SUP balance training and tools you can use during the winter (or any time!). Stand up paddle boarding isn’t just about a board and paddle. If you want to progress, improve and push on then you need to develop your all round skills. And this includes balance.
It should go without saying that standing on a board, whilst it floats atop water, requires balance. And if you want to start paddling more performance orientated SUPs, that are lower in volume and narrower in width, then improving your balance is key.
SUP balance board training tool.
There are many different training tools that help with improving balance. The good old balance board, that you can use in the comfort of your own home, is one.
Check out some balance training board options here.
Simply, a board sit on top of a roller and the rider uses weight distribution to the board to sit on top of the roller. Rocking back and forth raises the bar in terms of difficulty.
More advanced techniques include holding your SUP paddle and mimicking paddle strokes. You can also try taking one foot off, or even walking up and down the board like a longboard surfer would do.
Make sure you have enough room around you as falls can still occur. Landing on the family china isn’t great! Also, consider impact protection or knee and elbow pads. Maybe a helmet as well. At least until you’re confident on the balance board.
One wheel Skateweel electric skateboard.
For the nmore adventurous, who fancy some additional adrenaline with their balance training, a one wheel electric skateboard may be the answer.
Much like a balance board/Indo board the one wheel Skatewheel works on rider weight distribution. The only difference here is your machine is moving.
Tools like the Skatewheel not only improve your balance they also help riders understand more about rail to rail carving. This is especially useful for anyone contemplating, or already involved with, SUP surfing.
Slacklining.
Another outdoor balance training tool, that can also provide plenty of outdoor amusement, is slacklining.
Stringing a thick webbing strap between fixed points, then ratcheting up the tension gives a taught area to work with. You then aim to walk the length of the line without falling, much like a tightrope walker.
Slacklines don’t need to high off the ground – they can be as low as you want to go. As with everything mentioned in this article keep in mind you may wipeout so having enough space around is important. as are adequate safety precautions.
SUP balance training needn’t be arduous gym work. It can be super fun, which the above suggestions will help with.
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