Tips to Get Started Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding is one of the more popular watersports today. It's fun and a great way to get fit, too.

If you're looking to hit the waves on a paddleboard, Prescott Metcalf, a paddleboard instructor with the Suncoast Surf Shop in Treasure Island, offers these tips:

1. Safety first: While it may not seem like it, paddleboards are considered vessels by the U.S. Coast Guard, and you have to keep a certain amount of safety gear with you at all times, including a whistle and a flashlight for nighttime use.
2. Get used to the waves: Depending on where you go, it can take time to get used to the water conditions. Once you do, you'll be able to adjust with the flow of the water.
3. Find your stance: Start out on your knees and move into a wide athletic pose. This will keep your body balanced and even on the board!
4. Have fun!: Sure, paddleboarding is healthy, but it's also a blast! Make sure have fun and don't let any setbacks or spills spoil your time. That's part of the fun of learning!

Want to give paddleboarding a try? Check out one of these Hillsborough County shops:

Solstice Sports
408 North Howard Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
(800) 320-9463, Ext. 701

Urban Kai
305 North Willow Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 598-1634

Dick's Sporting Goods - Brandon
901 Brandon Town Center Mall
Brandon, FL 33511

Dick's Sporting Goods - Tampa
8100 Citrus Park Town Center
Tampa, FL 33625