Tips For Those Renting A SUP For The First Time
SUP, or stand-up paddleboarding, is a great way to get some exercise while also spending time out on the water. At many locations where there's water to paddle on, you can rent a SUP and the associated accessories, including a paddle. However, there are some key tips you'll want to follow, especially the first time you do this.
Rent for longer than you think you need the board
Most SUP places allow you to rent by the hour. Or they might have a couple of options, such as a 2-hour rental and a 4-hour rental. The first time you head out, it's a good idea to rent for longer than you think you'll need the board. SUP can be tiring, and you don't want to be a half-mile from shore, forced to paddle your arms off, just to get back to the rental place by the time your rental period is over. Give yourself the extra time so you can paddle at your own pace without feeling stressed.
Wear a life vest
You may see some other paddlers out there on the water without life vests, but in this case, following the crowd is not a wise choice. When you're new to SUP, you're a lot more likely to fall in, and even if you're a decent swimmer, it is nice to have that extra assurance that you'll be okay if you do fall. Most SUP rental places either require that you take a life vest, or they include them upon request. Ask for one; you won't regret it.
Practice before heading out onto open water
When you first get your rented SUP, do some paddling along the shore, and get a good feel for how the board moves under you before you move into deeper or faster-moving waters. Some rental places offer brief SUP lessons for first-timers. If the rental place you're at offers this, then take advantage of the opportunity. You may have to pay a small extra fee, but it is worth it in order to learn some paddling tips and tricks from pros who know what they're doing on a board.
If you can't get SUP lessons, here are some basic tips that will help:
- Keep your knees slightly bent as you paddle.
- Stand with one foot slightly forward from the other.
- Make deep, long strokes for the most effective speed.
Renting a SUP can be a lot of fun, especially when you follow the guidance above. Contact a paddleboard rental service, such as Resilience Adventures, to learn more.