Beginners often make the mistake of holding a SUP paddle upside down. But how do you hold a SUP paddle correctly and why is it so important? The paddle is, alongside the SUP board itself, the most important piece of equipment for stand-up paddling. Without it, you won't make any progress. If you paddle correctly, you will gain speed and steer your SUP. Only correct paddling technique ensures that you glide effortlessly through the water, prevent injuries, achieve an even greater training effect, and quickly make a really good impression in your new hobby. Do you want to know how to hold the SUP paddle correctly and how you can improve your paddling posture? In the following article, we have taken a closer look at how you can learn to paddle SUP correctly so that you can cover even longer distances without having to take a long break and increase the fun of paddling.

Tip: We offer a wide selection of high-quality paddles for your board, which make optimal handling easy and guarantee relaxed, sporty fun.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HOLD YOUR SUP PADDLE CORRECTLY?

Holding the SUP paddle correctly is extremely important because it is the SUP paddle that allows you to move forward on your board. It is essentially the motor, and your muscles provide the propulsion. With your paddle , you have control over how much speed you want to achieve and where you want to go. Stand-up paddling only becomes particularly exciting when you paddle correctly. Steering ability, agility, and maneuverability are all linked to correct paddling posture. Once you have mastered the correct movement sequence, you will paddle much more relaxed, purposefully, and safely. Turns and changing direction are no longer a problem. To hold your paddle correctly, you need a special technique. We'll tell you what this looks like in the next section. First, let's take a look at the length of the SUP paddle, which is also important if you want to hold the paddle correctly.

Before you jump onto your board , you should adjust the length of your paddle to your height. Most SUP paddles are adjustable in size. Three-piece models are also easy to transport. Only when you're more advanced should you consider a fixed paddle. As a rule of thumb for holding a SUP paddle correctly, the paddle should be about 22.5 cm to 25 cm longer than your height. Remember: When you extend your arm upward, the paddle knob should be approximately at the height of your wrist.

HOW TO HOLD A SUP PADDLE CORRECTLY?

In order to hold the SUP paddle correctly later on, your stance is the basis. A simple starting position has proven successful for beginners. Later on, you can try out the more challenging surfer stance, for example. For the easiest paddling position, stand in the middle of the board. Your legs and feet are shoulder-width apart and parallel to the edge of the board. Your gaze is directed towards the front of your SUP board. To hold the SUP paddle correctly, grasp the handle with one hand and the shaft with the other. When you later use the paddle and prepare to paddle, make sure that your arms form a 90-degree angle and that your upper arm remains straight at all times.

HOW TO HOLD A SUP PADDLE CORRECTLY – THE IDEAL PADDLING TECHNIQUE

Now you know how to hold a SUP paddle correctly. Now it's time to learn the paddling technique. It's good to know: How do I hold the SUP paddle correctly?

When looking at a SUP paddle from the side, the bend between the paddle shaft and the blade is inevitably noticeable. However, contrary to the belief of many SUP beginners, the bend in the paddle must face forward! The deliberate and targeted escape of water at the sides of the paddle blade is what makes straight strokes possible. If the bend in the paddle blade points backward, a controlled and straight stroke is impossible.

If you want to go right, you paddle on the left side. If you want to go left, you paddle several strokes on the right side. Your gaze should be aligned with the direction of travel.

Bend your knees slightly and mobilize the power for the paddle stroke from your torso. To do this, tense your core. Paddling is divided into a basic stroke and a curved stroke. With the basic stroke, you glide relaxedly along the water. To do this, bend your torso slightly forward and dip the paddle into the water about halfway up to the shaft. The end of the paddle stroke should be at the level of your heels. Shortly before the end, you can turn the SUP paddle slightly outward, which improves straightness. When paddling, make sure you hold the SUP paddle correctly and adjust your posture if necessary.
The arcing stroke is necessary for changing direction and cornering. Here, you dip the paddle into the front of your board and move it in the largest possible radius, in an arc, away from the bow of the board. You can learn how to paddle a SUP properly with a professional in about three to four hours. After that, it's all about practicing diligently and learning.

At grandtourssports you will receive the ideal equipment to hold your SUP paddle correctly