of the paddle and adjust. Your paddle height should align with the bend of your wrist.

Holding your paddle incorrectly

Are you using the wrong side of the blade? Is your grip too wide or too narrow?

You must establish a consistent grip on your paddle so that you don’t lose your rhythm while switching sides, and you don’t inadvertently twist your paddle.

TIP: The blade of the paddle should always be pointing away from you.

TIP: When holding your paddle raise it above your head. You should be able to make 90-degree angles with both of your elbows while holding the paddle above your head. This will insure your grip is not too small and not too wide.

TIP: Put a few pieces of coloured tape on your paddle so you remember where each hand should be placed.

Sitting instead of standing on your board

If you’re too nervous about standing up on your board, you need to practice, practice, and practice!

Sitting on your board can cause significant lower back pain, glute, and leg pain. A SUP board is not meant to be sat on for long periods of time.

TIP: Limit your time kneeling and sitting on your board.

TIP: Follow this five-step stand-up process. First, go knee-deep into the water and climb onto your board from the side. Second, get on your hands and knees on the board. Third, bring one knee forward until your foot is on the board. Four, look forward and do the same with the other foot. Finally, slowly rise until standing.

TIP: Practice the five-step stand-up process on dry land in multiple areas to get the sequence perfect. I liked to practice this process on my mattress, and couch as it was more comfortable.

TIP: Practice the five-step stand-up process in shallow waters and areas close to shore to begin.

Not engaging your core while paddling

You don’t realize how much engaging your core helps your paddling stroke until you do it!

TIP: As soon as that paddle hits the water during your stroke, instead of focusing your attention on your shoulders focus on engaging your core. This will help stabilize your body increasing the force of your stroke and it will also prevent overuse of your upper body.

Not checking the weather conditions

No excuse for not checking the weather before going out. Even on the sunniest day, the weather can turn ugly quickly, especially in the Lower Mainland.

TIP: Check the Local Weather and Radar for current updates.

TIP: Confirm the water current and wind strength for the body of water.

TIP: If you are a beginner paddleboarder, do not venture out when the wind strength is between 10-14 Knots.

You can read more about How to Read Weather Conditions for Paddling here.

Not bringing safety equipment

Accidents happen. Incidents occur. Be prepared for both.

TIP: Always bring at least a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and whistle when paddling out.

Check out this article for What to Pack for Paddling: Safety Essentials + Extras for everything you’ll need.

Not stretching before and after

Stretching before you venture out can increase the time you’re able to spend on your board.

Stretching after your paddle will decrease the stiffness in your body and possible pain the next day.

TIP: Stretch your neck, shoulders, legs, and feet for at least 5 mins (about a min each) before paddling out.

TIP: After your paddle, stretch your neck, shoulders, lower pain, legs and feet for about 10-20 min (about three to five min each). You can do this while you’re waiting for your board to dry out.

Dressing improperly

Dress for the water temperature. Be prepared to fall in whether it’s a cold or warm weather paddle.

TIP: Check out the water temperature online here.

TIP: Remember it always feels colder on the water, and you are more exposed to the sun.

TIP: No harm in bringing an extra layer of clothing.

Not wearing a leash

Leashes are usually included in most inflatable paddleboard sets. It’ll help you stay close to your board if you fall off and also help you get back to your board quickly if you begin to suffer cold water shock.

TIP: Strap your leash on your ankle before taking your paddleboard into the water.

Paddling in unsuitable areas

Paddleboards are ideally used in calm waters for touring, racing and sometimes yoga. You should be mindful about where you launch your SUP as they can lack some maneuverability, and are also inflatable making them susceptible to puncture at a high speed.

Oceans, bays, and lakes can become unsuitable paddling locations on days with strong winds and waves.

Paddleboards are quite useless on days with strong winds and waves. You will get farther swimming than on a paddleboard.

TIP: Use an app like AllTrails or Strava to find verified paddling routes.

TIP: Always carry a patch kit with you.

Not wearing sun protection

On sunny days, out on a paddleboard, it can feel like an oven. There is no shade to hide under on your board so the sun will hit every inch of you.

Heat stroke and dehydration are strong possibilities if you’re not prepared.

TIP: Always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and/or a hat.

TIP: Bring lots of water and snacks on board.

Not letting your board dry before packing up

Letting your board dry off before deflating and rolling it up will help prevent contamination on your board from any species in the water area and prevent you from spreading it to other areas.

It’ll also help keep your board free from mould growth.

TIP: Lay out your board and accessories in the sun to dry off while you do your post-paddle stretches.

TIP: Bring a towel so you can manually dry off your board.

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