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The beach calls. The ocean beckons. Will you answer? Paddle boarding on the ocean makes for a unique adventure. It’s just you and the tide. Sometimes, the waves are relaxing. Sometimes, they’re challenging. Either way, ocean paddle boarding offers a distinct experience that can’t be matched when paddle boarding on a lake, pond, or river. If you’re new to paddle boarding on the ocean, there are plenty of variables that can take you by surprise. But that shouldn’t discourage you from heading out and experiencing the ocean for yourself! Check out these tips, grab your inflatable paddle board, and get ready for a memorable session on the water!

NEVER PADDLE BOARD ON THE OCEAN ALONE

It’s a good rule of thumb to use the buddy system any time you’re on the water. From swimming to paddle boarding to jet skiing, partnering with someone who can have your back in an emergency is a must. When you’re paddle boarding at sea, stay where you can see others. It could be other people you’re out on the water with or some friends on shore. This is especially important when you are paddle boarding in areas where a lifeguard might not be present. When you rely on the buddy system, you always have someone who you can call out to for help or who can offer assistance if you need it.

WATCH FOR RIP CURRENTS

One of the biggest challenges of paddle boarding at the beach is rip currents. These potentially dangerous currents are hard to see. If you get stuck in one, it can be hard to get out. Rip currents can look like darker spots in the water. There’s usually a lack of waves in the surrounding water, as well. If you see a spot on the water that looks suspiciously dark and calm, stay away. If you unexpectedly find yourself caught in a rip current, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Try to relax and focus on paddling (or swimming, if you’ve fallen into the water), parallel to the shore. Your goal is to get back into choppier water. If you paddle directly toward the beach, you risk the chance of getting swept in the opposite direction, away from shore—and you’ll end up expending a lot of energy. Keep calm and paddle parallel!

ALWAYS USE YOUR LEASH

Most inflatable paddle boards come with an ankle leash. And if you don’t have one, you can—and should—easily get one. One end of the leash attaches to your ankle and the other stays connected to your SUP. Whether you’re cruising in calm waters or surfing with your board, the leash keeps you attached to your board should you fall into the water. Because the ocean is huge and currents can be unpredictable and dangerous, staying connected to your SUP is essential. You don’t want it being taken away by a wave. An ankle leash ensures you always have a way to get back to your board and back to safety. And that’s really what safe ocean paddle boarding is all about: expecting the unexpected and being prepared, just in case.

ABOUT IROCKER

Paddle boarding season starts right now, and iROCKER is your partner on the water! They’re your number one source for all the paddle boarding gear you could possibly want. From inflatable paddle boards to hard boards and inflatable docks, iROCKER has something for everyone. Already have a SUP? Don’t worry! They also have plenty of gear and accessories to take your adventures to the next level. Get a cooler to strap to the back of your board and bring the party onto the lake! Want to turn your inflatable SUP into a kayak? iROCKER has the SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit for you. And don’t forget a waterproof Bluetooth speaker! It doesn’t matter if you’re a paddle boarding newbie or you’ve been getting out on the water for years, iROCKER helps keep you inspired for your next excursion.

Most of us have had enough time on the ol’ Chesterfield lately and we know that is not good for our fitness. So with coronavirus lockdown still looming and dreams of getting outside again filling our heads, we thought we’d share these five ways you can build a healthier immune system with the world’s best sport, stand up paddle boarding.

5 WAYS TO A HEALTHIER IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING

#1: SUP IMPROVES MUSCLE STRENGTH

#2: SUP WILL BURN OFF THOSE CHESTERFIELD CALORIES

#3: SUP IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEART

#4: SUP BEATS STRESS

#5: SUP GETS YOU A HEALTHY DOSE OF VITAMIN D

#1: SUP IMPROVES MUSCLE STRENGTHOne of the million or so reasons we love SUP for fitness is because it’s an incredible head-to-toe workout. Even if you’re the type to take it easy with a gentle paddle, you’re working nearly every muscle in your body. Best of all, SUP really works your core, which is exactly what we all need after too many weeks sitting around inside. A stronger core is good for spinal health, which affects your entire body, as well as your posture, breathing and blood flow. So when it comes to building muscle strength for better immunity, it’s hard to compete with a solid stand up paddle boarding routine.

#2: SUP WILL BURN OFF THOSE CHESTERFIELD CALORIESThe other problem -- indeed, the biggest problem -- with too much time inside is too much food and flab. If you’ve somehow managed to wait out lockdown without gaining weight, we applaud you. If you’re like the rest of us, it’s time to work off some calories. Remember: swimsuit season is right around the corner! So let’s talk about some of the best ways to burn up those lockdown calories on your iSUP.SUP SURFINGSurfing on an iSUP is a high-octane activity and, in fact, the original intent for stand up paddle boarding. We wrote about the history of SUP a few months back and you can

read that post here

. You might be surprised to learn about the old school surfers and their contribution to stand up paddle boarding. If you’re a SUP surfer or thinking about giving it a try, you can expect some serious calorie burn. In about an hour of SUP surfing in a moderate surf, you can burn up to 750 calories. If poutine is your favorite lockdown food, then SUP surfing needs to be your favorite after-lockdown workout. (Only sort of kidding.)SUP RACING

SUP racing is catching on as a family-friendly way to SUP. Before lockdown, it was also becoming an increasingly popular team building activity or group outing. Mix it up with an obstacle course or scavenger hunt, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast. You’re also guaranteed to burn some calories. About 700 calories, to be precise.

Here in Calgary, Canada, at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, paddleboards have risen in popularity. An addition to the active, outdoor lifestyle. You can use your paddleboard year-round to access spectacular remote locations, drift scenic glacial rivers, or fly-fish idyllic alpine lakes. Many enthusiasts relish the portability and carrying utility of the boards. Others enjoy the stunning views and the feeling of "walking on water" amongst soaring peaks and glassy mountain tarns.

Mountain weather is incredibly varied and notoriously nasty. Temperatures plummet to well below -30F (-35C) in the winter and soar above 90F (35C) in the 16-hour summer sunlight. Summer days in the alpine region can begin calm and tranquil, then quickly develop into monstrous thunderstorms, with raging winds and lightning. It's rare to have a day where conditions don't change, and therefore it's a good practice to get used to paddling in various weather, including rain, snow, and wind.

UNDERSTANDING HOW WIND AFFECTS YOUR INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARD EXPERIENCE

Something many first-time paddlers will notice is that inflatable paddleboards are very susceptible to wind. When standing, the paddler essentially becomes a sail, which can significantly affect where, how quickly, and how confidently you can travel. The effect of the wind can be diminished noticeably by shifting to a kneeling or sitting position. But like any wise sailor, it is better to go with the flow than fight against it!

1. START YOUR PADDLE BY HEADING INTO THE WIND

This is perhaps the most helpful advice for first-time paddlers who haven't yet developed the confidence to put the power down and move swiftly across the water in high-wind conditions. If you are paddling on a large body of water and intend to return to your starting location, it is best to begin your float by paddling directly into the wind.

As you tire, you will drift back towards your starting point and avoid you having to paddle aggressively against a headwind. I've battled headwinds for many miles in windy mountain passes, which can be exhausting and frustrating. Savvy paddlers take note of the winds and enjoy a leisurely drift home.

2. KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT

In the Rockies, we have a saying, "if you don't like the weather, just wait an hour". Conditions in the mountains change rapidly. I've experienced sweltering heat and snow-showers in the same afternoon and temperature swings of over 30C (90F). Rapid change like this in the winter is called a "chinook," and it's fascinating.

A clear day in the alpine region can quickly turn to pouring rain or blanketing snow as weather systems pass through and mother nature sends humbling reminders of who's in charge! It's a good policy to research the weather in advance – and the more extended or remote the outing, the more thorough research required!

In the summer, pay particularly close attention to the chance of storms, prevailing winds, and UV indices. Typically, the hotter the day, the more convective energy to drive currents and build thunderstorms. All of these factors are intensified at higher elevations, and it can make the difference between a relaxing paddle and an "old-man-versus-the-angry-seas" sort of a day.

Winter paddling can present some excellent conditions, as the colder weather typically brings stability and clear sparkling winter scenery. But due to sub-zero air and frigid water temperatures, you must take special considerations to stay warm and dry.

3. PLAN TO DRIFT FACING DOWNWIND

Inflatable paddleboards are fantastic platforms for fishing, providing better visibility into the water than kayaks or canoes. This is due to the higher angle of refraction and a comfortable standing position for casting on your SUP.

However, they can be tough to manage in the wind, as your hands will likely be occupied fishing and only sporadically available to work the paddle.

In the standing position and windy conditions, the inflatable paddleboard will naturally want to turn to face downwind (your back to the wind). You can use this knowledge to plan your float, starting upwind of the desired track, casting forward off the bow, and letting the wind push you precisely where you'd like to go.

4. POSITION YOUR INFLATABLE PADDLEBOARD PERPENDICULAR TO THE WAVES

High winds mean larger waves and more difficulty maintaining balance on a SUP. If you're struggling to stay on your feet, it's usually easier to face directly into the waves and the wind. Lateral rolling and yawing motions do a far better job of throwing a paddler off-balance than pitching up and down. Also, small waves are easier to manage when they are visible directly ahead. And it helps to keep paddling. The paddle strokes stabilize and provide thrust as you top out on chop or small white caps.

5. LOOK FOR LEE, AND CRAB

If you can't resist a paddle on a windy day (I know the feeling), you can often find more manageable water on the lee of islands or trees. Or near shore, where the currents are slower. In any case, it helps to focus on good paddling technique and consistency, and if you still can't make progress, crabbing at an angle to the wind may help. If all else fails, attempt to reduce the size of the sail (that's you) by kneeling or sitting on the stand-up paddleboard and simply taking the easiest path back to shore.  

EQUIPMENT THAT MIGHT BE HELPFUL:

iROCKER Anchor:

Are you paddleboarding in windy conditions or trying to fish in a current? The iROCKER Anchor will keep you pinned down and secured so that you can get the great catch without the hassle!

iROCKER SUP to Kayak Conversion Kit:

The Kayak Conversion Kit will allow you to rest and continue to paddle in rough or windy conditions for a more stable paddle.

These are just a few tips to help you better manage your SUP in windy conditions. If you have other suggestions, anecdotes, or helpful tips for fellow paddlers, feel free to drop a comment below!

Looking to master the beautiful sport of stand up paddle boarding? You’ve come to the right place! Our iROCKER team loves every kind of SUP, from gentle solo paddle boarding to adrenaline-pumping SUP surfing. Whatever your goals, read on for our go-to guide for how to paddle board like a pro.

BEGIN WITH THE TRIED AND TRUE SUP BASICS

If you scroll through the countless paddle board blogs floating around online, you might become distracted with fancy SUP skills. But trust us, before you jump into the good stuff, it’s important to get a firm grasp on the basics. Balance is the most important skill you can learn when you’re just getting into SUP. A powerful core and full body awareness are crucial to maneuvering your board in any waterway. Invest in a Balance Board for your house and head to the gym for core work to strengthen all the right muscles. Tip: Pilates, yoga, squats and lunges are perfect for developing your balance and abdominal strength. Practice your pop-up from your firm ground to perfect one of the most important parts of your SUP sesh. When you’re ready to practice on your board, lie with your stomach on your paddle board and bend one knee at a time to reach a crouching position. With your hands and feet placed on the trackpad, launch yourself into a standing position. Take a look at your stance once you stand straight up. Your feet should be in the center of the board, hip-width apart. Slightly bend your knees to prevent cramps and help guide your SUP. Paddle skills are some of the most important yet overlooked techniques of paddle boarding. It’s so much more than slicing your paddle through the water. Between the length of the paddle and your movements, your overall success relies on matching your height with the ideal paddle. To find the perfect paddle, stand the paddle upright so the blade rests on the ground. Reach your arm above your head until you can grasp the handle. The right length lets you comfortably grip the top of the paddle without straining your wrist.

Who’s ready to get off the sofa for some SUP fun and a hearty workout? Goodness, it’s been a long season of lockdown, hasn’t it? Let’s just say we’re beyond ready to get back to normal. Around here, normal means iSUP and a bit of SUP adventure. In this post, we’re going to help you plan the ultimate SUP adventure with our tried and true iSUP travel checklist.

ESSENTIALS FOR THE ULTIMATE SUP ADVENTURE

PLANNING YOUR ULTIMATE SUP ADVENTURE

ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO PACK FOR YOUR NEXT SUP ADVENTURE

WHAT ARE YOUR ULTIMATE SUP ADVENTURE PLANS

PLANNING YOUR ULTIMATE SUP ADVENTUREBefore you can pack for your ultimate SUP adventure, you’ve first got to figure out where you want to go. Many places are restricting travel due to coronavirus quarantine, so driving somewhere in your own province might make the most sense. If you do want to venture farther, you can find some deeply discounted airfares to all kinds of great SUP spots, like Mexico, Florida and parts of the Caribbean.

iROCKER uses only the highest quality Triple Layer Composite military grade PVC in our inflatable paddle boards. Triple Layer Composite is our latest evolution in inflatable board construction, this allows us to deliver board that is not only lighter in weight but also allows extra protection from impacts and helps to reduce flex over common single layer boards on the market.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of making the decision to learn a new sport. And with Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP, you picked a good one to learn.  

I’m sure you already have visions of slicing through waves on a perfect day, taking in the incredible scenery while also doing your body a favor with a great workout. SUP has so much to offer, no wonder it’s been taking the world by storm in the last few years.  

But first things first, you’re going to have to decide on a board before you hit the open seas. There is a lot to consider when making this all-important decision. For instance, what kind of boarding do you plan on doing? Are you getting into the sport for the chill factor and just want to cruise around at a leisurely pace? Or are you more of an extreme sports person that has aspirations of surfing and racing?

Most beginners opt for an “all around” type of board that offers the best of all worlds. The most important thing for a beginner is that you want a board that is easy to stand up on! When you’re learning the sport it’s a good idea to start slow and work your way up to different levels and boards as you go.  

So, what kind of board should you get?

Based on factors including length, width, thickness, stability, portability, and affordability, our picks for the best paddle board for beginners would be the NAUTICAL paddle board and the iROCKER CRUISER board. Both boards are great for beginners and come at a great price tag. Let’s take a look at why these are good choices.

NAUTICAL

The NAUTICAL is not just affordable, but it’s built for stability and maneuverability making it the ideal choice for a beginner paddleboard. The design is sleek and simple with 13 D-rings, a bungee cord cargo storage, and 3 removable fins. It’s also an inflatable board which makes it easy to travel with and a piece of cake to store when it’s not on the water. This is a lightweight board that is also durable and sturdy. The 32-inch width allows for extra stability in all water conditions.  

IROCKER CRUISER

The iROCKER CRUISER is another great choice for those first getting their feet wet. This inflatable board is designed for all water types and all skill levels, especially beginners. This board is 33 inches wide making it one of the most stable boards on the market. It can also hold up to 400lbs, making it practical to have more than one person on the board in most cases, if that’s your fancy. This sturdy board is also awesome if you plan on fishing or doing yoga.

CONCLUSION

Making your first SUP purchase can be a little daunting with so many choices out there. You want to make the right choice and purchase something that’s going to make you happy while you learn the ropes of this new adventure. Luckily you can’t go wrong with either the NAUTICAL or the iROCKER CRUISER. Both boards will provide maximum stability with the beginner user in mind. Whether you’re out for a rip on a lake in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, or sailing the season one of Canada’s coasts, both of these boards are going to make sure you have a great experience. The NAUTICAL is the most affordable option, but it will be up to you to decide when you’ve completed your research. Now go make 2021 your year of the SUP!

Feeling a bit stressed this winter? You’re not alone. All the after-holiday hustle is not only exhausting, it’s stressful. So today we’re looking at the many ways you can bust stress with stand up paddle boarding.

Hopefully, paddling is a part of your regular fitness routine. If it is or even if it isn’t, this post is all about how SUP can feed your mind, body and soul and in the process, put stress where it belongs -- out of your life.

#1: PADDLE BOARDING IS GOOD FOR MENTAL CLARITY

#2: PADDLE BOARDING IS GOOD FOR YOUR FITNESS

#3: PADDLE BOARDING IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

BONUS: THE ULTIMATE STRESS RELIEF

#1: PADDLE BOARDING IS GOOD FOR MENTAL CLARITY

Paddlers who’ve been at it awhile might not realize how much mental focus they put into a paddle sesh. Newbies are aware, of course. When you’re new at SUP, you’ve got to focus on little details like getting on, standing up, balancing and even which direction to hold your paddle.

Over time, all of this becomes routine and your body simply knows what to do. The more you paddle, the more you and your board become one.

Trust us, though, even pros use intense mental focus to paddle. And all of this mental focus helps block out stress. Work, home and social worries become a foggy rear view mirror type of stress when you’re out for an hour or two of SUP.

#2: PADDLE BOARDING IS GOOD FOR YOUR FITNESS

In addition to mental focus, paddling also requires physical focus. From balancing and paddling, to turning and traversing, stand up paddle boarding gives you a full body workout. A gentle, slow-going paddle will have you burning a few hundred calories. Go hard with paddle board races, rapids or surf, and you could burn over 1,000 calories in an hour.

You’ll feel it, that’s for sure! And over time, your body will reward you with better tone, better balance and most importantly, overall better fitness.

Meantime, you’ll forget all about that big meeting at the office or your next big deadline because you’ll be good and tired from your awesome paddle workout.

Tip: when you’re paddling, make a point to think specifically about your entire body, from head to foot. Focusing on your movements and your style will help you get into maximum fitness before you know it.

#3: PADDLE BOARDING IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL

The intense mental and physical focus required for stand up paddle boarding adds up to another big plus and that’s soulfulness. Maybe it’s the outdoor Mother Nature benefit or the soul-satisfying experience of going solo in a crowded world. Whatever it is, a quiet hour of SUP feeds your soul like meditation.

Even if you’re a SUP with mates kind of SUPer, a good paddle sesh is the ideal way to invite harmony in and chase stress out.

If you are committed to busting stress (because it’s really bad for you) then make an intention to breathe in peace and breathe out stress with each and every paddle.

SUP yoga is another good way to maximize your Zen during SUP. Yes, it’s a physical workout, and it’s also a proven way to clear your mind and your soul. We write a lot about SUP yoga because we’re big fans. If you’re new at it or thinking about trying SUP yoga, we challenge you to try one new pose each time you paddle.

For starters, try the warrior pose. Try on land then once you’ve got it down, try it on your board. (Then have a mate snap a pic and send it to us!) You can find all kinds of helpful yoga tips hereto ensure you’re using the proper technique on dry ground before attempting a new pose on your iROCKER.

BONUS: THE ULTIMATE STRESS RELIEF

Now that you’re focused on improving your mind, body and soul with less stress and more SUP, you deserve a treat. You’ve earned it, right?

Hop on over to our gear page to check out all our shiny new equipment and accessories to make SUP better than ever. We have a few faves such as the cell phone holder, which is great for watching the clock or shooting a selfie video (hint, hint). We also love, love, love the bluetooth speaker attachment, which is a great way to put a little music into your selfie videos.

But to really treat yourself to something awesome, check out the electric SUP pump. Talk about a stress buster! Hook it up, breathe in, breathe out, aaahhh!

We hope we’ve inspired you to bust the stress out of your life. Next time you feel stressed, think SUP instead. If you have questions or ideas of your own, we’d love to hear about them. Contact us using the fields below or connect with our team on Facebook.

iROCKER uses only the highest quality Triple Layer Composite military grade PVC in our inflatable paddle boards. Triple Layer Composite is our latest evolution in inflatable board construction, this allows us to deliver board that is not only lighter in weight but also allows extra protection from impacts and helps to reduce flex over common single layer boards on the market. The maximum protection provided by the Triple Layer Composite equals increased durability and rigidity for the rider. New for this year many of the iROCKER boards feature dual cargo areas with safety handles on both front and rear cargo areas, nose and tail grab handles, more D-Ring mounting points, 4 multi-use Action Mounts, logo stamped deck pad, and an even lighter weight carbon blend paddle. We have been inspired by you and we will continue to deliver best overall value for your money when comparing us to other brands. Our SUPs are proudly designed by our team in Florida and sold in 34 different countries making us the global leader in stand up paddle boards.

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of making the decision to learn a new sport. And with Stand Up Paddle Boarding, or SUP, you picked a good one to learn.  

I’m sure you already have visions of slicing through waves on a perfect day, taking in the incredible scenery while also doing your body a favor with a great workout. SUP has so much to offer, no wonder it’s been taking the world by storm in the last few years.  

But first things first, you’re going to have to decide on a board before you hit the open seas. There is a lot to consider when making this all-important decision. For instance, what kind of boarding do you plan on doing? Are you getting into the sport for the chill factor and just want to cruise around at a leisurely pace? Or are you more of an extreme sports person that has aspirations of surfing and racing?

Most beginners opt for an “all around” type of board that offers the best of all worlds. The most important thing for a beginner is that you want a board that is easy to stand up on! When you’re learning the sport it’s a good idea to start slow and work your way up to different levels and boards as you go.  

So, what kind of board should you get?

Based on factors including length, width, thickness, stability, portability, and affordability, our picks for the best paddle board for beginners would be the NAUTICAL paddle board and the iROCKER CRUISER board. Both boards are great for beginners and come at a great price tag. Let’s take a look at why these are good choices.

NAUTICAL

The NAUTICAL is not just affordable, but it’s built for stability and maneuverability making it the ideal choice for a beginner paddleboard. The design is sleek and simple with 13 D-rings, a bungee cord cargo storage, and 3 removable fins. It’s also an inflatable board which makes it easy to travel with and a piece of cake to store when it’s not on the water. This is a lightweight board that is also durable and sturdy. The 32-inch width allows for extra stability in all water conditions.  

IROCKER CRUISER

The iROCKER CRUISER is another great choice for those first getting their feet wet. This inflatable board is designed for all water types and all skill levels, especially beginners. This board is 33 inches wide making it one of the most stable boards on the market. It can also hold up to 400lbs, making it practical to have more than one person on the board in most cases, if that’s your fancy. This sturdy board is also awesome if you plan on fishing or doing yoga.

iROCKER uses only the highest quality Triple Layer Composite military grade PVC in our inflatable paddle boards. Triple Layer Composite is our latest evolution in inflatable board construction, this allows us to deliver board that is not only lighter in weight but also allows extra protection from impacts and helps to reduce flex over common single layer boards on the market.

iROCKER uses only the highest quality Triple Layer Composite military grade PVC in our inflatable paddle boards. Triple Layer Composite is our latest evolution in inflatable board construction, this allows us to deliver board that is not only lighter in weight but also allows extra protection from impacts and helps to reduce flex over common single layer boards on the market.