Top 5 Myths About Paddle Boarding Debunked

Paddle boarding has become an increasingly popular water sport that’s enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people across the globe. As a result, there’s certainly a lot of chat you’ll hear about the sport, some of it factual and some of it false. In order to help you separate the fact from the false, we’ve rounded up the top 5 myths about paddle boarding, and explained why they’re wrong. So, without further ado, let’s start busting some myths!

Paddle Boarding Is Too Difficult To Learn

“ Is paddleboarding hard” is one of the questions we get asked most frequently here at Red. Of course, like any sport, learning to paddle board requires a little time to master the basics. However, one of the things we love most about the sport is that it is open to people of all ages, sizes and abilities. High quality inflatable paddle boards are designed for stability, making them a lot easier to stand up on than they look. Not to mention, paddle boarding is one of the most relaxing watersports meaning there’s no rush to be the best - you can spend as long as you need practising on your knees before trying to stand up.The best way to learn to SUP is by taking lessons with a qualified instructor - this way you will learn the proper techniques safely.

I’m Not Strong Enough To Paddle Board

There’s often a misconception that paddle boarding requires superhuman levels of strength. This is totally false. Technique and balance are far more important than strength when it comes to perfecting your SUP skills. Of course, strength will help you create more powerful strokes and paddle for longer, however super strength certainly isn’t necessary to learn to paddle board. SUPing is a sport for people of all shapes and sizes, hence why it’s enjoyed so popularly around the globe. Additionally, the more stand up paddle boarding that you do, the stronger you will get as the sport works most major muscle groups. 

You Can Only Paddle Board In The Ocean

Don’t live near the coast? This isn’t a problem if you’re hoping to start SUPing. Whilst the ocean is a popular SUPing location, it certainly isn’t the only option available. Effectively, you can paddle anywhere that you have knee-deep water (so long as conditions are safe of course!). Lakes, rivers, estuaries, canals and creeks are all popular spots for SUPers of different abilities. If you’re just starting out, we’d recommend sticking to calm, flat waters like lakes until you’ve built up your skills and confidence. Tidal and moving water is appropriate for more experienced paddlers. The sport offers incredible variety, and the many amazing locations that you can SUP in demonstrate this.

I’m Too Old, Young Or Overweight To Paddle Board

So long as you are able-bodied and can swim, stand up paddle boarding is open to people of all ages, shapes and sizes. There’s no such thing as being too old to SUP - some paddlers we know in their 70s are even better than SUPers in their 20s. Kids can enjoy paddle boarding too. If they can swim, children can start SUPing from as young as 5 or 6 years old with the right supervision and safety conditions - Red have created their very own kids paddle board, designed specially to suit the requirements of little ones. In addition to this, it’s crucial to emphasise that paddle boarding is suitable for people of all builds. In fact some people use the sport to lose weight and create a healthier lifestyle. We have created inflatable paddle boards that are designed specifically to suit heavier riders.

Paddle Boarding Is Dangerous

When enjoyed in safe conditions with the correct equipment, stand up paddle boarding is a very safe sport. Of course, like any water sport, SUPing doesn’t come without its own risks, however choosing a safe location and route that suits your abilities, following the necessary safety procedures and wearing the right safety equipment will help to ensure that you stay safe out on the water. Basic safety rules include wearing a PFD, SUP leash, paddling with friends and heading out in calm conditions. If you ever have any questions regarding safety guidance for SUPing, our team at Red will be more than happy to advise you.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us regarding any further queries you have about paddle boarding, including how to get started.