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In this, part 2 of our stand up paddle boarding basics video series, we take a look at some basic paddling and turning techniques to get you comfortably cruising and turning in your next session.
I’d also like to add the “rough water or surf stance” as a very helpful tip. When the water gets a bit rough, whether it be a wave, boat wake, river turbulence, your dog or child wiggling around, you can stagger your feet on the board to improve forward and back stability. It’s not quite a full surfing stance but just like you are stable side to side with your feet usually about shoulder with apart, you can place one foot about 4-6 inches ahead of the other and this will give you better foundation for taking on waves, bumps in the water or unruly passengers. It looks similar to the initial movements of the step back turn as seen in the video.
Some extra tips for your basic paddle stroke:
- Keep both arms fairly straight and bend from your torso as you paddle. Think of using your core muscles to pull the paddle though the water, rather than your arms. You have more strength in your core muscles than in your arms.
- At first, it is best to keep your paddle strokes fairly short and close alongside the board.
- To go in a mostly straight line, paddle about 5 to 8 strokes on one side, then switch to the other. Remember, when the paddle switches sides, you’ll reverse hand positions.
About the author: Julian Kidd