Paddle boarding is a cross between surfing and kayaking. Participants sit, kneel or stand on their boards and use a paddle to propel them across the water. Over the past few years, paddle boarding has gained great popularity and has now arrived at Koh Chang. It can be enjoyed at the water sports activity centre at Siam Royal View in the north west of the island in the beautiful Klong Son Bay.
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{timg title:=”Paddle Boarding” thumb:=”images/stories/news/blog/pb2703691.jpg” img:=”images/stories/news/blog/pb270369.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} The sport of paddle boarding is believed to have been founded in Hawaii by Thomas Edward Blake in 1926. While building a replica of the surfboard the ancient Hawaiian kings used, he drilled holes in it and covered them over. This was the first paddle board of the modern design. There are a variety of pieces of equipment that can be used for paddle boarding including surfboards. Modern boards are made from polyurethane with at least one wooden strip and they are covered with a fibre glass cloth. The length of the paddles varies and it is generally recommended that it should be six to eight inches taller than the user. One of the fastest growing areas of the sport is stand up paddle boarding (SUP). This method of paddle boarding does not require much equipment and is easy to do whether it is on the sea or a river. Not only is it fun, it is also a great way of giving the body a workout. Many athletes such as skiers and snowboarders use paddle boarding in their fitness schedules. SUP is a great way to enjoy the views as you are standing at your full height. You will feel like you are walking on water. For beginners, it is recommended that you start on calm water and until you are comfortable, it is better to kneel rather than stand upright. When you have mastered the kneeling position, stand upright on the board, placing your feet where your knees were positioned. When you are standing upright you should focus your gaze on the horizon and never at your feet. For the novice paddle boarder, a wider board is recommended and as experience is gained a narrower one can be used.
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{timg title:=”Paddle Boarding” thumb:=”images/stories/news/blog/pb270370_21.jpg” img:=”images/stories/news/blog/pb270370_2.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} The sport is becoming popular all over the world and one of the major reasons is that it is so easy to learn. Many beginners within just one hour of starting are very comfortable on their boards. Paddle boarding is particularly popular with women as they have a lower centre of gravity, which in many cases makes them more skilled than their male counterparts. River stand up paddling is becoming more popular among the better paddlers due to the level of skill needed to navigate the obstacles and rapids. Many of today’s SUPers have converted from surfing as it gives them the chance to catch more waves and allows them a better view of the waves coming in. Stand up paddle boarding is fun and as long as the correct care and attention is taken, the chances of accidents are minimal. If you are visiting Koh Chang and would like to try this exciting sport, visit Siam Royal View’s water sports activity centre for expert tuition and first class equipment. Klong Son Bay is one of the calmest and most picturesque spots on Koh Chang and is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Siam Royal View is a leading Thailand property developer with luxury Thailand villa developments in Pattaya and on the island of Koh Chang. The water sports center at Siam Royal View Koh Chang offers both, paddle board (SUP) rentals, and courses for beginners and advanced paddlers, as well as other water sports. For more information please get in touch. |
