Video: How To Start Paddle Boarding

Are you ready to try Stand-Up Paddle Boarding? Curran from the Next Adventure Paddle Sports Center goes over some of the basics of paddleboarding to help get you out on the water and having fun. The Next Adventure Scappoose Bay Paddling Center is just 30 minutes outside of Portland and is the perfect place to get out on the water and play on some SUP's. The first thing you should know is that paddleboards can be a bit heavy and cumbersome. They're long and big, but in the middle of most boards you'll find a well-balanced grip point to get a good hold on the board. If you bend at the knees and stand up, you can get a good grip and take them pretty much anywhere you want to go. When you set the paddleboard down, be sure to watch out for the skeg on the bottom, you don't want to trip that up on anything. Stand-up paddleboards can seem difficult at first, but after a few minutes you'll get the hang of it and have a really good time. Let’s start by setting the board on a stable practice surface. This is a great option to begin going through the motions. To start, you’re going to kneel on the board, roughly in the middle, placing the handle we mentioned earlier in front of your knees. Square up to the front of the board then pick a point at the nose and stare at it. Using both your hands placed in front of you, slowly stand up and place your feet squarely, roughly shoulder width apart, in the middle of the board. Once you're standing firmly on the board with good balance, you're ready to take off and enjoy your paddle. If you’re ready to try this on the water, make sure to maintain a safe distance from obstacles or anything you could fall on. Try to avoid docks, boats, and other people. Should you find yourself having an off-board experience (fall) while on the water, paddleboards can be challenging to get back onto. From the water, begin by grabbing the center handle on the board. Pull yourself onto it about waist high, swing one leg over, then bring your other leg up. Once we get back into that kneeling position, we’re ready to stand up again. If you think you want to give stand-up paddleboarding a shot for yourself, come down to Next Adventure’s Scappoose Bay Paddling Center – we have boards on the water and ready to go! Be sure to call ahead and make a reservation. We also offer a full range of paddleboarding classes if you’d like more personalized instruction. https://nextadventure.net/portland-kayak-school-stand-up-paddleboard Scappoose Bay Paddling Center 57420 Old Portland Rd. Warren, OR 97053 503-397-2161