Paddle boarding is an elegant water sport, but mastering the paddle board requires more than just physical strength; it also demands mastering certain techniques. However, many beginners often fall into common pitfalls when learning to paddle board due to lack of guidance. Today, I'm here to address one such frequent mistake: over-reliance on arm strength. Through this article, I'll help you correct this erroneous paddle boarding method and learn how to improve paddle boarding efficiency through full-body coordination.
Mistakes in Paddle Boarding Technique
Beginners often tend to rely too much on arm muscles, especially the biceps, when paddling. Although this method may seem natural, it leads to the following issues:
- Arm muscles fatigue faster as they are relatively smaller muscle groups.
- Power and efficiency during paddling are compromised.
Correct Paddling Technique
The correct paddling technique involves utilizing the muscles of the entire body, particularly the larger muscle groups such as those in the legs and abdomen. Adopting the correct paddling technique not only reduces the burden on the arms but also enhances efficiency and enjoyment. By effectively utilizing muscles throughout the body, you'll be able to paddle further distances on the water and enjoy this sport for longer durations.
Here are some improvement techniques:
- Relax Legs: Keep your legs relaxed and steady on the paddle board.
- Utilize Top Arm: Extend your top arm straight above your head to keep the paddle vertical.
- Extend Bottom Arm: Straighten your bottom arm and reach forward as much as possible.
- Engage Hips: Utilize your hips to connect the abdominal and leg muscles, transferring power to the paddle stroke.
- Adjust Hip Position: While paddling, make slight adjustments to your hip position to ensure the paddle enters the water vertically.
- Engage Leg and Abdominal Muscles: After entering the water, slightly bend your hips and utilize the muscles in your legs and abdomen to pull the paddle.
- Paddle Exit: When finishing the paddle stroke, smoothly exit the paddle near your feet.
Enjoy the sensation of gliding across the water with each paddle stroke, as it embodies the essence of paddle boarding. So, slow down, focus on improving your technique, and savor the joy that paddle boarding brings!
