Tag Archives: learning to stand up paddle

Learning to Stand Up Paddle in Tobago

Here are a few photos from a beginner Stand Up Paddle Lesson on Pigeon Point. The weather in Tobago was really beautiful that day, and the water was fat calm. If you are looking for an activity in Tobago that brings lots of smiles then check out www.standuppaddletobago.com

Beginner Stand Up Paddle Lesson

Beginner Stand Up Paddle Lesson

Paddle Fun on Pigeon Point

Paddle Fun on Pigeon Point

learning to stand up paddle always brings smiles

learning to stand up paddle always brings smiles

Paddling in Tobago

Paddling in Tobago

Fun on the sea

Fun on the sea

Tobago activities

Tobago activities

Star Wars and Stand Up Paddle

Ok so there is no connection between Star Wars and Stand Up Paddle (I’m working on it believe me). We at Stand Up Paddle Tobago are big star wars nerds and are freaking out at the latest teaser trailer for the new star wars movie. Plus Rob and Lucy said they were doing there best Jedi Lightsaber impression, so that is where the caption is from. Here are a few pictures from their first stand up paddle lesson. If you would like to try your hand at learning stand up paddle and in the process become a “Paddle Jedi!” of sorts then check out www.standuppaddletobago.com

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Star Wars Lightsaber pose!

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Smiling with Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Having fun on a Stand Up Paddle Lesson on Pigeon Point!

It seems that whenever we have a stand up paddle lesson on Pigeon Point, everyone is always smiling after (and during – lol)! The key is that we make sure it’s fun. That and we spend about 15 to 20 minutes on land going through the skills necessary to really learn the skills needed to properly stand up paddle. If you are interested in learning this awesome activity click HERE for more information.

Having a laugh after a paddle

Having a laugh after a paddle

Two good friends learn to Stand Up Paddle in Tobago

Here are a few photos from a lesson with some of our new friends at Stand Up Paddle Tobago. Thanks ladies for a great time!!! Keep smiling.

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

A great way to spend time with a good friend

A great way to spend time with a good friend

Chilling after our SUP lesson

Chilling after our SUP lesson

Stand Up Paddle on Buccoo Reef

Stand Up Paddle on Buccoo Reef

Mother and Daughter learn to Stand Up Paddle

Here are a few pictures from our last stand up paddle lesson. It’s been a while since we had such a great mother daughter team learn to paddle. Here are Kathleen’s words on Tripadvisor about their lesson.

5 of 5 starsReviewed March 16, 2015 

I am terrified of water but joined my 9yr old daughter for this wonderful experience! Duane was professional, patient & was able to ease me out of my paralyzing fear. Our private lesson was very reasonably priced & excellent value. And the experience was lifelong memory to share w my daughter. I highly recommend Duane & his staff.

Bring the family, and come and have an unforgettable experience learning to stand up paddle. Check out our website at www.standuppaddletobago.com or book a lesson now by clicking here.

Mom and Daughter learn to Stand Up Paddle together

Mom and Daughter learn to Stand Up Paddle together

9 years old and already a pro at stand up paddling

9 years old and already a pro at stand up paddling

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle on Pigeon Point Tobago

Stand Up Paddle on Pigeon Point Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

Stand Up Paddle Tobago

What do Skiing and Stand Up Paddle have in Common

Paddling around Pigeon Point

Paddling around Pigeon Point

Last month we had a really cool couple from the UK who teaches skiing at an indoor rink in the evenings. They were surprised that stand up paddle had so many similarities in how they teach skiing. Of course this was a bit warmer than ski classes. Just another beautiful day in Tobago on the water.

Fun together!

Fun together!

Learn to Stand Up Paddle in Tobago with Stand Up Paddle Tobago. For more information check out.

www.standuppaddletobago.com

New Years Resolution – Stand Up Paddle!

It’s almost two weeks into 2015. Whats on your new years resolution list? Here are a few ideas for a first time stand up paddler and for a seasoned paddler.

Learning to Stand Up Paddle

Learning to Stand Up Paddle

1) Learn to stand up paddle. Your scared of water, only super fit, surfer dudes can do it, I have no balance – ignore the naysayers. Anyone can learn to stand up paddle. Most people can pick it up in just one lesson, and those who don’t, always get it soon after. Stand Up Paddle opens up the possibility of new adventures, fitness opportunities, great stress relief, and in the end its just lots of fun!

Stand Up Paddle Racing

Stand Up Paddle Racing

2) So you have mastered basic stand up paddling, why not learn to stand up paddle surf, or stand up paddle race. Try a Paddlefit class and get in shape in a new fun way. There are so many different ways to have fun with a stand up paddle in the ocean. It’s also a great way to get in shape for Carnival if you are so inclined. I know I am!

Stand Up Paddle Adventure

Stand Up Paddle Adventure

3) Go on an adventure such as a bioluminescence tour, or a full day adventure up the coast to explore a new place. You might find something special like a waterfall or run into some dolphins. I guarantee you will make a cherished memory that will stay with you for the rest of the year.

Having fun after Stand Up Paddle

Having fun after Stand Up Paddle

4) It’s a great way to have fun with your friends, family or someone special. Any activity done with friends is better. More laughs, more stories, more memories, more things to chat about!

These are just a few ideas but you could learn to surf, mountain bike, kite surf, horseback ride, scuba dive, etc. The list is endless and can all be learned in Tobago. If you want to make the term “Stand Up Paddler” part of your resume this year then check us out at www.standuppaddletobago.com

Why volume is so import when buying a Stand Up Paddle board.

Giant-Inflatable-Stand-Up-paddleboard

There are so many dimensions on a Stand Up Paddle board to talk about, length, width, thickness, and lets not even get into rocker, tail and nose shapes. The one I really want to chat about is #VOLUME. Width is very important also but volume seems to be even more key in my mind (wider is more stable). For the weekend warrior or first time stand up paddler, volume is going to make you paddle experience either allot of fun or very challenging. According Wikipedia, Volume is the quantity of three-dimensional space enclosed by some closed boundary. In regular speak that means that the larger the volume the more stable the board is. When learning to stand up paddle, a high volume board is the key to learning easily. Volume will also be your best friend if you are on the heavier side.

On the flip side large volume boards are more heavy, hence slower to paddle and turn. They also don’t go as straight as low volume boards. If you are looking to purchase a Stand Up Paddle Board I would recommend learning on a high volume board first. Check out http://www.standuppaddletobago.com/learn-to-sup.html for lessons on high volume boards.

Once you have mastered the beginner board, then look at purchasing a more intermediate board with a mid range volume profile. That way the board you purchase will be more versatile and you will be able to use it for longer.

GCB OZ biggest SUP Board

There are a number of websites that actually offer formulas for working out what volume of board you should have. These are based on your weight, conditions where you plan to use the board and experience on a Stand Up Paddle Board. Here is a good example

Beginners – your weight in pounds (lbs) x .91 (ie 150lbs x .91 = 135 liters)

Intermediates – your weight in (lbs) x .78

Advanced – your weight in (lbs) x .59

Here in the Caribbean (at least down here in Tobago) we have many different conditions to use our board in, from flat water to open ocean. Because we need a versatile board I would recommend someone getting a board that can handle choppy seas. So that means adding more volume. That means we should add 20 to 40 litres of volume to the above formula. Unless you are an advanced rider just go with the higher number. It will make your next stand up paddle board purchase a more fun investment.

Over the next few months we will be bringing in some mid range Stand Up Paddle Boards to Trinidad and Tobago for purchase. If you are interested please contact us at info@standuppaddletobago.com

Keep smiling.

Duane Kenny

Why should I learn to Stand Up Paddle from an Instructor?

Common-beginner-error-backwards-SUP-paddle

Ok Stop looking at the girl and look at whats wrong with her paddle?

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One of the best advantages of stand up paddling is that it’s easy to learn. Most people who have basic fitness and balance can learn to get up on a beginner stand up paddle board and make a good go of it. In fact over time they will learn the basic nuances on their own, especially through the use of youtube and other sites. So why should you take a beginner lesson with an instructor.

1) You will learn all the basics quickly and correctly. There is no quicker way to learn than for someone to spend an hour showing you what to do. When you make mistakes they can show you immediately what to change, so that you learn the right way from the beginning.

2) You will learn advanced techniques that you may not get anywhere else. Most instructors have years of board experience, in both waves and racing. Hence their knowledge on improving your skills will get you farther faster in your stand up paddle adventure than you ever thought possible.

3) Less aches and pains. Most people paddle incorrectly or stand wrongly on the board. By teaching you the correct way to paddle we can increase your enjoyment of the sport, while decreasing the soreness you are going to feel the next day.

4) Safety is key. Learning how to handle a board in and around people, boats, weather, tides and waves is learned from years of experience or can be taught by an instructor in a lesson.

5) Have more Fun. If you learn something correctly you will inevitably have more fun, as you will spend less time figuring it all out.

If you are looking for a great instructor to teach you both the correct basics and advanced techniques to Stand Up Paddle then contact Stand Up Paddle Tobago (www.standuppaddletobago.com)

or book a lesson right now by clicking this link BOOK NOW

Now get out in the WATER!