Learn To Paddle Surf

Learn to paddle surf, and you will get the chance to participate in one of the fastest growing water sports. Paddle board surfing is an ancient Hawaiian sport that has gained recent popularity because of its effectiveness as a core building exercise. One of the great things about learning to paddle surf is that the activity is not just limited to areas with good waves. It is possible to paddle surf in any large body of water, from open ocean to harbors to rivers. While it may seem tricky at first, most people will be able to paddle surf successfully from their first lesson. To learn to paddle surf:

1. Begin by paddling your board out onto the water. Most instructors say that calm water is best for beginners, because it is easier to balance on water that is smooth than on water that is choppy.
2. Get onto your paddle surf board in a kneeling position. You should be just behind the center of the board. If you are in the right spot, the tip will not pop out of the water, and the back of your paddle board will not drag down under the water.
3. Stand up on your board one foot at a time. You should put each foot in the same spot where your knee was. If necessary, get a friend to help you stabilize your board while you stand up.
4. Once in a standing position, begin using your paddle to push your paddle surf board through the water. Paddling a paddle surf board is very much like paddling a canoe or kayak. You can paddle on one side or the other in order to change or correct your course.

Tips:

• See if there is a class offered near you. Many paddle surf board dealers will offer free paddle surf classes to introduce people to the sport.
• Find a good beginner board. Most paddle board surf aficionados recommend an 11 foot board to start, as the longer boards are easier to manage on the open water.
• Check out paddle surf videos online to learn to paddle surf. Watching other people's techniques can help you figure out how to improve your own.