Stand Up Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a great way to enjoy the water and the waves and even have a great workout. Whether you go on a relaxing cruise along the shore, lake or bayou or paddle into the waves, there isn’t much else that compares to the unique experience on a paddleboard.
EQUIPMENT
Paddleboard
Deciding which board to get depends on several factors, the most important being weight, experience and how you want to use your paddleboard. An inexperienced rider under 150lbs will be able to use a shorter board that would be for a more advanced rider who is heavier. A rider above 215lbs should consider a board over 12’, but with enough experience could ride a shorter board.
- Wider, longer boards (11’ +) are more stable and are suitable for just cruising on flat waters. These boards also have a flatter bottom and rocker which allow you to cover more distance with every paddle stroke. These boards are recommended for inexperienced riders.
- Shorter more narrow boards are more suitable for surfing or racing and require more effort to remain stable. They have much more rocker for cutting the wave and reducing surface area. Shorter boards can also be used for flat water paddleboarding but again require extra effort to maintain balance and need more paddling to cover distances. Boards under 11’ are recommend for riders wtih exceptional balance or with experience on a surfboard or other boardsports.
See our selection of paddleboards here.
Paddle
The biggest concern with choosing a paddle is the length. When you are just cruising flat waters you want a paddle that is anywhere from 8” - 12” taller than the rider. The ‘blade’ of the paddle (the wide head of the paddle) is usually 12” long so adding this length to the top of the paddle eliminates the need to bend over helping you maintain your posture.
When surfing or racing your paddleboard you want a shorter length and shorter blade which allows you to get your paddle in and out of the water faster.
Waterboyz is able to customize the length of the paddle to these specifications. Paddles are available in a variety of materials including carbon fiber, wood and aluminum. The only difference being weight and cost. A carbon fiber will be lighter but more expensive. A wood paddle looks really nice but is noticeably heavier than its aluminum and carbon fiber counterparts.
See our selection of paddles here.
TECHNIQUE
When first starting out paddleboarding we recommend you start on calm waters on a day with little to no wind. Once you feel comfortable with your paddleboard and develop your technique you can paddle choppier waters and even surf some waves.
Carrying your board
Most boards will come with a handle built into the board itself. Simply rest the board against your leg and grab the handle. In the event you dont have a handle on your paddleboard you have a couple options. First, you can purchase a 'sling' that wraps around your board and acts as a strap the rests on your shoulder much like the strap of a messenger bag. Click here to see the paddleboard sling we offer. Secondly, you can carry the board on your head. To do this:
- Stand the paddleboard on its tail with the deck of the board facing you.
- Grab the rails and walk the board up until your head is about half way between the nose and tail of the board
- Rest the board against your head and stand up
Mounting your board
Starting from a shallow part of the shore is the easiest spot to mount your board, and starting in the kneeling position may be easier for beginners. If you find yourself in deeper water here are some tips.
- Place yourself just behind the center point of the board and lay our paddle perpendicular to the board with the paddle grip on the rail (edge) of the board closest to you. This will use the paddle as an outrigger to help stabilize the board.
- Gripping the rail and paddle grip closest to you with one hand and the other on the deck of the board, pop yourself onto the board and onto your knees.
- Find the balance point of the board and place your feet hip-width apart with both feet facing forward parallel to each other
Stance
Your stance on the board is very important and contributes most to the efficiency of your paddle stroke.
- Place feet parallel to each other and the rails of the board about hip-width apart at the center balance part of the board.
- Stand upright with your back straight and knees slightly bent.
- Focus on a point on the horizon and avoid looking down at your feet.
- Avoid bending over when paddling, it can strain your back and reduce your stamina
- Use your hips to balance.
PADDLEBOARD PARTIES AND EXCURSIONS
$250
Enjoy a paddle around Pensacola Beach, Little Sabine, Quietwater Beach, Bayou Grande, Ft. Pickens and more. We’ll deliver the paddleboards, you just show up and be ready for an adventure unlike anything anyone else can offer. Perfect for a fun day with friends or family, birthday parties or corporate outings. All participants must have a waiver on file which can be downloaded here. Paddleboard excursions include:
- Up to 6 paddleboards, additional paddleboards - $25 each
- Delivery to Pensacola Beach & Surrounding Areas**
- Brief Demo
- Waterboyz Tent & Table (if needed)
- Build a custom combo package, add surfboards for $25.00/per surfboard. Have fun surfing and paddleboarding!
**Includes delivery within a 25 mile radius of Waterboyz. Service charge will be included for distances over 25 miles.
To schedule a party first refer to the Waterboyz Calendar to see our currently scheduled parties. Once you have a date established call (850) 433-2929 to reserve your party.
