Thursday, May 5, 2016

How to Master a Paddle Board

BomBay Boat Rental Company, Lake of the Ozarks, paddle board rentalsBomBay Boat Rental Company is known for offering the newest and best maintained fleet of ski boats, tritoons, and jet skis in the lake area. Now we are adding paddle board rentals at the Lake of the Ozarks to our list of ways you can have fun on the water. 

Two of our convenient rental locations are now offering paddle board rentals; Village Marina and Camden on the Lake.  You can take the boards out by the hour or rent them for an entire day. 

If paddle boarding happens to be a new concept to you, it's similar to surfboarding.  The difference is that you propel yourself through the water rather than waiting for an ocean wave to do it for you. This can be done with a paddle while standing or with your arms while lying or kneeling on the board.


Standing Up 

Learning to maneuver a paddle board may take a bit of work at first, but once you master it, you are in for an awesome day on the water. Try these steps when you begin.

1. Always begin in calm, flat water so you can find your balance. Make sure that you are far enough out that the fin does not hit the bottom of the lake. 

2. Start on your knees and take a few strokes. Once you are comfortable, slowly stand up, one foot at a time. 

3. Stay toward the middle of the paddle board. Your feet should remain parallel with toes pointed toward the nose. Keep them about shoulder width apart with knees slightly bent. Balance with your hips rather than your upper body.   


Paddling

Once you get a feel for the paddle board, it's time to start paddling. Here are a few tips to help you get the hang of it. 

  • One hand should always be on the top of the paddle, and the other hand should remain on the center of the shaft. 
  • Keep the paddle in front of you with elbows at about a 90 degree angle. 
  • The blade angle on the paddle should be facing away from you. 
  • Your hands should be shoulder width apart for a powerful stroke. 
  • When turning, take a low stance and turn your torso while you paddle. 
  • Make your strokes long, and use your back muscles rather than only your arm muscles. 
  • Fight the urge to look at the board. Keeping your eyes on the horizon will make paddling much easier. 


Paddle Board Safety

Always wear a PFD (Personal Flotation Device) while paddle boarding. If you will be out while the sun is going down, it's smart to wear a whistle so you can alert others of your position if you fall off. 

Give yourself plenty of space. Those boards are big and heavy. If you do fall off, try to push away from the board so that you fall away from it. Hitting the water will hurt a lot less than getting hit by the board. As with any outdoor activity, sunscreen is a must, and sunglasses offer protection for your eyes and aid with visibility. 


Feeling adventurous? Try something new and experience paddle boarding on the Lake of the Ozarks. You can grab one and head to a quiet cove, or go ahead and rent one along with one of our Lake of the Ozarks Boat Rentals and give it a try while you are coving out. There is nothing better while you are in the lake area than getting outside and enjoying all that this amazing lake has to offer. BomBay Boat Rental Company is here to make sure you have as much fun on the water as possible.




BETTER PRODUCT, BETTER PRICES, BETTER PEOPLE!

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