Do I need a lesson to rent a board? An often asked question. If the water presents a flat, windless and boat less day one can get up on a board, paddle around and have a good time. However, these conditions rarely exist. Wind, storms and boat wakes can make for a difficult day. Turning, getting back onto a board, paddling into wind and wakes can make for an unpleasant experience. Most people use only their arms without a lesson. Paddling into the wind with arms only is exhausting. Turning your board with brisk winds and maintaining a course can be frustrating and tiring.
So, do I need a lesson? For the best and most pleasurable SUP experience, I feel a lesson is a must. In a lesson you learn how to turn a board. Not as easy as it sounds, especially into the wind. Wind can push you downwind and farther from where you need to get out of water. A lesson provides instruction on an efficient, powerful stroke using the core muscles and not just arms. Holding the paddle correctly makes for a stronger stroke and saving elbows from pain. Learn to navigate the wind when your destination forces you into an upwind direction. Facing one or more boat wakes makes balancing difficult unless you know how to handle them. Falling off the board is the most common fear of most new comers. Falling is okay. Getting back on the board is daunting to many. Reading the weather in preparation is a must for safety. These are the basics of any well presented lesson and well worth the expense of a safe and enjoyable experience.
Check out the Lessons page for details on reserving an introductory lesson.
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