The essay will show you how to hold SUP paddle step-by-step ( in 8tips), which will help those surfers who are beginners in paddling. Unity Sports is a surfing product factory with more than 10 years, welcome to visit our home page to see more useful information; thank you.
So, how to hold SUP paddle?
- Grip Placement: Stand next to your paddleboard with the blade of the paddle facing away from you. Hold the paddle with both hands about shoulder-width apart, positioning your top hand (the hand that will be closer to the blade) on the handle.
- Hand Positioning: Your top hand should grip the handle of the paddle with your fingers spread out comfortably. Your knuckles should be facing upwards or slightly angled towards the blade.
- Bottom Hand Positioning: Your bottom hand should grip the paddle shaft slightly below shoulder height. The hand should be placed a bit wider than shoulder-width apart to provide stability and power.
- Blade Angle: The blade should be positioned perpendicular to the water’s surface. In other words, the blade should be fully vertical, not angled forward or backward.
- Paddle Length: Make sure the paddle length is appropriate for your height and the type of paddling you’re doing. A common guideline is to add 8-10 inches to your height to determine the proper paddle length.
- Stance: Stand on your paddleboard with your feet hip-width apart, facing forward. Your toes should be pointed forward and your knees slightly bent to help with balance and stability.
- Paddling Technique: To paddle forward, start by reaching the paddle blade as far forward as comfortably possible. Submerge the blade fully in the water, and then pull it back along the side of the board, using your core, back, and arm muscles. Keep your strokes smooth and avoid using only your arms.
- Switching Sides: To switch sides, release your grip on the handle with your top hand and move it down the shaft to where your bottom hand was gripping. Then, move your bottom hand up to the handle. This hand-over-hand motion helps maintain your balance as you switch sides for paddling.
How to hold sup paddle? Remember that proper technique is essential not only for efficient paddling but also for preventing strain and fatigue. As you gain more experience with SUP, you may develop your own variations on grip and technique that suit your style and body mechanics. It’s also a good idea to take lessons or practice with experienced paddlers to refine your technique further.
Why a correct holding posture for SUP paddle is important?
How to hold SUP paddles correctly is important for several reasons. Now, Unity Sports company will show you all.
- Efficiency: Holding the paddle correctly allows you to engage the larger muscles of your core, back, and shoulders, which are more powerful than relying solely on your arms. This efficient use of your body’s strength translates into more effective strokes and longer endurance while paddling.
- Reduced Fatigue: Using the right grip and technique distributes the workload across multiple muscle groups, preventing excessive strain on any one area. This reduces the likelihood of early fatigue or overuse injuries, making your paddling experience more enjoyable and sustainable.
- Better Balance: Proper hand placement and grip help maintain balance on the board. The correct grip lets you exert force against the water without losing your stability on the paddleboard.
- Control and Maneuverability: Holding the paddle correctly enables you to control the angle and depth of each stroke. This control is essential for steering the board, making slight adjustments, and maneuvering effectively in various water conditions.
- Injury Prevention: Incorrect grip and technique can lead to repetitive stress injuries, strains, or muscle imbalances. By using proper posture, you reduce the risk of injuring your wrists, shoulders, and back.
- Enhanced Power: When you hold the paddle correctly, you can generate more power and speed with each stroke. This is especially important when you need to paddle against currents, winds, or in challenging conditions.
- Skill Development: Mastering the correct grip and technique is the foundation for improving your SUP skills. As you progress, you’ll naturally adapt and fine-tune your technique, but starting with a solid foundation ensures you’re building on the right principles.
- Safety: Holding the paddle correctly helps you maintain control of the board and respond effectively to sudden changes in conditions or obstacles in the water. This can contribute to a safer experience on the water.
How to hold sup paddle correctly? Ultimately, correct posture and technique create a harmonious connection between your body and the paddleboard, allowing you to make the most of your time on the water while minimizing the risk of discomfort or injury. If you’re new to stand-up paddling, consider taking lessons from a certified instructor to ensure you learn proper techniques right from the start.
All in all, this article tells you how to hold sup paddle and why we need a correct posture, which should be helpful for the beginner of paddle surfing. As a surfing products manufacturer, we not only can provide the stand up SUP paddle custom service but also have various material paddle for you. We welcome you to visit our product page to see more details. Thank you.
