Learning how to hold a paddle board paddle is one of the first steps in learning how to paddle board correctly. From there you can move on to learning the proper stroke. Paddle boarding is not that difficult. For maximum fun, fitness benefits and safety you want to paddle correctly.
As you spend more time on your board you will realize how important correct technique is. This becomes very evident when you travel long distances on your board.
You also need good SUP paddling technique to reap the fitness benefits of paddle boarding as proven in studies conducted by the ACE.
When paddling the right way your power will come from the large muscles of your hips and back. If you become an “arm paddler” you will tire quickly. In this article I will explain how to hold a paddleboard paddle and execute a correct paddleboard stroke.
How to Hold a SUP Paddle the Correct Way
Wrap your top hand around the t-handle, don’t grab the shaft with your top hand. Place your bottom hand about half way down the paddle shaft. You want to make sure your hands are plenty wide.
You don’t need a death grip on the paddle. You’re not going to be paddling with arm power. Think of your hands as hooks. Your arms are just along for the ride. The grip should be light but firm.
SUP Paddle Handle Direction
This most common mistake that almost every beginner makes is holding the paddle with the blade sloping toward them. The paddle blade has an angle to it. You would think if the paddle angled toward you it would scoop the water better. But the truth is to catch water efficiently with your paddle it must angle away from you.
The blade slopes away from you
How to Set Your SUP Paddle Length
Make sure you paddle is adjusted to the correct length before you begin. Set the bottom edge of the paddle on the ground. Lift your arm over your head so it is slightly bent, not completely straight. Make sure you can get your palm and fingers completely over the top of the grip. The length that works best for most people is 8-12″ above your head.
Hands wide on the Paddle
A common mistake many beginners make is placing their hands too close together. Your bottom hand should almost be half way down your paddle shaft. If your hands are too close together you cannot generate power. You need your hands wide to maximize leverage and give your stroke the power it needs
Here is a good way to make sure your hands are wide enough
- Grab the T-handle on one end of the paddle and with your other hand grab the shaft of the paddle about half way down.
- Now hold the paddle above your head and rest it on the top of your head.
- Keep your one hand on the T-handle. Slide the other hand on the paddle shaft until both arms form 90-degree angles at the elbows. This is the hand width you want when paddling
