Does Paddle Boarding Get Boring? How To Avoid “Paddle Boredom”

Have you ever heard the phrase “paddle bored”? If you enjoy watersports, you probably have. 

Many claim they don’t enjoy paddle boarding, including folks who have only tried it a couple of times. 

When you talk about stand-up paddle boarding, some folks ask, “does paddle boarding get boring?”

Most of the time, people get bored because they lack experience or aren’t doing it right.

We wrote this article to prove that theory wrong. 

Read on to learn more about why people use the phrase “paddle bored” and how you can make paddle boarding much more fun.

Does Paddle Boarding Get Boring? 

Man carrying a white SUPPin
Source: Depositphotos

Paddle boarding can be boring if you are not doing it right. Unfortunately, most of the time, people get bored when they lack proper technique. 

Paddling the right way can significantly improve your SUP experience.

This article shares excellent tips to get the most out of your paddle boarding experience.

Why Do People Think Paddle Boarding is Boring?

Maybe you rented a board from the local shop and didn’t get any instruction. 

So here’s your giant SUP and a paddle. Now have fun!  

Most of the time, people hate paddle boarding because they lack experience. 

With no time to learn how to use the board, maybe you struggled to get on the board or paddled straight out to the waves.

In addition, you won’t get the workout you want using improper techniques. As a result, paddle boarding becomes more strenuous and less fun.

Many people end up paddling with their arms instead of using their full-body, which makes a huge difference. Paddle boarding is much more fun than you think when you do it right.

How to Avoid Getting Bored While Paddle Boarding

Practice, practice, practice. Say you have never driven a car with a manual transmission. Then out of the blue, you have to drive a car with a manual transmission. See where I am going here?

You will probably kill the car a few times (and get frustrated) before you get the hang of it.

Same thing with paddle boarding. Practicing the right way to SUP gives you the best chance at success.

The tips below will help you have an enjoyable experience when you go paddle boarding. You will get the workout you want and enjoy your day on the water. 

Hold the Paddle Properly 

The first tip to getting the most out of your SUP experience is to hold your paddle correctly. Unfortunately, many newbies get this wrong. The blade needs to be in the correct position. 

Keep the flat side of the paddle blade towards the back of the board. The beveled edge faces the front. 

Think of a spoon. The part you eat from should face forward.

It might feel awkward at first. However, if the paddle feels weird, you are probably in the correct position.

The blade works to push water away from the front of your board. It should glide through the water without fluttering. 

Stop The Madness, Don’t Arm Paddle

Arm paddling is the best way to wear out your arms and make paddle boarding a real drag.

Using your core will give you more of a workout, and your board will move faster and further. 

Try to reach the blade in front of you as far as possible. Keep your arms straight and bend your knees like you are in a surfer stance. Then pull the blade back using your upper back and core.

Train Your Body on the Stand Up Paddle Board

Paddle boarding is not only a relaxing way to enjoy being on the water, but it’s also a great workout. 

One of the best ways to keep your head in the game when paddling is to exercise. So, turn your paddle board into a personal workout mat. 

Because you’re constantly adjusting your balance, paddle boarding is excellent for stability training. Because you’re standing up, you can also do yoga or other exercises on your paddle board.

Squats are a great way to get your legs and core engaged.

So next time you’re looking for a new way to work out, consider hopping on a paddle board. You might find that it’s the perfect way to get moving.

Bring Snacks!

Who doesn’t want food when standing or sitting in the sun all day? Being on a paddle board is no different. 

Bring along a waterproof backpack or a cooler on your board. Make the activity more enjoyable by eating your meal while on the water. 

If you go on a sunrise ride, bring along some breakfast pastries and a carafe of coffee. 

Or another creative idea, paddle up to a floating cafe or restaurant in your area. 

Go Paddle Boarding with Friends

Some paddle boarders get “paddle bored” when going out on the water alone. It gets lonely spending all day on the water without company. 

There are further benefits to having a friend with you when paddle boarding. For example, you will each feel safer if your board flips or a storm appears. 

Psst…Bring your pet if you do not have humans who want to go paddle boarding with you. 

Many dogs love spending time in the water. They can sit on the SUP with you or jump in when they get too hot. 

Change It Up

One of the great things about paddle boarding is you can sit, stand, kneel, or lie down. If you are getting bored of paddling from one position, mix it up and try other paddling positions.

Benefits of Paddle Boarding

Paddle boarding is a fun way to spend the day and offers a wide range of benefits, physical and mental. So paddle boarding is an excellent option if you’re looking for an activity that’s good for your mind and body.

Let’s look at some of the great benefits of paddle boarding to make your day on the water more fun.

Paddle Boarding Can Reduce Your Stress

Paddle boarding is a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall sense of wellbeing.

The gentle rocking motion of the board helps to lull you into a state of relaxation, and the fresh air and gentle exercise are both great for your health. 

Paddle boarding forces you to focus on yourself and your body; you can forget about the worries of the outside world.

The sedative effects of water also help to reduce stress levels. So if you happen to fall in, don’t worry. The adrenaline rush can knock any leftover negative feelings out of your mind. 

Meditation Can Help With Paddle Boredom

Paddle boarding is a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors. But for some, paddle boarding is an excellent form of meditation.

The repetitive paddling motion can help clear your mind and focus your thoughts. Additionally, paddle boarding is a great way to connect with nature.

You can also sit down on your SUP, close your eyes and be one with your surroundings, which can be an incredibly calming and soothing experience.

So if you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, paddle boarding is worth considering.

Improve Your Balance

One of the great things about paddle boarding is that it is a great way to improve balance.

Since you are standing on the board, you must constantly adjust your body to stay upright, which requires using all the muscles in your legs, back, and core.

Over time, these muscles will become stronger and better able to maintain balance. 

Paddle Boarding Can Improve Your Endurance

Anyone looking for a great workout will love paddle boarding. Not only is it a fun and unique way to get out on the water, but it’s also an excellent way to build endurance.

Paddle boarding requires you to constantly move your body, which makes it a great cardiovascular workout.

In addition, because you’re working against the resistance of the water, it’s also an excellent way to build muscle strength.

So whether you’re paddling through calm waters or tackling waves, you can be sure you’ll get a great workout. So if you’re looking for a new way to stay in shape, grab a paddle board and try it.

Don’t Get “Paddle Bored”

Remember, if you get bored paddle boarding, you likely need more experience and practice proper technique.  

Another key is to find calm water to practice yoga or exercise on the board. Bring along coffee, or ask a friend to come with you.

Don’t be afraid to take a few lessons from someone experienced. They can teach you the proper techniques to get the workout you need. You will end up enjoying the activity more than you thought.

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About the author
Steve Morrow
Steve Morrow owns Paddle About, an outdoor recreation and travel blog. Steve loves to travel, kayak, paddle board, camp, hike, and spend time outdoors with his wife and two kids. When he's not exploring the great outdoors, Steve enjoys writing about his adventures and sharing tips for getting the most out of your outdoor experiences. He has a lot of interesting stories to share, and he's always happy to help others get more out of life.