Paddleboarding is, without a doubt, one of the most popular water sports around the globe. Finding someone who doesn’t enjoy this ocean water activity would be hard.
That being said, many people wonder, can paddleboarding only be done on the ocean? You’ll get your answer in the article.
One can go paddleboarding in other places besides the ocean, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, etc. However, the sea is the perfect place for paddle boarders, as it gives the most thrilling and alluring experience.
The waves and sound make the ocean a heavenly place for paddleboarding.
Today, I’ll go over a few reasons why you should enjoy it in the open sea, along with some other information you might find helpful.
Top 3 Reasons To Enjoy Paddleboarding In The Open Ocean
You may take your paddleboard to places other than the ocean. However, you can only get the ultimate paddleboarding experience in the open sea.
Only the ocean can give the freedom and enjoyment that one seeks in a water sport like this. So, let’s go over a few reasons to enjoy paddleboarding in the sea:
1. Relax & Take In The Peace
If you’re looking for a fantastic way to maintain your mind-body routine with the added twist of doing so in the middle of breathtaking oceans, look no further.
Humankind has long had a particular relationship with water. And a lot of us visit the ocean to find true peace and healing.
With this wholly original kind of yoga, test your balance while letting the tranquil melodies of the sea wash away your worries.
2. Sightseeing
You’d be amazed at how satisfying sightseeing is by the ocean. It is the most apparent method to have pleasure while paddleboarding.
Like kayaking, a paddleboard may carry you to numerous locations, which neither a boat nor on-land sightseeing can.
Moreover, consider the hidden mangrove canals and seductive saltwater lagoons that invite you to continue exploring!
Oceans are an excellent place full of mysteries! And paddleboarding will help you enjoy the magic of the sea.
Since paddle boards are delicate and slow, they won’t disturb the water or scare off the local fish and birds.
Additionally, paddleboarding in the sea provides a unique vantage point from which to appreciate nature’s beauty!
Furthermore, they also provide you with a view you won’t find anywhere else.
3. Ride The Waves
A Paddleboard is much more appropriate than a traditional surfboard for the particular sea conditions surrounding the islands.
Moreover, seawater is way more aggressive than the calm water of a lake or river. So, it’s a terrific opportunity to test your paddleboarding skills.
Furthermore, you can take your paddleboarding to the next level by pushing yourself on waves in deeper places.
If you’re competitive, you could also try paddleboard racing. You will only enjoy riding waves at places other than the ocean’s deep, wavy water.
How To Paddleboard On The Ocean?
It is best to go paddleboarding on the ocean with an instructor if you are a beginner.
Learning to paddle board on entirely flat water is significantly more straightforward.
It’ll provide you with the skills and confidence you must possess to advance to the ocean later.
However, the following are some of the steps to paddleboarding on the sea:
Step 1: Check The Weather Forecast
It is best to check the weather predictions to determine the optimum time of day to enjoy paddleboarding on the sea.
Stable and calm weather with winds not exceeding ten mph is suitable for taking your SUP out on the water.
Step 2: Don’t Go Alone
When participating in an adventurous activity like paddleboarding, ensuring safety is necessary. It is dangerous to go SUPing on the ocean alone.
Moreover, taking a pal with you while paddleboarding makes the experience much more fun. Additionally, the other person can assist if needed.
However, you might not always find someone to keep you company. Remember to inform someone of the place and the time you plan to spend paddleboarding.
Step 3: Utilize The Proper Tools
Wear appropriate paddleboarding attire and ensure that your equipment is in good working order.
Furthermore, remember that it is best not to take out an inflatable paddle board in strong waves or winds.
Well, these paddle boards are often thicker than hard boards. So, there is a greater chance of getting tossed around by the wind.
Besides, remember to keep your phone inside a tiny dry bag when paddling in the ocean.
If you’re going to be surfing or remaining near where you began, you don’t need to bring a phone.
Step 4: Discover The Most Secure Location To Enter the Ocean
Ensure you are entering the ocean in the safest location by scanning the shoreline before diving in.
Look all along the beach, whether there are rocks or high waves nearby. There might be a more straightforward area to launch.
Take your bearings and scan the surroundings for markers that may help you return to your starting points, such as a flag, trees, or structures.
It’s easier to forget where you’ve been, especially on two- or three-mile-long beaches.
Step 5: Affix The Leash To The Water’s Edge
Waves are much higher and more aggressive in the ocean. So, putting on the leach while paddleboarding here is a must.
The leach holds you fastened to your paddle board and helps in balancing. So, it serves as the most crucial safety harness while paddleboarding on the sea.
Step 6: Paddle Directly Into The Ocean Waves
Your priority is to go past any breaking waves as quickly as possible. There are three ways to navigate the rising tides without always being thrown off course.
Make sure to keep the board pointed toward the waves at all times.
The simplest way to leave the beach would be to kneel on the board. Maintaining a low position on the board improves stability and eliminates balance concerns.
On the other hand, standing up and prone, similar to surfing, are suitable techniques for advanced paddleboarders.
Step 7: Return To Kneeling Position When You Are Struggling To Maintain Balance
The most challenging aspect of paddleboarding on the sea is maintaining balance in turbulent or wave-filled waters.
To stabilize the board before standing up, try paddling fast while kneeling.
Besides, keep your head up when standing and look in the direction you wish to go.
Is Paddleboarding in the Ocean Safe for People with Bad Knees?
When it comes to paddleboarding with leg issues, safety should be the top priority, especially while tackling the ocean. While it may provide a fantastic workout and breathtaking views, individuals with bad knees should consult their doctors before trying this activity. Proper precautions, such as knee braces or modified techniques, may be needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What Are Other Places For Paddle Boarding Besides The Ocean?
It is a myth that the ocean is the only place for paddleboarding. There are many other places for paddleboarding, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Paddle boarding is becoming more popular in water that once looked hazardous to explore.
The new playground for paddle boarders includes icy river rapids, muddy wetlands, and raging ocean waves. So, now let’s discuss some places for paddleboarding other than the ocean:
Lakes
The lake is undoubtedly a great place to improve technique and balance if you’re starting with paddle boarding.
You can practice balance exercises and tactics like stopping, bailing out, and turning on calm water.
Rivers
Rivers are a common place for paddle boarders to travel. However, certain sections might not be appropriate for beginners.
Discover the areas where the river’s current intensifies and turns into rapids if you are a novice.
Ponds
Ponds are excellent places for leisure paddle boarders, much like the lakes. These are great for beginners and seasoned boarders seeking a peaceful journey.
However, find out what wildlife is present before you paddle board through small ponds or complicated marshes.
Final Thoughts on Ocean Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a super fun water sport if you can do it right. By now, you’ve got your answer to the question: can paddleboarding only be done on the ocean?
To recap, yes, you can and you should for many reasons. But make sure you are doing it right.
Hopefully, you’ve found this article helpful. Thanks for reading through! Best wishes!