Tempted by a sport of slips in the water but not decided yet to try surfing ? Paddle can be the good alternative. This sport develops our skill and agility.
Born in Hawaii , as surfing in the 1960s, stand up paddle or paddle , found its second wind in the 2000s. The organization of several world competitions gives the paddle its status as a trend sport.
The paddle, we put it gently with the advice of Alain Lagrace , director of Sportsmer center in Saint - Jean - de - Luz .
3 tips for soft paddling
You're never on a surfboard ? Do not panic, the paddle is easy.
- No need to take classes. When renting board and paddle, the instructor gives us a quick reminder of basic safety rules. He can possibly give us some tips to get us on the board faster. But unlike surfing, paddle is not a sport that teaches itself. It's up to us to jump into the water. It is especially by trying, falling and going up, that we learn how it works. And that we get there.
- Know what you want to do. Playful water sports, means of transport or alternative to surfing when there is no wave ... the paddle has several functions and can be practiced in different ways. Some practitioners climb on their boards for example to find fishing spots otherwise unattainable. And more and more women are combining paddle and pilates. But be careful, anyway, you must first acquire the basics of the paddle and find stability. After, nothing prevents us to rise in rank ...
- Choose the right board. For the paddle as for the surf, one chooses its board according to its size: if one is rather small, one opts for a small board. But we can very well rent a larger board in some special cases: if you want to walk longer or climb 2 above for example ...
No need to invest in the equipment at first, you can rent the necessary (board, paddle, wetsuit and lifejacket) at the seasonal beach. It takes an average of 13 € per hour.
Who is the paddle for?
Paddle is a board sport that develops our agility. We can all get started when we want, without any age requirement. Neither do you need to be a great sportswoman. The paddle is playful sport that we practice especially cool, to walk or just move. And for all those not really tempted to learn to ride on their board alone in their corner, several thalassotherapy or sports centers offer supervised paddle lessons:
- Thalasso Serge Blanco in Hendaye in the Basque Country, € 15 for 40 minutes, € 60 for 5 lessons or € 100 for 10 lessons. More information: https://www.thalassoblanco.com/en/bassin-fitness-hendaye/aqua-paddle-thalasso-blanco.htm or 05 59 51 35 35.
- The first line space in La Grande Motte , 25 € for 30 minutes. For more information: https://www.premiereligne-grandemotte.com/piscine/aqua-stand.html or 04 67 12 87 50.
- Stand up paddle lessons in Joinville on the Marne , 24 € initiation from 1h30 to 2h. More information: https://www.legrandhuit.eu/en/activities-loisirs/paris/sup-paris
The advantage shape and thinness of the paddle: without we necessarily realize, this nautical discipline works all parts of the body. Thighs , glutes , abs , arms , no muscle is left out.
