How To Standup Paddle Laird Style
Posted By
A Laird Life Editor
1-27-2010
Currently, Paddle Surfing is the fastest growing water sport.
Laird is one of the pioneer’s in bringing this amazing activity to the mainstream and is passionate about sharing it with all people.
Laird and his respective shapers design boards that make paddle surfing accessible to all; the design is to accommodate beginners who just want to paddle to more advanced surfers looking to ride the waves. The ‘Laird’ boards are designed after years of experience and are shaped to provide you with the best features and performance of any standup board out there.
Standup paddling is a way for people to enjoy being on the water, getting a core body workout…while paddling sections of coast…but, it’s not just for the ocean…you can use the boards to cruise rivers, coves, bays, and lakes.
Choose a Board that is large enough and wide enough to create stability for your size and weight.
Standup paddle boards can roughly be divided into two classes…those better at paddling with more glide….those optimized for wave riding.
Your paddle should be as tall as the reach above your head.
If it’s too short you will be reaching forward – if it’s too big you will be reaching too far back.
Tip: Raise your arms up as if you were doing a pull up and that should be the height of your paddle.
Use the paddle for balance and to help initiate turns. The paddle is a natural extension of the surfer’s hand. You will access spots that most surfers can’t get to, or don’t care to ride…
READY TO STANDUP PADDLE
Take your board and paddle to the water and get in approximately knee deep or the depth where the fin does not touch the ground.
Set the board in the water and get on the board 1 of 2 ways:
-By laying down with the paddle in your hand
-By stepping from in the water on the board if the water is shallow enough
-You can also start off by kneeling on the board at first until you find your balance and get beyond the shore break.
From a laying position
With your stomach in the center of the board, place your hands on the board and rise up to your knees then up on to your feet with your paddle up and out to the side
or
With your stomach in the center of the board, jump from a laying to standing position (a surfing move)
Ready To Go
You want to stand in the middle of your board; not to far forward not to far back. You’ll know by the way the board is balancing on the water; you want the board sitting evenly in the water.
Paddle Direction
It’s a common mistake for beginners to use the paddle the wrong direction.
You want the paddle to be angled forward
Paddle Motion
Balance in the center of the board, keep your arms straight, and rotate the paddle with your body.
Beginners tend to use their arms to paddle and not their body – this is due to balance and the feeling to stay centered.
Constant Motion
As soon as you get up get yourself moving and as you become more comfortable with your balance you can start using your body with your arms straight to push the paddle and move forward. The hardest thing to do on a paddle board is to not move, motion creates stability.
Paddle Strokes
Reach the paddle out in front of you, rotate your body and end your stroke at your feet.
Strokes vary – you might do 3 on 1 side then just 1 on the other or 2 on one side and 5 on the other depending on your strength or the wind.
Switching Sides
After a few strokes you should switch the paddle from one side to the other. The paddle should be at a diagonal position from the hand on top to the water. Lift the paddle out of the water and switch hands and sides every few strokes. The amount of strokes varies per person depending on the speed you desire and the strength of your arms.
When stroking from the right side – hold the top of the paddle in your left hand and below middle with your right hand – paddle should be at a diagonal angle
When stroking from the left side – hold the top of the paddle in your right hand and below middle with your left hand – paddle should be at a diagonal angle
Common Standup Paddling Mistakes
Keep your body up-right; don’t look down with your body. You can look down with your eyes. When you look down it takes away your balance.
Get out there and try it. We know you will be hooked!
The Laird Tuflite stand up paddle boards are designed after years of experience and are shaped to provide you with the best features and performance of any standup board out made. The 10’6 Board is one of Laird’s favorites. It is modeled after the one he rides. It’s great for surfing.
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