{"id":4892,"date":"2022-08-24T08:25:21","date_gmt":"2022-08-24T08:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.www.paddleboardtips.com\/?p=4892"},"modified":"2022-09-28T08:12:13","modified_gmt":"2022-09-28T08:12:13","slug":"is-paddle-boarding-hard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.paddleboardtips.com\/is-paddle-boarding-hard\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Paddle Boarding Hard?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One person may look at a paddler out in the water and think, \u201cwell, that\u2019s easy.\u201d Another one may consider the idea of standing on a small flat vessel on water intimidating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been toying with the idea of getting into SUP, you may be wondering about the learning curve. Or the degree of difficulty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helps to know whether you\u2019ll master paddle boarding in the first few sessions. Or whether you should prepare yourself for a frustrating learning experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So is paddle boarding hard? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is no. Stand up paddle boarding is not hard, in fact it\u2019s actually pretty easy to learn the basics and anybody can do it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s get into the details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Hard Is Stand up Paddle Boarding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

SUP boarding is not hard at all\u2013it\u2019s an incredibly easy water sport<\/a>. It’s not difficult to learn or do, regardless of your age and fitness level. The basic paddle boarding skills are quite simple and you can master them in a few sessions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning to stay balanced while standing on a paddle board is what some people may find challenging. But as long as you choose a SUP board that\u2019s right for your size and skill level, you\u2019ll be alright. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginner paddle boards<\/a> are usually wide and moderately long, giving you a bigger and more stable surface to paddle on. So with a good beginner board, you won\u2019t find it hard to stay balanced. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also helps to be armed with a few paddle boarding tips. If you have an idea of where to stand on the SUP, where to look, and how to make a proper paddle stroke, you\u2019re already halfway there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is SUP One of The Easiest Water Sports?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"gili-fiber-glass\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

One thing that makes SUP boarding so easy is the fact that it\u2019s a gentle sport that anyone can do, regardless of age, size, and fitness level. All you need is a SUP paddle board, basic SUP essentials (like a paddle and a leash), and a body of water to paddle on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also no one way to paddle board. You can vary your SUP paddling sessions to make them easier or more difficult. This means it can be as easy as you want it to be.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you\u2019re having issues with balance while in the standing position, you can choose to kneel instead. Even better, you can attach a kayak seat to your SUP and paddle while seated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re not confident in your paddling skills or you feel that you\u2019re lacking in strength or stamina, you can paddle in calm, shallow water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another thing that makes SUP easy is that there are different boards for different skill levels. With a wide beginner paddle board, you\u2019ll find the most challenging part of SUP\u2013balancing\u2013much easier.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: Which is harder: paddle boarding or kayaking?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Hard is Paddle Boarding for Kids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even for kids, paddle boarding isn\u2019t hard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are SUP boards designed specifically for young paddle boarders. They are smaller so kids don\u2019t strain to make a proper paddle stroke and control the board. Children can practice paddling in a fun and easy way until they\u2019re ready older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides, you can also make paddle boarding easier for your kids by tandem paddling with them. Get your little paddler their own paddle and have them paddle with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This way, they can learn SUP without having to do much of the work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is Paddle Boarding Difficult for Seniors?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No, paddle boarding isn\u2019t difficult for seniors as it\u2019s a low-impact workout. It\u2019s gentle on bones, joints, and ligaments. There is a very low chance of spraining something or getting hurt while SUPing\u2013it\u2019s not like running. You could actually describe SUP as being a somewhat gentle form of exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, as mentioned, you can make paddle boarding easier to suit your needs (or more challenging if you prefer). If you aren\u2019t very strong you can get a good paddle board seat. This will allow you to alternate between sitting and standing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a nice gentle exercise that engages almost every muscle in your body without straining you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How Exhausting is Paddle Boarding?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a slight difference between something being hard to learn vs hard to do. Paddle boarding is easy enough to learn the basics – but how hard is it to paddle your board? How strenuous is paddle boarding to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will depend on a few factors such as your fitness level, where you\u2019re paddling, and the type of SUP activity.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although stand up paddle boarding is easy to learn, it\u2019s a full-body workout<\/a> that requires effort. If you haven\u2019t been active for a while, you may find it more exhausting than someone who has been working out. But it will get easier if you do it regularly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also be exhausting depending on where you\u2019ll be paddling. A paddler on a calm lake will have an easier time compared to one paddling the ocean on a windy day. Or a whitewater paddler running rivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some SUP activities are also more exhausting than others. For instance, paddle board racing or SUP surfing is more exhausting than paddling leisurely on flat water. So you can choose a more or less taxing SUP activity depending on what you\u2019re comfortable with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Paddle Boarding Hard on Your Back?<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"drift<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Back pain is a common issue\u2013one that nobody likes to deal with. So it\u2019s only right to worry about the effect of SUP on your back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stand up paddle boarding is not hard on your back<\/a>. It can actually be good for people with back pain. It strengthens your back and core muscles<\/a>, something that can help prevent back problems.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, SUP can be hard on your back if you don\u2019t do it properly. There are bad paddling habits that will make your back pain worse. Or cause you to start having back issues. These include arching your back or flexing your spine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re supposed to keep your back straight and relaxed, even when you twist your torso. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Paddle Boarding Hard on Your Knees?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

No, stand up paddle boarding is not hard on your knees. As mentioned above, it\u2019s a low-impact exercise that won\u2019t strain your joints or ligaments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, it is sometimes recommended for people with bad knees or even knee injuries. SUP is a fantastic rehabilitation sport because it\u2019s gentle. With time, it will rehabilitate and strengthen your knees and leg muscles, making them better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a knee problem, it\u2019s best to talk to your doctor first so they can clear you for paddling. Also start with calm water and keep each SUP session short. Observe how you feel and then you can make the sessions longer and more intense with time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Learn Paddle Boarding Basics Easily<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One thing that will make paddle boarding easier for you is learning the basics<\/a>. Luckily, they\u2019re simple. Here is a very basic rundown of the essential starting-points of SUP: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make Sure You\u2019re Using the Right SUP and Gear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are four key items that you\u2019ll need for paddle boarding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n