Land paddling for beginner, an advanced sport from paddle boarding, was developed by Kahuna Creations, a small company in Hawaii when they introduced their creative products which are called “Kahuna Creations Big Stick”.
And since then, a brand new sport called “ Land paddling” appeared and became a new phenomenon worldwide.
In this article, we will show you what you need to know when you start playing this sport.
What Is Land Paddling?
Maybe land paddling seems like other kinds of board sports you have already known before like surfing, T-boarding, kiteboarding, but trust us, this land paddling sport is the most beginner-friendly board for you to try.
Land paddling requires players to paddle on the ground. When moving, players use paddles in combination with a long stick called “Longboard Land Paddle” to push the board without using feet to thrust forward.
Also, the tool of the long paddle is used for riders to control the direction of the board at their disposal, and of course, it is used as a brake too.
Next, we will tell about the benefits you will get when participating in this sport. Joining the land paddling will simultaneously exercise all muscles on your body and also good for the heart.
The best part of this sport is that you are allowed to control the track and can freely adjust your speed. Want to speed up faster? Let’s slide down the hills. Or do you want some thrills? Choose a twisty bend, and if not, take your time on the straight track.
And of course, the hardest part of every skateboarding game that everyone probably fears is balance. Poor balance (or – precisely, the fear of falling) that makes learning any boarding sports become difficult, scary and dangerous.
But compared to other sports, land paddling is easier for beginners because the process of the upper and lower muscles will help you to improve your health.
How To Land Paddling For Beginners?
Choose the suitable paddle size for you
The first step for a beginner to paddle boarding is to choose the right paddle size. The fair length of the stick should be a little shorter than your height and reach eye level when you place it on the ground in front of you – anywhere between your chin and forehead is fine.
Be sure to stand on the longboard when measuring the sticks, because it will help you gain a few centimeters taller.
The choice of the stick also depends on the player’s style. For professional players, they often choose shorter sticks to create beautiful curves and make more radical turns. However, for beginners, we still encourage you to use sticks at eye level.
You can find these land paddles on the website like Amazon, but we think the best option is probably the stick from the founder of this sport, the Kahuna Creations land paddle stick.
Put your hands and arms in the right position
There is a very effective technique for beginners in land paddling that need to be learned:
- Your front hand (or your preferred hand ) comes up on the handle of the paddle stick while you are standing on your longboard.
- The other hand holds the paddle’s body at the height around your waist
- Like when canoeing, your upper arm must always be extended when pushing down on the handle, while your forearm pulls into the paddle bar as it hits the ground.
Learn the land paddling frontside stroke
It includes pressing the road grip (a big rubber part at the lowest part of the stick that looks like a wheel, designed to hold the road while you pull on your paddle) at the bottom of your stick toward the road then pulling it backward with the wheels of your longboard:
- It is on the right side if you are a regular footer
- The left side for the others.
For the beginners, to move your paddle land board ahead, you need to:
- Reach your front arm as far as you can ( while your front hand is on the top of the paddle).
- Push the rubber grip down to the sidewalk in front of your board, then draw yourself up towards the stick with the sidewalk grip rubber to move your board.
- Pull on the paddle as far as possible, spreading out your back hand.
Learn the backside stroke
While you are comfortable riding your longboard on the frontside stroke, you need to learn the backside stroke including paddling on the opposite side of your board – using the heelside behind your back.
You need to turn your torso so that your hips are facing forward and your shoulders are slightly turned in the direction of your back.
When your shoulders are facing back, the back arm in your natural posture will now become your forearm, with the same hand on top of the handle. In contrast, your rear arm is your normal forearm now.
Learn how to stop when paddling
In land paddling, you want to make the most use of your paddle. In addition, you can use your paddle to give you the advantage of effective speed control and a stylish way when traveling fast.
To slow down, you can hold your ground behind you and let the road grip the sidewalk. The friction created will slow you down and end up with a stop. The trick is to move your weight on the hind legs while the rubber rubs against the road surface.
Tilt your upper body back slightly, and bend your lower back knee to the floor to shift your weight to the back of the longboard. This, together with the friction, will help to sluggish down your board.
Conclusion
With this article, we have introduced you to some brief features and tricks you need to know about land paddling for beginner, and now, are you ready to give it a try?
