While standup paddleboarding (SUP) is not a new sport, its popularity is gaining momentum over the years for being relatively easy and having low impact on the environment. Just by paddling on a standup paddleboard, you get to explore a place and get some awesome workout as well. Learning how to do a pivot turn on a standup paddleboard can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Paddleboarding itself is a great exercise to include as a physical activity, even for older folks. In fact, some athletes use it for cross-training. Learning that pivot turn levels up and maximizes your paddleboarding experience.
Basics of Standup Paddleboarding
If you want to try something new but don’t want to do something as extreme as surfing immediately, a standup paddleboard is for you.
The mechanics of standup paddleboarding is quite simple: waddle through the water while standing on a board, aided by a paddle. The challenge comes depending on how high the waves are that day or how strong the wind can be.
Before you learn how to do a pivot turn, you need to know the basics. Getting on a standup paddleboard may be simple enough, but to avoid accidents and keep the activity enjoyable, it is best to follow these tips.
1. Always use the leash.
A standup paddleboard is similar to a surfboard because it comes with a leash. The leash serves as a safety gear in case you accidentally fall off the board while far away from the shore.
There are a lot of types of leashes readily available for installation to your board. It comes as coiled or straight, and you can attach it to your ankle or calf, depending on your preference. A leash is especially helpful when you want to learn to pivot turn on your standup paddleboard because there will be instances that you will fall off.
2. Choose the right gear.
This goes without saying that to have the best experience, you have to choose the right gear that suits your preference. It is highly important to get the correct standup paddleboarding gear for your skill level and the environment where you will be paddleboarding.
For beginners, it is highly recommended that you start with a wide and thick paddleboard. This can aid you in balancing both in flat water surfaces and in water during high waves. The correct paddle length is also important in learning how to do a pivot turn. A paddle with the correct length will prohibit you from stooping, minimizing
the instances of imbalance.
3. Always check for the wind direction.
In standup paddleboarding, your whole body acts like the sail. It catches the wind and controls the direction that the paddleboard will take. With that in mind, make sure to check your weather app for the wind direction and its intensity. This will give you an idea, especially as a beginner, on how to maneuver and do tricks like the pivot turn.
4. Take time to learn the correct paddling technique.
Sometimes, when we get too excited, we tend to take shortcuts. This is also particularly true with standup paddleboarding. No wonder we get frustrated if we can’t get the techniques right. It is always worth it to learn the basics slowly, especially when learning tricks.
Incorrect paddling techniques can also lead to accidents because of the high chance of tipping over. For beginners, here is a lowdown on how to properly use the paddle in standup paddleboarding:
- Stand up straight and grip the handle properly.
- Hold the paddle over your head horizontally with both hands, and then rest the shaft on top of your head.
- Make sure that the shaft is parallel to the shoulders with the arm gripping the handle, creating a 90-degree angle.
- Move the other hand along the shaft to create another 90-degree angle.
5. Use your core muscles.
The common misconception about paddling is that the majority of the stress is in the arms. That is not the case. Paddling should be done by the core muscles. This is an important lesson that every beginner should know. Engaging the core muscles provides more power than arm muscles and allows you to maintain balance.
How to Do a Pivot Turn On A Standup Paddleboard
Now that you know the basics, let us make that pivot turn!
The pivot turn is one of the basic maneuvers in standup paddleboarding, and it can be learned easily. The pivot turn is the easiest and simplest way of turning 180 degrees and changing the paddleboard’s direction.
There are various types of pivot turns depending on the situation but for now, let’s have the simplest type of pivot turn.
1. Maintain your balance.
The first thing to do is maintain your balance. This is important in every maneuver you do on a paddleboard. Remember that momentum is something that needs timing.
2. Carefully change your position on the board.
Carefully move your feet into a surfing stance. You can do this by rotating your front foot to the center near the handle.
Move your back foot, the one attached to the leash, towards the back of the board. This raises the nose of the board out of the water. Once the nose is raised, you can now perform the pivot turn.
The basic pivot turn is easy but can be intimidating at first. As long as you maintain the proper posture and balance, you can do this move perfectly in no time.
Come to Island Marine Rentals
If you’re planning to learn how to do standup paddleboarding or how to practice your pivot turns, you need will definitely need a boat to take you to the right spots in the waters. If you’re looking for a paddleboard rental in Clearwater Beach, FL, look no further than Island Marine Rentals.
Island Marine Rentals offers a standup paddleboard for weekenders or for holiday visitors at a very affordable price. If you want to try your hand at paddleboarding, call us now!
