6 things you should know about Paddle Surfing

Still don't know Paddle Surf ? If you are an adventurous person who does not like to miss out on any experience related to the sea, sports and good weather, today we will tell you what you need to know to get started in the trendiest sport of the season.

Paddle surfing has a first and last name: John Zapotocky. A Waikiki surfer who in the 1960s got up on the board while surfing. Subsequently, many Hawaiian surfers began to use the paddle for their training. Among them Dave Kamala, Brian Keaulana, Archie Kalepa and Laird Hamilton.

Many of your favorite celebrities already practice it. From Orlando Bloom to Jennifer Aniston they warn of the relaxation and tranquility that this sport brings them.

It is the perfect sport to practice during the hottest months of the year, since if the heat overwhelms you you can always take a bath, and also, you will appreciate amazing landscapes while you practice it. We bring you 6 curiosities about this cutting-edge activity that will surely hook you from minute one.

What are the origins of Paddle Surf or SUP?

Paddle Surf, Stand Up Paddle or SUP, is a sport that was born in Hawaii in 1960 as a way to move on the water using a paddle or paddle.

It was at the end of the 90s when it began to become popular, and also, thanks to surfers of the stature of Dave Kalama or Brian Keaulana it was verified that Paddle Surf helped to tone the muscles of those who practiced it and to gain resistance surfing waves. In the beginning, surf instructors used large boards and canoe paddles to gain momentum, while today smaller boards, appropriate paddles and specific material dedicated to Paddle Surf are used.

Although its origin is attributed to Hawaii, there are certain suspicions that Paddle Surfing began to be used 3000 years ago in ancient Egypt. The concrete beginnings of this sport are thanks to the Polynesian surf teachers who, to control the groups, stood up on the board and with the blade of a rudimentary oar they could warn of the arrival of bigger waves or give instructions to their students. .

Paddle Surfing and its various health benefits

The practice of Paddle Surfing brings multiple benefits to our health both physically and mentally. There is a basic and very important element that is the protagonist, the balance. Maintaining the balance of the body on the board firstly strengthens the core: this middle area of ​​the trunk that connects with your arms and legs, allowing you to correct posture and muscle weaknesses. And second, when you force your body to maintain balance, you are strengthening your arms, hips, and legs.

In addition to the physical benefits already mentioned, paddle boarding brings benefits to your mental health. Being upright on the board, controlling the balance of your body while paddling and overcoming the waves, requires your concentration and adrenaline to be at 100%. These two factors release dopamine in our body, increasing our levels of relaxation and well-being, producing an effect known as mindfulness, that is, full attention.

Which type of Paddle Surf to practice according to your objectives?

Paddle Surf, like most sports, admits different modalities according to the objectives and preferences of those who practice it. Here we leave you the most common ones so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

Paddle Surf Wave: This modality is one of the most practiced among professional surfers and apprentices. Very similar to traditional surfing, the dynamics of this modality is to ride waves, but with the help of a paddle. A great advantage of the Paddle Surf Wave compared to traditional Surf is that with it you can catch more waves, since the boards are bigger.

Paddle Surf Journey: It consists of sliding on the water with the impulse of the oar taking a pleasant walk along a lake, a river or the shore of the beach. There are longer journeys than others but in all of them you will enjoy the views and the freedom that you feel on the board. Wide, large boards are used, so it is recommended to practice it in calm places without much waves.

Paddle Surf Race: these are competition races in which the participants compete to obtain first place on the board. This is the perfect option for great sports professionals who seek to achieve their goals and rise in rank by measuring themselves against other athletes. The most suitable boards for this type of competition are those with a pointed and narrow shape since they manage to reach a higher speed.

Paddle Surf River: it is an extreme modality aimed at the most daring. It consists of descending rivers with different flows and avoiding the obstacles that are found during the journey. For this, small inflatable tables are usually used.

Paddle Surf Fitness: it is the perfect combination for lovers of yoga and pilates. The most common floor yoga exercises are performed on the table to gain a plus in balance. Inflatable boards are also often used.

Multiple Paddle Surf: it is the perfect modality to spend a day with family and friends. It is an activity in which you can practice the sport on giant inflatable tables that support the weight of up to 10 people.

Paddle surfing, as surprising as it may seem, has helped many fishermen as a result of the silence that the boards give unlike what could be, for example, a boat.

Did you know that there are different Paddle Surf boards? Choose the most appropriate according to the modality you want to practice.

Just as there are different types of Paddle Surf modalities, there are also different types of boards. There are rigid boards and inflatable boards, and it is necessary to understand how these two types differ, taking into account the type of paddle surfing that you are going to do.

The rigid boards, are made of epoxy or carbon, material which provides greater speed when practicing SUP, especially if what you want is riding the waves. Now, if what you are looking for is to practice SUP in a more recreational way, inflatable boards are always a good option, providing comfort and versatility.

Here is a list of some of the most common tables and their characteristics.

Boards Race: These are the sharpest and narrowest boards you can find on the market. It is precisely their pointed nature that makes them perfect for competing in the race modality. With them you will get the speed and agility you need to achieve your goals in each Paddle Surf race.

Tables Touring or Travesía: They are the most suitable boards to practice Paddle Surf as hobbie. They are wide, elongated and large boards that give you the stability you need to slide calmly on the water, and also have grips to hold any type of object.

Boards Wave: These are the most appropriate boards for surfing waves in the sea. They are similar to conventional surfboards, but shorter to facilitate maneuvering.

Boards Allround: They are the biggest boards of all, so they are also the most stable and consequently, the perfect ones to start in the sport. This type of board has a rounded nose (the front part) that provides greater stability.

Where to practice Paddle Surf in Spain, you won't want to do anything else!

This sport, which is already a trend among many fans, arrived in Spain in 2008. So if you want to practice Paddle Surf in Spain, you won't be short of options! We show you 3 dream stops where you can start in the sport.

A Lanzada Beach (Pontevedra): Galician beaches are a true paradise that has nothing to envy to California beaches. For this reason, in addition to being able to sunbathe and enjoy a mojito on the sand, they are also full of activities where you can enjoy your stay to the fullest. A Lanzada beach is one of the largest in Pontevedra, and for this reason, you can find schools where you can get started in the sport. One of them is Prado Surf, a club where they will offer you all the comforts to enjoy Paddle Surf.

San Juan Reservoir (Madrid): Who said that there are no places to practice Paddle Surf in Madrid? Of course there are! One of the best-known schools in the capital, Yucalcari, is in the San Juan reservoir, an artificial beach that has more than 15 km of surface for you to enter the full sport.

Catalan Surf School (Barcelona): If you are looking for a place to practice Paddle Surf in Barcelona, ​​the Catalan Surf School is a project of activities of all kinds found in Castelldefels, a coastal city where you can discover sports and its wonderful landscapes.

Is it your first time practicing Paddle Surf? We leave you some tips to get started in this sport

Despite the fact that Paddle Surfing is a sport that is usually easy for anyone who decides to practice it, we will tell you some tricks that you need to know before immersing yourself in this adventure.

1. Get advice from professionals:

It is essential that you let yourself be advised by professionals in the club where you practice Paddle Surf. They will know how to guide you so that little by little you achieve your goals, and also, they will help you with the choice of the perfect board.

2. Wear neoprene garments

Use appropriate clothing to practice Paddle Surf. It is best to wear t-shirts, pants or neoprene suits. This material is the most appropriate for water sports, since it protects you from the cold by concentrating body heat.

3. Always make sure the oar is in the correct position

The blade of the oar must go between our foot and the front part of the board, the arm that holds the lead of the oar must be stretched and the one below is the one that will always act as propel us. Always do 3 or 4 paddles on each side, so you control that the board does not change direction. If you want to turn, always paddle on the same side with the blade separated from the board.

4. To begin with, start in places without waves or wind.

To start paddle surfing it is advisable to opt for calm lakes since if you start in the sea, the offshore wind can play you wrong.

5. What happens if the wind prevents us from moving forward.

It usually happens that from one moment to the next, the wind level rises and that prevents us from advancing while standing on the board. It is advisable to kneel on the board and continue paddling. If the situation does not seem to improve, it is necessary to lie face down and row with your arms.

FAQS ABOUT PADDLE SURFING

1. What muscles are exercised when practicing Paddle Surf?

Despite the fact that Stand Up Paddle Surfing is a very complete sport in which practically the entire body is worked aerobically, some of the muscles that are exercised the most are the deltoids, the pectorals, the abdominals and the quadriceps.

2. How much does a paddle surf board cost?

You can find Paddle Surf boards of various prices. The cheapest are the inflatables and are around 400-1200 euros. If you are looking for something more professional, the prices amount to 1800 euros. Find out in professional spaces before investing in a Paddle Surf board.

3. How do I keep my balance practicing Paddle Surf?

If you're new to the sport, it's important to keep your hands and legs about the same height apart. This will get you to stand on the board. In addition, it is essential that you row with your entire body and not just with your arms.