Hello, Adventurers! Welcome back to the Coastal Expeditions blog! If this is your first time visiting our blog, we’re happy to have you here. We are all about nature, adventure, and making the most out of the beautiful outdoors of South Carolina. If you enjoy all things hiking, paddling, kayaking, and spending time outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! Here on the blog, we dive deep into different habitats, excursions, conservation efforts, and nature programs. Our site is filled with interactive maps, destination guides, and educational resources. Since the weather is incredibly warm, we want to help you get out there and take advantage of all that the Lowcountry has to offer! We offer guided tours of the beautiful Lowcountry by kayak, paddleboard, ferry, boat, and private charter. We also have hands-on workshops taught by highly-trained guides on wilderness skills, birding, identifying native plants, sustainability, and camping. Anything you want to learn about, we teach! If you haven’t already, we encourage you to take a look around our site to learn more about our offerings. In our last post, we talked all about kayaking. Today, we’ll be talking about paddleboarding! Also called stand up paddleboarding (SUP), this is a fun activity that not only lets you enjoy the water, but also offers a full body workout. We’ll be discussing everything you need to know about paddleboarding, so if you’re interested in learning more, stick around! Let’s get started.

What is paddleboarding?

Paddleboarding is a popular water sport or activity that involves standing up on a board and using a paddle to glide through the water. You’ll hold onto a paddle and use your arms to propel yourself and your board forward. You may think of it as a cross between surfing and kayaking– You’re standing up as if you were on a surfboard, but you’re using a paddle as if you were kayaking. SUP has become incredibly popular, especially recently, as different activities including SUP yoga have taken off. (Yes, SUP yoga is a thing!) You can do a variety of activities on a paddleboard, such as adventuring, touring, fishing, and more. Paddleboarding offers a unique perspective, as you can see what’s below you under the water, as well as what’s ahead of you on the horizon.

What gear is needed to start paddleboarding?

If you’ve never tried paddleboarding before, you may be wondering where to start. Of course, the first thing you’ll need is a board and a paddle! For your first few times, you may want to consider borrowing a paddleboard from a friend or renting one. Then, once you get the hang of it, you can consider purchasing your very own board. There are different types of paddleboards, and the one you choose will be determined by your weight and skill level, as well as your intended use and local conditions. For example, some boards may be better suited for recreational paddling while others are better suited for touring or racing. This is determined by the hull of the paddleboard. The hull refers to the body of the board– Paddleboards will either have a planing hull or a displacement hull. Let’s break down the differences:

• Planing hull: Flat and wide, similar to a surfboard. It is designed to be maneuverable and ride on top of the water. These are best for leisure paddling and SUP yoga.
• Displacement hull: Pointed nose or bow (front end), similar to a kayak or canoe. It “slices” through the water, improving efficiency and creating a fast and smooth ride. These are best for fitness paddling, SUP touring, and racing. 

Besides your board, you’ll also need a paddle. Choosing the right paddle will make your paddleboarding experience all the more fun. First of all, it is important to choose a paddle that is the right length for you. A paddle that is too long will be difficult to use, and a paddle that is too short will require you to lean over in awkward or uncomfortable positions. A general rule of thumb for finding the right sized paddle is to stand the paddle up in front of you and raise your arm above your head. If the paddle reaches your wrist, it is probably the right size for you. 

Once you have your board and paddle, you’ll also need a Personal Floatation Device (PFD). This is one of the most important pieces of gear! A PFD gives you more buoyancy to help you stay afloat in the water. There are several different types of U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFDs, such as vests or waist packs. For adults, your chest size will determine what size of PFD you need. For children, their weight will determine the size. 

What should I wear to go paddleboarding?

Another important aspect of paddleboarding is your choice of clothing. During the summer months or when the water temperature is warm, you may choose to wear a swimsuit. Some people opt to wear a combination of a swimsuit, board shorts, and a short or long sleeved shirt. You may also want to wear a rash guard, which is an athletic shirt that provides protection from the sun. They are known for being very comfortable, maintaining a good fit while still providing stretch. In cooler conditions, you should wear a dry suit. As mentioned in our previous blog about kayaking, a dry suit provides environmental protection by way of thermal insulation and exclusion of water. This will help keep you dry, and prevent hypothermia when the water is too cold. Regardless of the weather conditions, you’ll want to be sure you apply sunscreen to protect your skin! Additionally, you may want to bring sunglasses or a hat. Shoes are not necessary for warm water conditions, but you can wear water shoes or swim shoes if you feel more comfortable. In colder water conditions, winter-friendly water sport shoes are a must! 

How do I get on a paddleboard?

Paddleboarding is not as difficult as it may seem! Most people are able to stand up and start paddling shortly after receiving instructions. In order to get on your paddleboard, you’ll need to stand next to the board in knee-deep water, hold the board by the edges and work your way onto the board in a kneeling position. You should aim to get just behind the center of the board. While keeping your hands on the board to stabilize it, slowly move one foot at a time to place your feet where your knees were. Raise your chest up and keep your knees bent, then extend your legs to stand up– Don’t stand up in one swift motion. 

Once you’re standing up on your paddleboard, you need to stay balanced. You can do this by positioning your feet so that they are parallel, approximately hip-width distance apart. Keep your gaze level with the horizon and avoid staring at your feet. 

As you can see, these are the basic steps you need to take in order to start paddleboarding! Here at Coastal Expeditions, we offer guided paddleboard ecotours as well as SUP rentals. We provide you with gear, and if you’re a beginner, we will teach you all you need to know before you get on the water! If you’re planning on renting a paddleboard from us or participating on one of our guided tours, we are so thrilled to have you! You can check out our rental FAQs here for more information. We also offer kayak rentals, as well as a variety of guided eco-tours, so be sure to check out our current tours and trips! We hope you found this article informative! As always, we thank you for reading and we hope to see you back on our blog soon. If you have any questions about our guided tours, reach out to us! At Coastal Expeditions, we are committed to introducing people to the wonders of the ecosystems of the Charleston area by providing guided tours and educational opportunities. If you’re looking to explore all that the Lowcountry has to offer, check out our offerings on our website to find the adventure which suits you best! We also offer kid-friendly tours as well as kids’ programs, camps, and kayak lessons. Our tours are led by knowledgeable, approachable naturalists and sea captains who are eager to answer your questions! Until next time, readers. Get out there and explore! Adventure awaits!