Paddle boarding tips please

[Wellysock]

Hello wise mumsnetters,
I'm about to go and buy myself a paddle board but as a complete newbie I wondered if anyone had any pearls of wisdom to share, or is it just a case of trial and error? I'd rather not make a complete tit of myself if it can be avoided!

Get a wider one if your a beginner much easier to balance on than the narrower ones. Also if your getting a SUP and plan on using regularly you may want to invest in an electric pump.

Lessons.

A good buoyancy aid or life jacket
Waterproof case for valuables.

Check the rules for where you want to take it. We actually have to have a license for our canoe (covers most waterways in England and Wales, Scotland you dont), and if other places you may to pay a launch fee.

Definitely get an electric pump. Have you done it before and do you know what you’re doing? Will you be doing it in the sea/fresh water?

Make sure you get a quick release waist leash rather than the ankle one many still come with. Make sure you know the local restrictions, tides and currents and always, always have a phone in a waterproof case with you

Thank you all! Really helpful tips so far. I'd also like to know how best to climb aboard. I think I'll look more beached whale than cool paddle boarding girl.

Great idea re the waterproof phone case. It comes with a waist belt and I'll be getting a big board as I have a child I'd like to take out too.

I'll mainly be on an estuary (tide depending) or inland rivers.

Lessons for sure. Decent, new personal floatation devices that fit well with leg straps for your dc. Try and find a club locally ideally, they will give you safety and skills advice plus you will find other people to paddle with.

We are members of a canoe club and they have a big SUP group now. I think Juice is a franchise that may operate where you are?

Also when buying your board, if you are serious about it and it's not going to be a summer holiday thing, it's worth investing in a decent board. Our club really rates Red boards I think they are but they are one of the more expensive brands for entry level kit.

@NEMSparkle

Get a wider one if your a beginner much easier to balance on than the narrower ones. Also if your getting a SUP and plan on using regularly you may want to invest in an electric pump.

While in general a wide board will be more stable they can be difficult to paddle if you're short. A good retailor or instructor will consider your height weight and other factors and help you choose what is suitable.

I second an electric pump I'd you can. Just start off sitting down and then trying standing, it's much harder than it looks. Although that could be because I always have at least one child on it with me. Great fun though.

Take lessons, especially if you're going to be taking a child out.
If the child fell into the water and drifted off wearing their life jacket, would you be competent enough to paddle to them quickly (considering the challenges of the tide / wind)?

Always wear flotation devices.

Always use the leash.

Check the conditions before you go out (wind, tides). Be aware that conditions can change quite quickly.

A wider board is best suited for beginners. Will it be big enough for yourself and a child (check the weight limit)? If your child is old enough to have a go paddling themselves, is it small enough for them to handle?

Make sure that you and your child know how to fall safely and can get back on the board in the water.

Really helpful tips so far. I'd also like to know how best to climb aboard. I think I'll look more beached whale than cool paddle boarding girl.

They're so flat to the water it's not difficult - get on at the midpoint obviously, both hands on, push up, knees on.
(And you can stay kneeling or even sitting for as long as you want - you can have a lot of fun not standing on a SUP)

Have a read through this thread for water safety tips if you haven't already.
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4306806-to-mention-some-water-safety-issues-we-all-need-to-know

Being out on the water is great fun, but the water needs to be respected

Even a one off lesson would be very useful but if that's not possible have a look on YouTube.
Start somewhere shallow and kneeling. Balance mid point, by the handle and knees either side. Aim to stand up by shifting back a smidge then placing your feet in the same spots. Keep knees soft.
We have the decathlon boards. Two Bare Feet 10'6 boards were used and recommended for beginners by the person we took lessons with.

First off get on from the shore and kneel for a bit. When you fall off pull yourself on from side or even from the back. No glamorous way to do it. Just pull yourself up

Thank you all. Really helpful tips. I got a board and took it out for a spin yesterday. Absolutely loved it! I need a lot of improvement but I can't wait to get out again

Please make sure that you have a waist strap not an ankle strap!

www.google.com/amp/s/www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/cheltenham-news/warning-over-paddleboard-feature-after-5673333.amp

I don’t find ours hard to pump. Definitely a waist strap. I stay on my knees when I have a child on board. You need to practice remounting with your dc. Teach them to jump off in water in full kit that’s too deep for them to touch the bottom of and float for a minute then get back on unaided seal style. Start off standing next to the paddleboard to hold it steady and then practice getting on yourself whilst they float and then they get on.

I’ve never fallen off with a dc but I’m confident that if I did no one would panic and it’d be easy to get back on. Kids love jumping off paddle boards so it’s a fun game as well.

I’ve found paddle boarding really easy (I’m not at all sporty) but my DH can’t stand up at all. Keeping your knees slightly bent once your up really helps.

The main thing is to keep the weight centred at the midpoint so if there's two of you, the first one on adjusts their position as the second gets on.
Practical physics lesson on centres of gravity and the laws of levers. And also 'every action has an equal and opposite reaction'