Paddle boarding for the community, by the community.
Paddle Outside’s mission is to promote the art of paddle boarding and encouraging safe paddling for all.
Whether you are a first-timer or experienced enthusiast, paddle boarding should be done in safe conditions, with a life jacket. Always respect the environment and listen to your own abilities.
We continually curate and put a spotlight on resources for paddle boarders around the world. The goal of doing so is to promote safer paddling, providing boarders with more information that’s easy to navigate in bite-sized pieces.
Are you ready to begin your paddle boarding adventure?
SUP For All Levels
Paddle Outside is intended for paddle boarders of all levels.
Whether you are a beginner just starting out, or you’re a long-time enthusiast trying to learn more about a specific type of paddle board, we cater to the needs of the community at large.
Everyone deserves to feel the freedom that comes with paddling along a lake’s shore or racing another in friendly competition.
Paddle boarding is a great way to remember to have fun in today’s world, helping you develop a skill, build endurance, and grow a love of the outdoors.
Top SUP Resources
Paddle boarding doesn’t have to be difficult, confusing, or frustrating. Paddle Outside helps you find the right resources for your needs at a moment’s notice, providing clear guides and instructional articles for SUP enthusiasts of all levels.
Find your perfect paddle board, explore new paddle destinations, or learn about paddle safety equipment and much more today on Paddle Outside.
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Paddle Boarding Guides
Learn how to paddle board, what size paddle board you need, and much more.
Paddle Outside’s collection of guides and tutorials help you get out on the water safely.
Paddle Board Reviews
Make sure you’re getting something that will last you a long time on the water.
Paddle Outside’s collection of reviews will help you find what you’re looking for.
SUP Boarding Resources
Need help with something specific or want to learn about cool apps?
This collection of resources and helpful tips makes getting on the water easier.
Let’s Get Outside
Paddle boarding is a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the peace and quiet of the water’s still surface, or the exciting waves made by your board’s forward momentum during a paddle race.
No matter how relaxing or competitive your preferred paddle boarding experience is, there’s something about being on the water that no other hobby can compete with. It allows you to get closer to nature and enjoy being active in the great outdoors in a very different way from other activities.
With Paddle Outside’s extensive list of resources, you’ll learn everything you need to know about paddle boarding. It’s time to get on the water safely, without sacrificing any of the fun that comes with a water sport.
Paddle boarding allows each of us to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors in a versatile way that keeps you coming back for more.
Discover Your Perfect Board
Choosing a board can be a difficult decision. You want to be able to enjoy your board for the long term, but if it’s not perfect and you have to fight with the board every step of the way, you know you aren’t going to spend as much time as you want on the water.
Even budget-friendly inflatable boards can feel like a significant investment if you’re not certain what you want or if it will last, which is why its important to do your research. Paddle boards come in all sorts of different heights, widths, and materials with a range of accessories and add-ons.
Fortunately, Paddle Outside has a range of paddle board reviews to help you find exactly what you’re looking for based on your experience level and the type of paddle boarding you want to do.
Our goal is to make the decision process as easy and stress-free as possible to ensure that paddle boarders of all skill levels can get out on the water.
Whether you are looking for the board of your dreams, or a board that’s good enough for now, you deserve to find something that suits your needs and allows you to pursue life on the water in a safe and fun way.
Choosing Quality and Safety
With the rise in popularity of paddle boards, a lot of people are beginning to worry about the quality and safety of many boards available at budget prices. So many new companies are coming in with sub-par materials and new designs that it can be disheartening to see for the experienced boarder.
On the flip side, there are a lot of technological innovations happening in the paddle boarding world, and the additional money into the sport allows manufacturers to create new designs that last longer and cater to specific needs of the community, which might lead an experienced paddle boarder to feel excited about the possibilities.
For the beginner paddle boarder, however, all these new manufacturers and designs can make things confusing. Not only are there new terms to learn that come with a new hobby, but that knowledge can be the difference between a bad and a good experience.
One of Paddle Outside’s primary goals is to help you navigate the muddy waters of paddle boarding and help you choose which type is right for you, encouraging you to purchase quality materials and engage in the hobby in a safe and thoughtful way.
Learn How to Paddle Board
A lot of beginners struggle with learning the paddle board because it looks effortless when you see someone on the water with it, but it is surprisingly difficult when you first start.
Your board will wobble violently from side to side, threatening to toss you into the water before you even feel like you’ve gained your balance. Then, there’s another struggle: getting back onto the board while you’re already in the water.
If nothing else, this difficulty is discouraging, and you’ll find yourself asking: “is it me? Am I just bad at this?”
The answer is, fortunately, no. Everyone has a hard time with paddle boarding at the start, but it’s easy to pick up and you’ll be standing up on your own board in no time, making it look effortless to outsiders on the shore.
Learn how to paddle board with this comprehensive guide, helping you get out on the water frustration-free.
With a few pointers and a lot of patience, you can begin paddle boarding safely. Learn how to stand up on your board, different paddling techniques for different purposes, as well as how to turn your board around or paddle surf, all in one section of our website.
Most Popular Trends
If you’ve fallen in love with paddle boarding like many other enthusiasts, then chances are, you’ll want to be up-to-date on all the latest trends.
Even if you’re not a trend follower, the creativity an ingenuity that some enthusiasts come up with can be spectacular and fun.
Fortunately, most experts agree: paddle boarding is here to stay, which means everyone will begin innovating and coming up with new trends, new sports, and new ways to have fun on the water.
Stay in the know; keep an eye out for the latest paddle boarding trends right here and learn about even more ways you can enjoy the versatility of a paddle board today.
Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time paddle boarder, there is room for everyone in this hobby, and the most important thing we can do as a community is to encourage safe paddling, for both paddle boarder and environment.
Find Places to Paddle Board
Part of the joy of paddle boarding is exploring new places. Every new destination can look vastly different from the shoreline than it does on the water, and for many people, the scenery is half the joy of getting outdoors.
As a part of Paddle Outside’s extensive list of resources, you’ll also be able to find the best places to paddle board on a global to local scale.
Whether you are looking in a specific location, such as places to paddle board in your local area – or if you’re looking for your next vacation spot for destination paddling, you’ll find interactive resources and curated articles to help you stay safe while paddling the world.
You’ll find a list of popular destinations around the world, all listed for their different advantages. Some places might have pristine water that remains a swimmable temperature year-round, while others allow you to get the best view of the region’s natural environment.
Other paddle destinations might include lesser-known gems, as well as the best time to enjoy the waters before summer kicks into high gear and the crowds pour in.
If you’re uncertain about paddle boarding and want to rent one to try it out, you can also find a how-to guide for rentals, giving you something to look forward to on your next vacation.
Is Paddle Boarding Difficult?
No, paddle boarding is not a difficult activity to pick up or do. Paddle boarding might seem difficult at first, but it is an easy water sport to get into.
All it takes to learn how to paddle board is a few basics steps, and you’ll be ready to start thinking about a specialty in the hobby.
Once you have mastered these basic concepts of the activity, such as balancing, standing, and using your paddle, paddle boarding becomes a fun and easy way to explore the water.
Unlike other water sports, the initial learning curve is fairly low, and it stays that way for much of the journey. The learning curve can be long, extending the time it takes to learn and get over certain fears, especially if it is your first water sport.
Falling off the board, for example, is inevitable so may people fear it; others have difficulty keeping their balance on the board, which can lead to frustration. No matter what your challenge is, you will get better with time, slowly exploring the joys of paddle boarding.
What Is the Point of Paddle Boarding?
Part of what makes paddle boarding so fun is that everyone can find their own ‘point’ to the activity. A paddle board can be an unassuming device, and if you’ve never been on a board, it might even look dull.
The thrill of adventure, the freedom of standing on the water, however; that’s all right at your fingertips when you pick up your own board.
Paddle boarding is something unique that only recently became popular in the early 2000s, and since then, it has exploded in popularity, which means more new people are getting started on their paddle board than ever before.
There isn’t any one reason why people paddle board. Some do it just because it’s fun; others do it because it’s a worthwhile endeavor that gets them outdoors. Some love to turn it into a skillful competition and test their physical limits.
No matter what makes paddle boarding important to you, we’re here to help you celebrate it the right way. Learn more about paddle boarding and find helpful resources all in one place with Paddle Outside.
Test Your Limits
Many people paddle board because they want to test their limits and develop skill in a sport that gets them outdoors. As you push yourself and develop that skill, you can get into a little friendly competition with others, developing games and having a good time out on the water.
Whether you are thrill-seeking or want to be able to call a unique achievement your own, paddle boarding opens endless possibilities. From paddle board surfing to racing, there’s a paddle sport for your style that is certain to have a community built around it.
Have an Adventure
Adventures come in many sizes, and everyone’s idea of an adventure looks a little different. Sometimes it is watching the fish swim by; other times, it might be discovering a patch of wild blackberries you hadn’t known about before.
Some paddle boarding enthusiasts travel far and wide to paddle in lakes with a grand view so they can talk about the experience later, while others consider exploring their own local waterways a grand adventure on its own.
Whether you are looking for a big adventure, or a small adventure, there is always something to see and do out on the water.
Find Peace on the Water
For some people, there is nothing like being out on the middle of a lake, enjoying the peace and quiet that a paddle board has to offer.
The view from the shore is good, but the view from a paddle board is even better.
Reconnecting with yourself starts with peace away from daily distractions. Whether you use the paddle board as an excuse to have some quiet time to yourself, or to develop strength and skill in the form of paddle board yoga, there is a satisfaction that comes with this activity that nothing else compares to.
Out on the still waters or gently lapping waves, the possibilities are endless.
Your Paddle Boarding Adventure is Unique
Your paddle boarding adventure is unique to the next boarders’. What you experience on the water is something that you get to take home, and while you can share pictures and enjoy time on the water with someone else, the experience is always unique to your perspective.
Paddle boarding isn’t something that you do once and never again; it’s a way of life that is versatile enough for you to develop your own unique style and taste for.
One of the greatest joys of paddle boarding is its versatility and ability to transform into a wide range of other sports and modes of transportation. You can customize your paddle board so that you can sit down and kayak, turn it into a sailboat, or even camp on it.
The possibilities are endless. Bring your SUP on calm adventures down a local river or lake or set up on a beach to test the ocean sound against your paddle surfing sail.
No matter how you enjoy paddling, there’s always something new on the horizon. When you get on a paddle board, you get closer to nature and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the everyday. With the right board and equipment, you can have an adventure of a lifetime and stay safe while doing it.
Escape to the world on the water, where a relaxing summer day or the thrill of a race stretches on. Bring out your hard board or inflate your iSUP; it’s time to join a community of paddle boarders who enjoy paddling for their own unique reasons.
What Makes Paddle Outside Different?
Paddle Outside is a website that provides the paddling community with an easy-to-navigate, all-in-one source for guides, helpful apps, and safety information.
From frequent articles on different styles of paddle boarding, to comprehensive how to guides and quizzes, we help new and experienced boarders alike along their paddling journey.
Paddle Outside isn’t a manufacturer trying to sell their products; it’s simply a website about paddle boarding, for the sake of paddle boarding.
Born from a true love of the art, Paddle Outside is dedicated to providing a variety of resources based on community demand. Every resource is developed or curated with careful attention and maintained over time.
While based in the United States, these guides and articles are not limited by location. It is a place where paddlers from around the world can come to interact with each other.
Learn more about Paddle Outside; explore all our resources today in the blog section.
Education on Paddling Safely
With so many people becoming interested in paddle boarding, it’s more important than ever to make educational videos and resources accessible to individuals.
Not only is it important to know how to swim and what precautions you need to take when getting on the water – such as minding the current and knowing your own abilities – but it’s important to have the right equipment to stay safe, as well.
For example, personal floatation devices, also known as PFDs, life vests, or life jackets, are essential. On many bodies of water, it is even required by law. You will also need UV protection like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, drinkable water, and a leash to keep your paddle board attached to you if you fall.
It is important to understand regulations on different bodies of water and adhere to them as much as possible. Not only can there be penalties for not following these regulations, but they are in place for your own personal safety.
The law changes based on the region and state; it’s important to always stay up-to-date with these regulations. If you aren’t certain, better safe than sorry – but you can also ask the regulatory body over the lake, whether it’s the coast guard or local boating association.
Promoting Safety on the Water
The paddle board is a space of serenity and comfort for many people, and while it is fun to get out on the water, there are times when you shouldn’t. Proper planning is always an important factor in getting in the water, whether you are boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, or paddle boarding.
Paddle Outside provides free resources that not only help you determine the best board or gear to get, but also help keep you safe on the water.
On this website, you’ll learn about the importance of PFDs, or life jackets, and why they are important even when you a skilled swimmer.
You will also find other resources such as paddling safety courses, preparation tips for paddle boarding, and what unsafe conditions look like and why you should steer clear of them.
For example, you should never paddle board under the influence, and always have some way of navigating back to familiar shoreline.
It’s always better to stay safe and paddle board another day than to rush into the water and risk getting hurt. No matter how skilled or experienced you are on the water, it never hurts to learn new safety tips and take additional precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Muscles Does Paddle Boarding Work?
Paddle boarding is a great workout for your whole body. Not only does paddle boarding work your arm muscles, but it also engages the stabilizing muscles in the core, back, and torso.
Furthermore, paddle boarding requires a lot of balance, especially when the water gets choppy. As you balance, your leg muscles activate to help keep you upright and stabilized. As a dynamic exercise, you get to control how difficult the exercise is based on the conditions of the water and where on the water you journey.
Paddle boarding is a great workout for the whole body. Depending on the type of paddle boarding you are doing and where you are doing it, it can be a great focus on either cardio or muscle building that does more than get you fit.
This great full-body workout also connects you to nature and helps promote leisure time and relaxation in your daily life, something that can help you live a more fulfilling life between the moments on the water.
From this time on the water, out in nature, you will feel more at ease in life and able to concentrate on hobbies and personal goals. It’s the perfect activity that allows you to set the difficulty level and build additional skills as you go, learning how to navigate the waters, determine your personal abilities, and facilitating the joy of adventure with each paddle stroke.
Even exercise deserves to have a great adventure behind it, and with paddle boarding, you can do just that.
Do You Have to Be Physically Fit to Paddle Board?
No, you don’t have to be already fit to paddle board. Unlike other water sports like surfing, all you need to get started is a willingness to learn.
One of the best things about paddle boarding is that it’s a full-body workout, which means that it’s an excellent choice for people who want to get fit while doing something active and outdoors that they enjoy. You don’t need to be fit already to enjoy the benefits of paddle boarding.
In fact, so long as you choose the right board for your size and weight, you’ll be just as stable as anyone else on a paddle board. You can lack the stamina it takes to go across a lake and still paddle board, because you’ll eventually get there with more paddle boarding.
Saying you can’t paddle board because you’re not fit enough is like saying you don’t know how to run because you can’t run a marathon on your first try.
Paddle boarding is an excellent reminder to be patient, as well as get fit. No one is good at paddle boarding when they first start, and everyone has their own unique challenges that they must face. With enough time in the water, you’ll enjoy the rewarding experience of getting better at a hobby.
For some, it’s standing up on the board while on the water. For others, it’s paddling without their legs shaking, or getting over a fear of falling off the board.
No matter what your challenge is, it’s important to understand that it takes time to learn, and with more time in the water, the better you’ll get.
This also means that you’ll not only get fit every time you go in the water, but you’ll also gain skill, balance, stamina, and confidence.
Fun for Everyone, Dogs Included
Just because you and your family are out on the water doesn’t mean you have to leave your four-legged friends behind.
To keep water-loving dogs from feeling left out, provide them with the right safety equipment and the two of you are ready to get on a board.
Many paddle boards are versatile enough to let dogs stand or sit at the front of the board while you cruise on, and some are even designed with your pup in mind. Whichever way you prefer to get out on the water, you’ll find the right board for everyone in the family, including your dog.
Keep the Kids Entertained
Many paddle boards are available for children, with smaller dimensions so they can enjoy the waters right alongside the adults. Splashing and floating, kids will enjoy the freedom and curiosity that comes with life out on the water, exploring new parts of the ecosystem.
Kid-sized paddleboards provide hours of entertainment with paddles and boards sized to fit their height for maximum stability and the greatest amount of fun.
While your kids might one day outgrow these boards, they make a great addition to the family for the here and now, facilitating a love of paddleboarding that is certain to last for years to come.
SUP with a Friend
You don’t have to take to the waters alone. Paddle boarding is best enjoyed with someone else. Whether it’s a partner or a friend, it’s always nice to have company.
Paddle boarding can easily be done with a friend, and with a big enough board, you can paddle two-at-a-time on a single board. Alternatively, enjoy the waters together on separate boards and enjoy the experience individually.
No matter how you choose to enjoy paddle boarding, it’s always an adventure. Paddle boarding with a friend is a great way to share an experience and disconnect from the hubbub of everyday life, while still relaxing in the great outdoors.
About Paddle Outside
Paddle Outside is a dedicated website focused on providing resources and guides for paddle boarding. To provide an inclusive, all-level resource for SUP is our mission with a global focus.
We believe paddle boarding is about more than putting a board in the water and leaving shore; it’s about the unique adventures you can have on it, and about finding peace on the water and having fun while you’re doing it.
Learn more about the mission and goals of the website on our About page. In the meantime, it’s time to go on your next paddle boarding adventure!
How To Prepare for Paddle Boarding
If you are thinking about getting on a paddle board for the first time, it’s important to prepare. If you haven’t purchased a board yet, it can feel overwhelming to learn everything you need to know about the activity.
You’re not alone. Many first-time paddle boarders try out a friends’ board before they ever invest in their own because of daunting questions like: “what kind of board do I need?”, or “how do I know I’m getting a good quality board?”
Fortunately, with Paddle Outside, we help you find your perfect board that won’t break the bank, whether you’re a beginner or advanced enthusiast.
From general-purpose to specialized boards, we’ll help you learn everything you need to know to get started, breaking down the learning curve to bite-sized, manageable pieces.
There are several guides and articles on our website to help you get started. Check out our different resources before making a purchase decision. You’ll be glad you did a little bit of extra research before gliding out onto the water.
The Perfect Outdoor Activity for People with Limited Space
Staying active can be a difficult task for people who live in the big city or in a small space. Not only is clutter stressful, but with more people staying at home, it’s more impactful than ever before.
There comes a time in everyone’s life where we have to prioritize what makes sense for our goals.
What hobbies do we not explore anymore, or trinkets that just take up space?
How can you minimize these goods to ones that make you happy and better your life?
In a perfect world, you might combine the hobbies that you enjoy with things that keep you active and enjoying the great outdoors.
Maybe getting outdoors more is a goal you want to pursue, but you can never think of an activity that you would enjoy.
Fortunately, paddle boarding is the perfect activity for people with limited space, as an inflatable board can fit conveniently in the truck of a car, or in a bin in the garage that’s dedicated to summer gear.
Not only is it portable and travel-sized, but paddle boarding opens a wide, versatile activity that you can take advantage of with attachments and accessories, turning your paddle board into a kayak, a yoga mat, or a fishing platform – all without breaking the bank or taking up too much space.
