Expert Advice

Expert Advice
  • Aug 8, 2023

Paddle Boarding for Everyone: Why An All Around Board is the Perfect Choice!

Paddleboarding, with its thrilling blend of adventure and tranquility, has captivated hearts globally. Among the spectrum of boards, the versatile all-around paddle board stands out as a beacon for enthusiasts at every level. Whether you're skimming tranquil lakes or braving ocean waves, discover the unparalleled benefits of the all-around SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) and how it can elevate your water adventures. Key Highlights Unrivaled Versatility: All-around paddle boards are designed to excel in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for every type of water adventure. The Inflatable Advantage: Discover the convenience, durability, and performance benefits that inflatable SUPs bring to your paddling experience. Choosing Your All-Around SUP: Learn how to select the perfect all-around board by considering factors like length, width, thickness, and additional features. Glide Paddle Boards Excellence: Glide Paddle Boards stands out with their Retro lineup, offering superior construction and performance for an unmatched paddling experience. Embracing the All-Around SUP Lifestyle: An all-around SUP is more than just a board; it's a key to a lifestyle of adventure, fitness, and exploration on the water. Getting Started with Your All-Around Board: Tips for beginners to quickly get up and paddling, including selecting the right conditions, proper inflation, and effective paddling techniques.

  • Aug 8, 2023

Riding the Wave: A Comprehensive Guide to Paddleboard Fins

Paddleboarding has experienced an immense surge in popularity over the past decade, evolving from a niche sport to a mainstream activity embraced by water enthusiasts across the world. With its relaxing and meditative qualities in addition to being a great workout, it's no wonder paddleboarding has become so ubiquitously seen coasting across lakes, rivers, and oceans. But behind the simplicity of standing atop a long surfboard and paddling lies intricate design elements that make these boards perform how they do. Arguably the most important yet underappreciated aspect of paddleboard construction are the fins located underneath. For newcomers to the sport, understanding the science and purpose behind various paddleboard fin configurations is key knowledge to have when selecting your ideal board. Through comprehensive learning about fin designs, you’ll be equipped to recognize quality construction versus manufacturers cutting corners. Key Highlights Evolution of Paddleboard Fin Designs: Explore the transition from single large fins to the modern tri-fin setups, influenced by surfing history and advancements in material science. Benefits of Multiple Fin Configurations: Understand how multiple fins improve stability, control, and speed, offering a versatile solution for various paddling conditions and activities. Fin Variations and Their Impacts: Delve into the significance of fin numbers, shapes, and sizes, and how they affect paddleboard performance in terms of stability, maneuverability, and drag. Material Choices for Fins: Compare the pros and cons of different fin materials, including plastic, nylon, fiberglass, carbon fiber, and foam, to determine the best option for your paddling style and budget. Optimizing Fin Sizing and Placement: Learn about the ideal sizing for center and side fins, and how fin placement influences speed, stability, and maneuverability on the water. Recognizing Poorly Designed Fins: Identify the telltale signs of subpar fin design to avoid boards that compromise on performance and durability. Activity-Specific Fin Recommendations: Receive tailored advice on selecting the right fin setup for activities like surfing, racing, touring, fitness, yoga, and fishing. Customizing Fins for Enhanced Performance: Discover how adjusting your fin setup can fine-tune your board's response to achieve custom performance suited to your preferences and conditions. Fin Care and Maintenance: Gain insights into proper fin care practices to extend the lifespan of your paddleboard fins and ensure they remain in top condition. Choosing the Right Fin Box System: Weigh the benefits of US style versus Future style fin boxes, considering factors like attachment methods, availability of replacements, and fin positioning flexibility.

  • Aug 8, 2023

Quest for the Best: Glide's Unrivaled Touring Paddle Boards

The Glide Quest Touring paddle board series has carved its niche as the unparalleled choice for paddle boarding enthusiasts seeking to blend speed, stability, and adventure. This lineup, renowned for its lightweight construction and exemplary performance, stands as a testament to Glide's commitment to excellence in the realm of touring paddle boards.   Key Highlights Unmatched Performance with the Glide Quest Solid Touring Board: Delve into the design and functionality of the Glide Quest Solid Touring Board, showcasing its versatility in sup racing and touring with a sleek profile for superior stability and efficiency. Distinctive Design Features: Highlight the Quest's US-style fin box, full-length premium deck pad, and recessed deck, which together deliver unparalleled comfort and performance on the water. Innovation with the Glide Quest 02 Inflatable Board: Explore the cutting-edge features of the Glide Quest 02 Inflatable Touring Board, combining speed with the convenience of portability in an inflatable design. Comprehensive Package for Explorers: Review the holistic paddling experience provided by Glide, including a travel-friendly backpack, high-performance paddle, SUP pump, center fin, repair kit, and additional amenities like a kayak seat and carry strap. Durability and Capacity: Emphasize the military-grade PVC construction of the Quest 02 and its impressive 400 lbs weight limit, ready to support all your adventure gear. Mastering the Elements with Glide: Whether opting for a solid or inflatable model, the Glide Quest series is engineered to tackle various water conditions, proving ideal for every adventurer's skill level. A Commitment to Quality and Adventure: Reflect on Glide's dedication to fostering a community of adventurers through superior craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation in paddle board design. The Glide Difference: Understand what sets the Glide Quest Touring boards apart, from their exceptional design and performance to Glide's commitment to environmental sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

  • Aug 7, 2023

Inflatable SUP Boards: The Ultimate Solution for Water Sports Enthusiasts

In the dynamic world of stand-up paddleboarding, the evolution of inflatable SUP boards has been nothing short of revolutionary. Offering a blend of convenience, performance, and accessibility, these boards have opened new horizons for enthusiasts seeking to conquer waters far and wide. Let's dive into why inflatable SUP boards are becoming the preferred choice for water sports adventurers.   Key Highlights Unmatched Portability: Emphasize the ease of transportation and storage, making inflatable SUP boards ideal for adventurers seeking to explore remote waterways or those with limited storage space. Durability That Defies the Elements: Highlight the rugged construction designed to withstand impacts and abrasions, ensuring reliability in various water environments. A Board for Every Adventure: Discuss the versatile design that caters to different paddleboarding activities, from serene lake paddles to ocean surfing and SUP yoga. Cost-Effectiveness Without Compromise: Outline how inflatable SUP boards offer an affordable entry point into paddleboarding without sacrificing quality, appealing to both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Space-Saving Storage Solutions: Point out the benefits for city dwellers and those with compact living spaces, thanks to the easy storage options of inflatable SUPs. Mastering the Waters: Tips for Inflatable SUP Boarding: Gear Up Right: Stress the importance of quality gear, including a durable paddle, a PFD, a helmet for rough waters, and a repair kit for safety and enhanced paddling experience. Skill-Building in Diverse Conditions: Encourage practicing in various water conditions to hone skills, improve balance, and increase confidence. Safety as a Priority: Remind paddlers to always prioritize safety by wearing a PFD, using a board leash, and staying informed about local water conditions.

  • Aug 7, 2023

White Water Paddle Boarding with an Inflatable Paddle Board: An Expert Guide

White water paddle boarding presents a dynamic challenge that marries the tranquility of SUP with the adrenaline of navigating turbulent rapids. Inflatable paddle boards, with their unmatched durability and convenience, have become the go-to choice for adventurers eager to tackle the spirited waters of white water rivers. Key Highlights Why Inflatable Paddle Boards for White Water?: Explore the durability, portability, and versatility of inflatable paddle boards, making them perfect for the rugged demands of white water paddling. Choosing the Right Equipment: Importance of selecting the right paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, and clothing for safety and performance in white water conditions. Practicing Your Skills: The necessity of honing your paddle boarding skills in calm waters before advancing to white water rapids to ensure confidence and proficiency. Navigating Rapids: Guidance on choosing rapids that match your skill level, with an emphasis on starting with Class I or II rapids and gradually progressing as your experience grows. Mastering White Water Techniques: Key techniques for white water paddle boarding, including bracing, ferrying, eddy turns, and surfing, and their role in successful navigation. Safety Precautions: Critical safety measures like wearing a PFD and helmet, never paddling alone, using a reliable leash, and knowing basic rescue techniques for white water environments. Equipment Maintenance: Tips for maintaining your inflatable paddle board in top condition, including regular cleaning, inspection for damage, and proper storage practices.

  • Aug 4, 2023

Drafting on Your Paddle Board: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is not just about serenely gliding over the water's surface. There's an aspect of this sport called 'drafting' that adds a competitive edge and strategic dimension to your paddle boarding experience. Whether you're cruising on a solid board or an inflatable paddle board, mastering the art of drafting can significantly enhance your performance. Key Highlights Understanding Drafting in SUP: Drafting involves riding in the wake of another paddle board to reduce resistance and save energy. It's a critical skill for competitive and long-distance paddlers. The Physics Behind Drafting: Explains how drafting works by positioning your board in the 'draft zone' of the leading board, utilizing the smoother water for less resistance. Positioning Your Paddle Board: Tips on aligning your board closely behind another to effectively draft without making contact, highlighting the importance of skill and board stability. Benefits of Drafting: Drafting offers significant advantages, including energy efficiency for longer paddles, increased speed in races, and valuable learning opportunities from observing experienced paddlers. Drafting Etiquette: Discusses the unwritten rules of drafting in the SUP community, emphasizing the importance of asking permission and respecting other paddlers' space on the water. Mastering the Skill of Drafting: Encourages practice with friends or during training sessions to become proficient in drafting, enhancing your SUP experience whether in casual outings or competitive races.

  • Aug 3, 2023

Breaking Down the Paddle Board Paddle Stroke: The Recovery

Introduction The art of paddle boarding is not just about balance and strength. It's about technique. Without a well-honed paddle stroke, even the strongest paddler can find themselves wasting energy and underperforming on the water. In this article, we’ll explore a critical phase of the paddle stroke: the recovery. Key Highlights Understanding the Recovery Phase: Discover the significance of the recovery phase in the paddle stroke cycle, focusing on lifting the paddle out of the water and repositioning it for the next stroke. The Importance of the Recovery Phase: Learn why mastering the recovery phase is crucial for efficient strokes, energy conservation, and maintaining a steady speed across all types of paddle boards. Benefits Across Different Paddling Activities: Whether engaging in long-distance expeditions or competitive racing, see how an efficient recovery phase can conserve energy and enhance performance. Executing the Recovery Phase Properly: Lifting the Paddle: Tips for minimizing water resistance and ensuring a smooth transition out of the water. Repositioning the Paddle: Techniques for using your core to smoothly rotate the paddle back to the front. Re-entry: Strategies for a seamless paddle re-entry to maintain momentum and reduce splash. Adapting the Recovery Phase for Different Boards: Insights into how the recovery phase may vary between inflatable and solid paddle boards, and the importance of synchronization in multi-person and tandem paddling. Practice Makes Perfect: Encouragement to practice the recovery phase to significantly improve paddling technique, efficiency, and overall enjoyment of stand up paddle boarding.

  • Aug 2, 2023

Breaking Down the Stand Up Paddle Board Paddle Stroke: The Pull

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) isn't just about standing on a board and moving through water; it's an art that requires mastery over the paddle stroke. The heart of this art lies in "the pull" phase, the segment of the stroke where the paddle is drawn through the water, propelling you forward with power and precision.

  • Aug 1, 2023

Paddling to Perfection: How Rhythm Enhances Your SUP Experience

Understanding Paddling Rhythm in Paddle Boarding Stand up paddle boarding, an increasingly popular water sport, offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. From the calm of flat water paddle boarding to the thrill of riding ocean waves, it provides enthusiasts with varied experiences. One key factor that significantly influences your stand up paddle boarding experience is your paddling rhythm.

  • Aug 1, 2023

Where to Stand on Your Paddle Board

Paddle boarding is not just a sport; it's an art that combines balance, strength, and the serenity of being on the water. Whether you're gliding through tranquil waters or navigating choppy waves, knowing where to stand on your paddle board significantly influences your experience and performance. Key Highlights Introduction to Paddle Boarding Positions: Understand the versatility of paddle boarding and the importance of mastering where to stand on your board for optimal performance. Choosing the Right Board: Learn the differences between inflatable and solid paddle boards, focusing on durability, convenience, speed, and agility. Preparing Your Board: Tips for setting up your paddle board, attaching fins, and ensuring a secure grip to start your adventure. Finding the Ideal Standing Position: Locating the Sweet Spot: Stand at the center of the board, around the carrying handle, to ensure stability and control. Foot Positioning for Optimal Balance: Adopt a stance with feet parallel, hip-width apart, for the best balance and effective paddling. Tailoring Your Stance for Various Activities: Speed and Distance: Adjust your position slightly towards the back for racing or long-distance paddling. SUP Yoga and Fitness: Center yourself for stability during yoga or fitness routines. Fishing and Leisure: Understand the flexibility in positioning when fishing or cruising for leisure. Practicing and Perfecting Your Stance: Emphasize the importance of practice in a safe environment to find what works best for you and your board. Safety Considerations: Always prioritize safety by wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) and using a leash.

  • Jul 28, 2023

How to Paddle Board on Rivers: A Comprehensive Guide

Stand up paddleboarding, or SUP, is a thrilling and dynamic sport that has been rapidly gaining popularity across the globe. Rivers, with their varying currents and rich sceneries, present a unique opportunity for paddle board enthusiasts to test their skills and enjoy a day out in nature. Whether you're a seasoned expert or a novice just starting, here's a comprehensive guide on how to stand up paddle board on rivers. Key Highlights Choosing the Right Board: Emphasize the benefits of inflatable paddle boards for river SUP due to their durability and maneuverability. Highlight specialized river boards designed for stability in swift currents. Essential Gear and Accessories: List crucial items like adjustable paddles, manual pumps, repair kits, and safety equipment, including helmets and PFDs. Stress the importance of waterproof storage for belongings. Understanding River Dynamics: Break down river features such as currents, eddies, and obstacles. Introduce the concept of river reading to identify hazards and navigate effectively. Adjusting to the Current: Discuss techniques for paddling upstream and downstream, adjusting strokes to handle varying current strengths, and keeping the board oriented correctly to prevent capsizing. Dealing with Obstructions: Offer strategies for navigating around or over river obstructions like rocks and fallen trees, including dismount techniques and the importance of scouting the river. Paddle Boarding Techniques: Tailor techniques for river conditions, including starting on knees for stability and practicing in calm sections before progressing to stronger currents. Safety Precautions: Highlight safety measures such as wearing a PFD and helmet, using a quick-release leash, and the importance of paddle boarding with a partner or group. Respecting Nature and Enjoying the Adventure: Encourage paddlers to respect the natural environment and wildlife, emphasizing the importance of leaving no trace and enjoying the beauty of river SUP.

  • Jul 24, 2023

How to use GPS to Improve your Paddle Boarding

GPS (Global Positioning System) is an indispensable tool for outdoor sports enthusiasts. It plays an equally significant role in enhancing your paddle boarding experience. GPS can help you track your routes, measure distances, and even keep an eye on weather conditions. But most importantly,it is pivotal for safety purposes, helping you locate your position in open waters, making it easier for others to find you in case of emergencies. Key Highlights: Introduction to GPS in Paddle Boarding: Emphasize the critical role of GPS in improving paddle boarding by ensuring safety and enhancing navigational skills. Choosing the Right GPS Device: Discussion on the types of GPS devices suitable for paddle boarding, including waterproof smartphones and GPS watches, highlighting their convenience and functionality. Benefits of Using GPS for Paddle Boarding: Outline how GPS technology aids in route tracking, speed and distance measurements, and significantly boosts safety on the water. GPS Apps for Enhanced Paddle Boarding: Introduce various GPS apps designed specifically for water sports, mentioning their features like live location sharing, weather forecasts, and tracking paddle strokes. Practical GPS Usage Tips: Offer tips on getting familiar with GPS devices, ensuring their security during paddling sessions, and leveraging GPS for training and performance analysis. The Importance of Pairing GPS with Other Equipment: Explain how integrating GPS with paddle board equipment like heart rate monitors can offer a comprehensive overview of fitness levels and paddling performance. The Future of GPS in Paddle Boarding: Speculate on how GPS technology might evolve, offering more detailed analyses and real-time environmental data to paddlers. A Cautionary Note on Relying Solely on GPS: Stress the importance of not becoming overly dependent on GPS and the necessity of basic navigation skills and common sense.

  • Jul 21, 2023

Top Mistakes When Surfing Paddle Boards

Paddle boarding is a recreational activity that has grown in popularity over the years. With the right stand up paddle board, you can explore flat waters, enjoy some fishing, or even ride the waves. However, as fun and straightforward as paddle boarding may appear, there are common mistakes that can hinder your surfing paddle board experience. Here's a rundown of the top mistakes you should avoid when surfing paddle boards and how to correct them. Key Highlights: Choosing the Right Board: Importance of selecting a board designed for surfing to improve maneuverability and performance. Correct Paddling Technique: How mastering the right technique enhances efficiency, reduces fatigue, and maintains stability. Essential Safety Gear: Prioritizing safety with the right gear, including a personal flotation device and a leash. Weather and Wave Awareness: Understanding and respecting weather conditions and wave forecasts to avoid dangerous situations. Knowing Your Limits: The significance of paddling within your abilities and gradually progressing to bigger waves. Respecting Water Etiquette: Sharing the water responsibly with other surfers and water users to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment. Proper Stance on the Board: Adjusting your stance for optimal balance and control while surfing paddle boards. Maintaining Fitness for Paddle Boarding: Recognizing the importance of physical strength, endurance, and balance in enhancing your paddle boarding skills. Equipment Maintenance: Regular care and upkeep of your paddle board and accessories for longevity and peak performance.

  • Jul 20, 2023

The Glide O2 Angler: The Ideal Stand Up Paddleboard for Fishing Enthusiasts

Water sports are increasingly gaining popularity, and among the top-tier is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), a cross-over between surfing and canoeing that allows you to traverse water bodies at your pace. But, have you ever thought of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and fishing together? If not, then it's time to consider a unique combination of the two activities. In the world of SUP, the Glide O2 Angler is a game-changer, particularly for fishing enthusiasts. A product specifically designed with fishing in mind, the Glide O2 Angler brings a whole new dimension to fishing, making it an excellent choice for anyone considering a SUP fishing board.

  • Jul 20, 2023

How to Go Faster on a Stand Up Paddle Board

Key Highlights: Choosing the Right Paddle Board: Understanding the impact of board type, material, and shape on speed. Paddle Board Shape and Design: How displacement hulls, board length, and fins contribute to faster speeds. Advanced Paddling Technique: The importance of effective stroke power, rhythm, and side switching for speed. Core Strength and Conditioning: Enhancing paddle power through core training and overall fitness. Paddle Board and Paddle Maintenance: Regular care to minimize drag and maintain optimal performance. Navigating Weather and Water Conditions: Utilizing wind and currents to your advantage for increased speed. Energy Efficiency: Strategies for conserving energy and using it efficiently to maintain speed. Optimal Board Loading: Balancing necessary gear with the need for speed by managing board load. The Role of the Board The type of stand up paddle board (SUP) you use plays a significant role in your speed. The variety of paddle boards is extensive, ranging from solid paddle boards to inflatable paddle boards. Among these, touring paddle boards are specifically designed to glide through the water at higher speeds due to their narrow and long design. An inflatable board might be lighter, but it often lacks the stiffness of a solid board which can hinder speed. The material of the board also contributes to your speed. A lightweight carbon fiber paddle board, for example, provides a smooth ride with reduced friction, making it easier to reach higher speeds. On the other hand, boards made from military grade PVC, while being extremely durable, might add a little more weight.

  • Jul 18, 2023

Advanced Skills to Master on a Stand Up Paddle Board

Master these advanced skills on your stand up paddle board and take your paddling to the next level. Key Highlights: Power Stroke Mastery: Enhance your speed and maneuverability in challenging conditions with the advanced power stroke technique. Pivot Turn Precision: Learn the pivot turn for quick, efficient board direction changes, a must-know for race enthusiasts. Equipment Insights: Solid vs. inflatable boards—understand the performance nuances and how they impact your advanced techniques. Paddle Proficiency: Utilize your paddle beyond propulsion for stability and steering, maximizing control over your board. Balance and Control: Advanced balance techniques for SUP surfing and yoga, pushing your skills to new heights. Safety Prioritization: Emphasize safety with the right gear and awareness, regardless of skill level. Long-Distance Challenges: Explore long-distance paddling and overnight SUP trips, testing your endurance and preparation.