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Welcome, paddlers! At Aquaplanet, we know that paddle boarding isn’t just about standing on a board and floating along; it’s about mastering your craft, feeling confident on the water, and pushing yourself to explore new horizons. Whether you’re cruising rivers, lakes, or coastal waves, improving your balance and speed can make every session more enjoyable.
Here are 7 techniques to help you unlock your paddle potential. Each tip is simple, actionable, and guaranteed to elevate your game. And yes, we’ve included handy visuals and videos to break it down!
1. Perfect your stance
Your stance is the foundation of your balance. Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart, centered between the edges of your board, with your toes pointing slightly forward. Keep a soft bend in your knees and your weight evenly distributed. Think of yourself as a surfer, loose but ready.
Aquaplanet Tip: Test your balance by gently shifting your weight side-to-side without rocking the board. Feel the “sweet spot” beneath your feet.
2. Bend your knees
Locking your knees stiffens your body and throws off your balance. Instead, maintain slightly bent knees. This flexible position acts as natural shock absorbers, helping you respond to waves, wind, and wakes without tipping over.
Infographic Highlight: Notice how bending the knees keeps the paddler stable and ready to adjust.
3. Engage your core
Forget relying solely on your arms! Your core muscles are your secret weapon. By engaging your abs, obliques, and lower back, you create a strong, stable base that improves your balance and gives you more power per paddle stroke.
Try This: Think about pulling your belly button in toward your spine while you paddle. You'll feel the difference instantly!
4. Plant the paddle forward
When paddling, don’t just dip the blade close to your toes reach forward and plant the paddle further ahead. This gives you a longer, stronger stroke, propelling you further with less effort. The further you plant, the more power you generate in your pull.
Aquaplanet Tip: Aim to place your paddle blade well ahead of your feet, maximizing the length of each pull.
5. Keep your paddle vertical and go in a straight line
Efficiency is everything. The most effective paddle stroke keeps the paddle shaft vertical and close to the board. This directs your energy forward rather than wasting it sideways. It’s like rowing in a straight line instead of zig-zagging across the water.
Drill to Try: Practice slow, deliberate strokes focusing on keeping your paddle as upright as possible.
6. Look ahead, not down
We know the temptation to check your feet, but resist! Looking ahead to a fixed point on the horizon helps maintain your balance and ensures a straighter path. Just like riding a bike, where you look is where you’ll go.
Bonus: Looking ahead also keeps you aware of any obstacles or changes in water conditions.
7. Smooth out your stroke
Choppy, uneven strokes waste energy and slow you down. Instead, focus on creating a smooth, rhythmic paddle motion. Dip, pull, exit, switch sides. Keeping it fluid helps maintain momentum and balance.
Aquaplanet Pro Tip: Count your strokes per side, switching every 4-6 strokes keeps you balanced and prevents overworking one side.
Ready to level up?
With these 7 paddle techniques under your belt, you’ll notice a significant boost in both your balance and speed. It’s all about refining the fundamentals, whether you're paddling rivers, lakes, or coastal waves.
At Aquaplanet, we’re here to support your journey, whether it’s with expert advice, quality paddle boards, or the gear that keeps you safe and comfortable on the water.
Explore our latest paddle boards and accessories here, designed for adventurers like you who never stop improving.
