If you’re new to stand up paddleboarding (or even if you’re not) it can be easy to make some simple SUP beginner mistakes whilst you’re out on your paddleboard, or even before on dry land. But, in the long run, some of these simple mistakes could end up leaving you injured or your paddleboard damaged without you even realising what you’re doing wrong.
Have a read of our post below to discover what these paddleboard mistakes are and how you can avoid doing them!
1. Stand on your SUP unless you are on the water
We know how exciting it can be when you first receive your new SUP and the temptation to try it out. Making it a huge SUP beginner mistake. But, trust us when we say that you really should only do this on the water. iSUPs are not made for hard surfaces, so standing with your weight on the board, may cause it to dent. So step away from your board and wait for the water. We promise it’ll be worth the wait.
2. Not cleaning your board
After you finish paddle boarding, it’s important to wash your board off with fresh water and then dry it off with a towel. It’s really important to do this after every use out in saltwater (and even in rivers to get into the routine) the saltwater can dry it out and erode the board. A huge paddleboard mistake, which, can end up leaving your paddleboard unusable.
3. Letting your board hit things
Now, this may sound a tad obvious but allowing your SUP to hit things can leave you with a damaged SUP or even worse, could result in you popping your SUP. Here are a few tips to avoid any damage:
- Make sure you are in deep enough water. If the water’s above your knee, then you should be all good.
- Be careful when walking to and from the water. Don’t let your board bump into any objects, like rocks.
- Be careful when paddling near others. If you hit another SUP board hard enough, there is a pretty good chance that your board will be damaged, as well as the persons you hit.
- Pick a storage spot that is safe from accidents. Don’t store it in a crowded shed where your tools could fall onto it at any moment.
4. Storing your board incorrectly
After you’ve given your board its rinse off and have gotten home it’s really important, especially if you have a hard SUP to store your board somewhere safe and with the right climate for your board (yes, there is one). You can store your board anywhere in your house/garage/shed and insulated areas are the best for storing. The only place you shouldn’t store your board is somewhere super hot or next to a heater. This is because the heat can de-laminate your board.
5. Leaving your board out in the sun
Now we’re obviously not saying to never use your board when the sun is out (that would be silly!) But, when you’re not using it store it somewhere out of direct sunlight. This will prevent your board from becoming too faded. If you do end up having to put your paddleboard in the sun for a long period of time and it is white then always have this side facing the sun as it absorbs the least amount of sunlight.
If you’re storing your board for a longer period of time then ensure it is done so in a shaded spot.
Also Read: ,Easy SUP Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
We hope you have enjoyed reading our post on SUP beginner mistakes. If you have any other tips for paddle board mistakes let us know in the comments below!
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