10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Paddleboarding

Paddle boarding has become one of my go to activities this summer. Having so many lakes close by, means that it’s easy to pop out between shifts, or after work. My confidence has grown a lot since being in the Lake District, and I get so much joy from being out on the water. I wanted to share a few things I’ve learnt along the way, that I’ve found help me to get the most out of my time on the water.

1. Invest In A Dry Bag

A decent dry bag is well worth the investment when it comes to paddleboarding. I use an Earth Pak 10l bag which I’ve had for a good few years. It’s big enough to fit everything I need in, but small enough to clip on and tuck under my bunjees. I usually take an extra layer, a drink, snacks and my car keys out on the water with me. I also always use a waterproof phone case for piece of mind. Even though my phone is waterproof, having it in a case around my neck makes it easier to access and less risk of it dropping out a pocket.

2. It’s More Fun With Friends

One of my favourite things about paddle boarding, is the calm and quiet when out on the water. It’s a great space to share with friends, to laugh, plan adventures or have deep conversations about life. It’s also safer if there is someone else with you, just in case you get into any difficulty. I usually choose not to wear a PDF when I’m out on the water, but I would wear one if I was going out on my own.

3. Know The Weather

It’s key to check the weather before heading out on the water, for both safety and to get the most enjoyment out of your trip. Knowing the forecast means that you can plan ahead and pack appropriately (suncream, waterproofs or both?). Strong winds won’t be much fun for beginners, but personally, I love paddling in the rain if it’s a calm day. Avoid the water when there are thunderstorms.

4. Take A Picnic

So far this summer, an after work paddle and picnic, has been one of my favourite activities. I’m not sure why I haven’t done it sooner! We just popped a few bits in a dry bag, then paddled across to the lake to find a beach. There are plenty of more remote spaces you can access by water, such as islands on some of the lakes. These are perfect places to head to – though make sure to check for restrictions or if they’re private land before going. Adventures don’t have to be big – you can read more about micro-adventures here.

5. Know How To Turn

This may sound like a silly one, but knowing how to turn and maneuver your paddle board will not only help keep you safe, but also mean you can actually get to where you want to go. Practicing turning in a safe space, close to shore, is a good idea before venturing out into deeper water, where there may be more boats and other people to contend with. There are several different ways you can turn on a paddleboard, you can check some of them out here.

6. Take Lots Of Liquids

Paddleboarding is often much harder work than people think. Mix that with potentially being out in the sun for a while, or spending longer out than expected, and it’s easy to get dehydrated. I always make sure I’ve got a drink in my drybag, or clipped onto my board. I’ve also recently seen bottle holder attachments for paddleboards which could be quite handy.

7. Take Layers and Dry Clothes

Even if you don’t plan on falling in, it’s always worth having dry clothes with you just in case. I always take extra layers with me in my dry bag for if the weather turns, but it can also get cold out on the water if it’s windy. A small packable down and/or waterproof are useful things to have on hand. If you think it’s likely you will fall in, then it’s probably best to wear a wetsuit. I will always have a change of clothes in my car too – just in case!

8. Go Against The Wind

If it’s a windy day, always go against the wind first. This means that if you run out of energy, the wind will help push you back to where you started. If you go with the wind first, you may quickly get carried further than you’d planned, and then struggle to get back again.

9. Being On Your Knees Isn’t Failing

Heading out on a paddleboard is supposed to be for fun. If you don’t feel comfortable standing up, don’t push yourself. You can still have a great time out on the water, even if you stay low. It took me a while to get to a point where I could stand without worrying about it. I found that to begin with, I would tense up and my legs get shaky, but the more you practice, the easier it’ll be.

10. Know How To Say Safe

Keeping in mind a lot of the above mentioned tips, will help you stay safe when out on the water. But a few other things that can help to keep you safe are:

• Staying within your comfort zone
• Wearing a PDF (especially if out on your own)
• Letting someone know where you’re going if you are heading out alone
• Wearing your leash (you can get quick release waist belts too).

My Paddle Board

My current board is a Wave Woody 10ft and I absolutely love it. It’s a lot lighter than my previous board, which makes it much easy to transport and carry around. I’ve been using this board for around 6 months now, on average around once a week, and have seen no signs of wear and tear. I have made an effort to make sure I look after it the best I can, wiping it down between uses to avoid contaminating different bodies of water and also to keep it clean, avoiding putting it away when wet and trying to inflate and deflate on softer surfaces where possible (ideally grass).

Wave are an outdoor brand, based in North East England and they have a wide range of paddle boards and kayaks available. If you fancy getting out on the water this summer, you can get 10% discount with the code ‘LISAOUTDOORS’.

Happy adventuring x