When people see stand-up paddle boarding (SUP-ing) for the first time, they typically think it looks fun and easy. While it is certainly fun, it’s definitely not as easy as one might think. Rather, you can burn a crazy amount of calories while SUP-ing, as it can be a truly intense workout. Like any other workout, form and posture are extremely important when paddle boarding. Not only do they help you have a better paddle, but they can also help to reduce muscle pain, soreness, injuries, etc. For example, a very common question among new paddlers is, “Why do people bend their knees while SUP-ing?” Usually followed by, “Should I bend my knees while stand-up paddle boarding?” As always, we have everything you need to know, so keep on reading below.
Why Do People Bend Their Knees While SUP-ing?
First of all, yes, you should bend your knees while stand-up paddle boarding. Like we said before, in addition to reducing muscle pain, soreness, and injuries, proper posture and form will transform your SUP sessions in the best ways possible, which we will discuss shortly. Of course, it all begins with knowing how and where to stand on an SUP.
Simply put, you want to be in the center of your board with your feet parallel to one another at about hip-width apart. This is the starting point for a proper paddle. From here, you’ll want to be sure that—throughout your paddle—you keep your toes pointing forwards, knees slightly bent, and back straight. Additionally, you’ll want to keep your head and shoulders steady and upright while shifting your weight by moving your hips. Last but certainly not least, try to avoid looking at your feet, as your field of vision should be focused on the horizon as well as your surroundings.
Now, in addition to knowing how and where to stand on your SUP, it’s also important to understand why people bend their knees while SUP-ing. Firstly, it will keep your body from becoming rigid, tense, and all locked up. Also, you’ll have better balance as well as more mobility while on top of your board. Furthermore, if you’re able to keep your knees bent while SUP-ing, then they will essentially function like shock absorbers – making it much easier to stay on top of your board in all types of foreseeable and unforeseeable situations, such as choppy waters, almost falling in, and so on and so on. Suffice it to say, the more you keep your knees bent, the more you’ll stay on top of your board.
Contact Our Team at Atoll Boards
We hope this helped to answer your question, “Should I bend my knees while stand-up paddle boarding?” For more information about this, other SUP tips and tricks, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Atoll Boards. We are always more than happy to help in any way we can. To get in touch, all are welcome to give us a call at 877-698-8581 or send an email to customerservice@atollboards.com. We hope to hear from you soon. Until then!
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