Intro to Stand Up Paddling. This class is intended for beginner paddlers who are looking to fast track learning essential skills and looking to be safe out on their board. One of the greatest things about stand up paddling, or SUP, is how easy it is to get on there and enjoy the water. But taking your skills from a beginner level to a more advanced paddler, is going to mean a greater enjoyment of your paddling time, using less energy and avoiding potential dangers. Sure, you could most likely figure some of it out on your own, but why wait when we have the Adirondack Paddling Symposium? We’ll teach and help you perform our “Top Ten Tips” to improve your stand up paddling. We’ll cover safety, stroke efficiency and incorporating footwork for improved balance and board control. If you are already into SUP, or planning on getting into this great sport, this is one class you should be registering for. You will be required to wear a leash and have your coast guard approved PFD with you. This class will require multiple immersions and lengthy periods of time in the water. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
SUP Forward Stroke. This class is intended for intermediate paddlers who have good balance skills on their board (Intro to Stand Up Paddling, would be a great prerequisite for this class). Arguably the most important of all strokes, as we all want to be more efficient as we travel on our boards. We will start out with how and where to hold onto the paddle. The forward stroke needs to be built on a tier system, so once we have the basics covered, we will work on building the foundation of a more efficient stroke. Participants should leave this class being able to get the most energy out of their paddle, reducing the risk of hand, wrist injuries, keep their board tracking straighter and relying less on small muscle groups to paddle. With any SUP class, the likelihood of falling off your board is always present. Be dressed for multiple immersions. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.
SUP Turning and Bracing. This class is intended for intermediate paddlers who have good balance skills on their board (Intro to Stand Up Paddling, would be a great prerequisite for this class). Improved maneuvering and bracing skills will be most effective for most paddlers, in dealing with the dreaded wind! Initially an enemy to all stand up paddlers, with our exposed center of gravity. However, with a better understanding of how to control and stabilize your board, the wind could become a friend. For those who paddle in current or on larger bodies of water with waves, this class is a must to register for. Students should walk away from this class with the skills to more efficiently turn their board and stay upright more easily in wind and waves. With any SUP class, the likelihood of falling off your board is always present. Be dressed for multiple immersions. If you are not sure what to wear to stay warm, click HERE for more info.