How to Paddleboard in LA
Glide on water with these helpful tips
The summer of 2016 is coming to a close in Los Angeles. Luckily, there’s enough water left in California for you and your friends to enjoy a swift passage on a paddleboard. What’s that?
You’ve never been paddleboarding before?
No need to worry. Hommily has you set up with some killer tips to get you row-row-rowing your boat swiftly into the horizon. See below for equipment costs, basic strokes and awesome locations for you all to get started paddling away.
G E A R
Always put safety first when paddleboarding for the first time. This includes wearing a Coast-Guard approved life vest and strapping a velcro leash to your ankle or wrist, so as to not misplace your stand-up paddleboard in the case of a splash in the water. A seaworthy helmet is optional.
As for your stand-up paddleboard (SUP), there are several types you can go with purchasing. The price range usually varies from $200 to $500, depending on the model.
- Wave SUPS
Intended for the surfers, these boards can muscle through the extremes of high performance. Shorter than most other types, the board comes with a three-finn thruster option. This allows for effective carving techniques.
- Racing SUPS
These long and narrow boards allow ease to athletes popularizing his new sport. You may be able to paddle faster on these lightweight boards but be warned that it may feel unstable. This is due to the design favoring speed.
- Cruising SUPS
Typically all-around boards, these boards come with an ability to travel across open water for hours at a time. They possess a higher volume, allowing for less effort to be required once you’ve hit the pocket of appropriate speed. They can even hold items with their storage straps!
- White Water SUPS
Hollow but large boards with volume and stability, these paddleboards are capable of braving the rapids of freshwater dips without a scratch. It allows stability with or without short fins.
You can search for more information, regarding SUPS online at SUPGuide.com.
T E C H N I Q U E
When you choose a stable enough paddleboard. You want to make sure that you start in calm flat water. Afterwards, make sure you’re not tipping as you stand on the board, minus forward momentum. A larger board can be used if it doesn’t feel wide enough.
Get on the paddleboard by starting on your knees and stroke your paddle a couple times on each side of the board. As you stand up on your feet, angle yourself to have them shoulder-width.
When gripping the paddle, put one hand on top and the other at the shaft’s center. Bend your elbows at 90 degrees and pull your top arm towards your body. From there, center your core and bend your knees. Slow deliberate strokes will get you far. The question is, where?
L O C A T I O N S
Whether you’re racing a friend or riding the surf, there’s plenty of beaches among the California coastline that are just ideal for you to paddleboard upon. There’s a whole list of ride-worthy shores on the Pacific Coast, just waiting for you to explore. What are you waiting for?
- Malibu Beach
Rocks surrounding the sand, it may be good to bring your surfing paddleboard to catch the gnar. Malibu is well known for it’s luxury. Likewise, shredding it with ease will only bring you the richest of experiences.
- Marina Del Rey
Promoting balance in the mind and body, paddleboarding is a sweet passage to nirvana at the most smooth bay of Marina Del Rey. Row along past friendly yachts of all sizes as seafaring locals greet you hello on your way out to the ocean.
- Santa Monica Beach
Again, another perfect venue to lay down the cruising paddleboards. Just be sure to stay far from the tourists. A popular hotspot thanks to the Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica by all means does deserve a visit from anyone who enjoys adventure at it’s greatest.
- Pacific Palisades Beach
The residential gem of the Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades dares you to challenge your friends on racing paddleboards. All around the clear waters lie the opportunities to sweep through, like silhouettes chasing each other in the sunset.
