Stand-Up Paddleboards

[ckay87]

Kind of a long-shot, but just wondering....has anyone ever done this? Basically stand up on a large surf board type thing and row with a long paddle. I think it's becomming more and more popular and I understand it's a neat way to observe sea life. We're visiting Puerto Rico next month and there is a place near our condo that rents SUPs and also gives lessons. I'm wondering how difficult it is, whether lessons are necessary. I ski. so my balance is okay, but I've never surfed, nor do I wish to! So I guess if it's a sport that's pretty close to surfing, it's probably not for me. Just looking to learn some more from anyone who has tried it. TIA

 

[Green Tea]

I have done this. It is fun, but actually hard work if you travel much distance. I did not fall at all, but the water was cold so I had some extra incentive to stay upright. I don't think you need a "lesson" but when they check out the equipment, do ask for the basic rules. I did this is CA, so not nearly as much visible in terms of aquatic life as you'll see in PR. It is definitely worth the rental. If you watch others out on the water you will see how they hold their paddle and arms. You'll pick it right up.

 

[ckay87]

Thanks for your response! Yea, I thought it might have the potential of being a pretty good upper body workout. But hey, any calories I manage to burn on a vacation is a good thing!

 

[Green Tea]

The thing that got the most sore were my feet! Not sure if it was unconscious gripping of the board or not moving my feet the entire time for fear of falling in to the cold water. But I distinctly remember my feet hurting. Weird.

Oh, and just FYI, they are HEAVY. I thought I was so smart to get out of the water a bit down the beach and I was going to carry the board while walking. It was heavy and unwieldy and I ended up having to walk in the water and push it back as it floated.

Honestly, I am not really out of shape either. Running must use different muscles.

 

[chepar]

I own a stand up paddleboard and while you can use it to surf, I use it only to cruise along flat water as exercise. It is an excellent core workout.

The larger the paddleboard, the more stable it will be. A rental place will probably have big ones, close to 12 feet long. Make sure the employees of the rental place help you select your paddle (rather than you grabbing one yourself), as the length of your paddle makes a difference.

It's not hard at all, and I don't think you really need lessons. Not sure what the area you would be using the paddleboard is like, but watch out for swimmers because stopping the paddleboard or moving it on a dime is difficult for beginners. Also, if there's a reef, make sure you don't run the skeg over it.

The rental boards are probably somewhat beat up but you don't want to drag it over the sand if the board has an epoxy finish. The rental boards that are foam covered and are more forgiving to scratches, but you still want to pick it up and carry it. The board can be pretty heavy (less so if it is a foam board) - mine is about 26 lbs and while I don't have a problem lifting it on top of my car before I paddle, afterwards (after a couple miles) my arms are tired and I need help putting it on my car.