Paddle boarding is a perfect sport for everyone, it is easy to learn and can be done on almost all bodies of water. Paddle boarding originated from surfing and was done solely in the ocean, but as popularity grew riders started exploring paddlings on all bodies of water and seemed to enjoy paddling in the flat water even more. Stand up paddle boarding, or SUPing, is an extremely diverse and versatile sport, and below we will go into detail about the different styles, techniques, and board types.  

Paddle Board Shapes

There are two main styles of board shapes, touring and all-around. A touring board boasts a more pointed nose with a longer and more narrow design and is great for longer distance paddles and high-performance paddling like racing. An all-around board has a rounded shaped nose and is typically more stable, making it ideal for surfing, casual paddling, and SUP Yoga.

Constructions

Typically paddle boards are categorized into two main constructions, inflatable and hard.

Inflatables are a newer construction that is extremely durable, stable, and – easy to transport and store. Since they can deflate and roll up, much like a sleeping bag, they are easy to fit in the trunk of a car or inside a closet. A hard board is one of three constructions: epoxy, soft top, or polycarbonate. Hard boards are rigid just like a traditional surfboard and take less time to set up. These are a great option for people with enough space to store and who want to just get in the water and go with no setup or breakdown.

Get Ready for the Water
There are some essential tips and procedures that you will want to know before embarking on your first paddle. Having a plan and the correct gear is crucial to staying safe and having fun. Be cognizant of where you will be entering and exiting the water, and be sure to share your location and the time period you will be paddling with friends before you leave if going out alone. Always wear your PFD and leash for best safety practices. Being prepared for anything, will allow you to have peace of mind while paddling, and allow for the best and most enjoyable time on the water.

Essential Tips
Position the blade of your paddle facing forward. We make it easy, just be sure that the FREEIN logo is facing the nose of your board!
Attach your leash properly to your board and secure the velcro strap around your ankle. All of our boards have leash plugs or metal D-rings at the tail where your leash should be properly secured
Center your feet in order to stand up. A good center point of reference on our boards is the center carry handle. Place your feet on either side of the handle for a perfect balance.
Get balanced first! Before you take off on your adventure, get comfortable on your board. We always recommend starting on your knees then standing up!

Time to Paddle
Similar to any sport, the more you practice the more skilled you will become and you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy yourself. Whether you are wanting to SUP surf, practice paddle board yoga, get a workout in or just cruise around, FREEIN has the perfect board for you! If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us, we have board experts ready to help!