SUP Boarding…Relax and Get a Workout

One of the best things about Rumbling Bald Resort is having access to Rumbling Bald’s beaches and Lake Lure. Swimming, skiing, kayaking, and canoeing are all fantastic ways to enjoy the lake, but for a unique perspective and a great cross-training workout, nothing beats getting out on the lake on a stand up paddle (SUP) board. SUP boarding has become increasingly popular in recent years, and Rumbling Bald is pleased to offer SUP board rentals so you can try it out for yourself. No matter if your new to SUP boarding or not, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Get the right board. First, choose the SUP board that is right for your skill level and planned activity. There are two basic body, or hull, types. A planing hull is the best bet for general use, and for beginners. Planing hulls are flat and wide with a curved nose, similar to a surfboard. A displacement hull is thinner, with a pointed nose, and is best forlong distance paddling and racing. Next, choose a board with the proper volume. Measured in liters, a board’s volume determines how much weight it can float. The higher the volume, the greater the weight. Finally, choose the length of your board. For Lake Lure, we recommend either a medium or long board. If you’re not sure which board is right for you, ask one of our experts, who’ll be happy to match you to the perfect board.

• Get the right gear. If the weather is cold, be sure to wear a wet or dry suit. In warmer weather, wear a t-shirt and shorts or swimsuit, something that allows you to move freely but that you won’t mind getting wet. Also, be sure to use a leash. This helps you stay with your board when and if you fall off. Always wear a personal flotation device and sunscreen.

• Mounting your board. Stand in the water next to your board, holding it at either side, then climb onto the board into a kneeling position with your knees just behind the center point of the board. From the kneeling position, get a feel for the board’s balance point. The tip should not rise up out of the water, and the end should not dip below the surface, adjust your position on the board while holding onto the edges with your hand to stabilize it. Once you’re balanced, stand up on the board one foot at a time, placing your feet where your knees were, about hip width distance apart. If your just beginning to SUP board, you might want to paddle from a kneeling position until you have gained some experience in keeping your balance on the board.

• Maintain the proper stance. Once you’re up, keep your toes pointed, your knees slightly bent, and your back straight, balancing with your hips, not your upper body. Keep your eyes ahead and on the horizon, not on your feet, and remember that as your forward momentum increases, so does your overall stability.

• Start paddling. SUP board paddles have an angled blade. When paddling the angle should face away from you, which feels counterintuitive at first. If you’re paddling on the right, your right hand is lower on the paddle grip, while your left hand is on the top of the grip. Keep your arms straight and twist from your torso as you paddle, using your abdominal muscles to paddle rather than your arms. Push down on the paddle grip with your top hand, push the paddle blade all the way under the water’s surface and pull it back toward your ankle. Lift, and repeat, reversing hand positions when you switch sides.

Now you’re standup paddle boarding, and the lake is yours – enjoy!