What's up with paddleboarding
Every year, I like to do a column on stand up paddleboarding. This week, I will be starting a two-part series on stand up paddleboarding. First, let's look at what stand up paddleboarding is all about.
Here is a bit of the backstory on how a surfing legend brought what we know today as stand up paddleboarding into the mainstream. Back in the late 1990s, surfing legend Laird Hamilton and a group of big wave surfers started catching massive waves standing on oversized longboards that they controlled with large outrigger paddles. It didn't take long for standing on boards and using a paddle to catch and navigate waves to become a hit with the tight-knit surfing community. Fairly quickly, flat-water kayakers and others took an interest and refined the longboard idea into the stand up paddleboards or SUPs that we use today.
Over the last five years, North Idaho has seen more and more stand up boarders taking advantage of this great recreational activity. Thanks to people like Kim Murdock and her group of dedicated peeps, Coeur d'Alene and the surrounding lakes have become a mecca for flat-water boarding.
If you're a newbie to stand up paddleboarding, here are a few things you should know before you get started:
* Should you rent or buy? I would recommend try before you make the investment. Rent a few times and take a few lessons before you buy, then dive into ownership if you feel passionate about your SUP experience. I can tell from personal experience that you will fall in love with boarding.
* Which paddleboard fits me? What is the best size and style of board that will fit my needs? Your weight and level of expertise will determine which board size. SUPs typically range from 8 feet to 14 feet in length, 28 inches to 32 inches wide, with a thickness of 4 inches to 6 inches on average. The heavier you are, the longer the board should be. For better stability, the wider the board the better and it will be easier for novice SUP users. The thicker the board, the less maneuverability.
* Choose a paddle that fits your height. On average it is recommended that the paddle be 7 inches taller than you are. Too short or too tall can change your postural stance and make for an uncomfortable outing. Carbon paddles are lighter and more costly, but worth every penny.
* Fins - When you shop for a new paddle board, you will notice some come with one fin and others come with three fins. Three fins on flat water give more stability, but they do have a very slight drag. Having just one fin gives you faster turning ability and speed, so you see single fins on longer racing boards for this reason.
* It is required to use a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and don't forget to bring a whistle. Pretty much any U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest will work. The Sheriff's Marine Patrol will ticket you if you do not have a PFD on your board!
* Depending on how early you plan to get out this season, you should wear proper clothing: Early season conditions where hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or dry suit. Falling in is likely for newbies so be prepared. I would recommend water shoes or Vibram toe shoes since the pads on many of the boards will hurt your feet on long paddles. Also, in cold water, water shoes can help keep your feet warm. Many experienced users only get their feet wet and a few also claim nothing ever gets wet.
* Wear sunscreen protection and polarized sunglasses. Be sure they are sunglasses you are OK with losing in case you fall. For long paddles more than a few hours, you may want to wear a visor or shady hat.
* Properly carrying your board out of the water is essential. Whether you rent or buy your own, improperly carrying the board leads to dropping, dings or scratching pretty quickly. Most boards have a built-in handle in the center of the board, allowing you to carry the paddle with your other hand. They do make carrying straps for boards and you can always have a friend help you carry them to the beach. Boards weigh between 25 and 35 pounds, so they are manageable.
For most of us living in the Coeur d'Alene area, the primary use will be for flat-water recreation. There are many different types of uses for SUP like surfing, touring, fitness, yoga and even floating local rivers. Beginners tend to use larger boards and the experts that surf with them and do competitive racing use smaller, more outlined boards.
When it comes to the two key components, paddle and board, consider this: Be aware of your options with paddles such as style and material: i.e. carbon, alloy, wood or plastic, fixed length versus adjustable and grip. An experienced retailer like Coeur d'Alene Paddleboard Company will be able to explain and help you select the best fit for you. Once you pick your board model and size, you should review things like construction, what material makes up the core of the board for durability, etc.
Next week, I will be covering fitness aspects of paddleboarding along with where you can take classes, what does the race schedule look like for our area and who to contact for group paddles.
Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.