Expert Advice

Expert Advice
  • Apr 22, 2025

Can you Fish on Inflatable Paddle Boards?

An inflatable sup can make an excellent board for paddle board fishing. With many inflatable fishing paddle boards on the market, you have a lot to choose from. Some will even fo sup fishing from non-fishing inflatable paddle boards although they will then lack the fishing rod holders. We recommend not using an inflatable paddle board for sup fishing if it has less than 4 layers of PVC construction and has a weight capacity of 450 lbs or less.

  • Mar 19, 2025

Why Is My Paddle Board Losing Air?

While it's natural for inflatable paddle boards to lose a minimal amount of air over time, significant or rapid air loss indicates an underlying issue that requires attention.

  • Jun 3, 2024

SUP Training for Cardio Fitness

Paddle boarding, or SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding), has taken the world by storm as a versatile water sport that offers not only adventure and relaxation but also a powerful workout. Among the many benefits of SUP, its potential as a cardio fitness exercise stands out.

  • May 29, 2024

How to Safely Fall Off a Paddle Board

Falling off your paddle board is bound to happen, whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler. It’s part of the adventure and can even be a fun part of learning. 

  • Feb 6, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Touring Paddle Boarding

Key Highlights Touring paddle boarding offers a unique blend of fitness and adventure. Advantages of touring paddle boards extend from increased stability to the ability to carry additional gear. Ideal locations for touring paddle board adventures span globally, offering varying conditions and scenery. The Glide Quest and Glide O2 Quest paddle boards, their features and performances dynamize the overall paddle boarding experience. Factors such as rider’s weight, riding style, and type of water conditions are essential in choosing the right touring paddle board. Expert tips for a successful touring paddle boarding adventure include weather and condition forecasts, choosing the essential gear and accessories, and observing safety precautions.

  • Nov 16, 2023

Can You Use an iSUP in Cold Water? Yes!

Diving into the crisp, cold waters doesn't mean putting your paddle board away. In fact, with an inflatable paddle board (iSUP), your adventures can stretch into the serene and tranquil beauty of winter waters. Here's how to gear up, stay safe, and make the most of cold water paddle boarding with your iSUP.

  • Oct 6, 2023

Hand Pump or Electric Pump for Your iSUP: Which is Better?

When venturing into the world of inflatable stand-up paddleboards (iSUPs), selecting the right pump is crucial for an optimal paddleboarding experience. The choice between hand pumps and electric pumps can significantly affect your pre-paddle setup and overall enjoyment. Let's delve into the characteristics, benefits, and considerations of both pump types to aid in your decision.

  • Oct 6, 2023

Paddle Boarding 101: Mastering the Proper Paddle Strokes

Key Highlights: Essential Techniques for Beginners: Overview of basic paddle strokes such as the forward stroke, reverse stroke, and sweep stroke necessary for efficient navigation and maneuvering. Mastering Advanced Paddle Strokes: Introduction to more sophisticated strokes like the draw and crossbow strokes, which are essential for executing precise movements and advanced maneuvers. Optimizing Posture for Effective Paddling: Tips for maintaining the ideal stance, correct eye placement, and proper grip to ensure maximum control and reduce fatigue. Avoiding Common Paddling Mistakes: Guidance on how to recognize and correct frequent paddling errors to enhance your paddling efficiency and enjoyment. Understanding SUP Racing Techniques: Insights into the unique challenges and techniques of SUP racing, including tips for increasing stroke rate, mastering pivot turns, and optimizing equipment for competitive racing. Ride the Wave: Master the Art of Paddleboarding with Glidesup. Welcome to the thrilling world of paddleboarding – where the water's calm meets your adventurous spirit. At Glidesup.com, we're not just enthusiasts; we're your trusted guides into the heart of paddleboarding, or SUP as it's fondly known. Whether you're dipping your toes into the water for the first time or you're ready to take your paddleboarding skills to new heights, we're here with all the tips, tricks, and insights you need.

  • Sep 22, 2023

Winter Care Tips for Your Hard Paddle Board

Winter is coming, and it's time to prepare your hard paddleboard for the colder months. A little bit of extra care during winter can go a long way in keeping your board in good condition. In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about winter care tips for your hard paddleboard. We will start with understanding the basics of the hard paddleboard and its advantages. Then, we will discuss how to prepare your board for winter by cleaning it, checking for damages, and proper drying techniques. We will also provide some indoor storage solutions like using a SUP wall rack, leaning storage method, and suspended storage options. Furthermore, we will discuss outdoor winter storage tips such as choosing the right cover and protecting your board from elements. Lastly, we will talk about the importance of regular maintenance checks during winter and answer whether it is safe to store your paddleboard outside during winter or not. So let's dive in!

  • Aug 10, 2023

A Tidal Shift in Safety: Navigating the New USCG PFD Regulations for SUP Enthusiasts

The U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) Personal Flotation Device (PFD) approval system is pivotal in ensuring that marine safety equipment meets rigorous standards. This article delves into the intricate details of the new PFD approval system, highlighting its importance, process, and impact on manufacturers and consumers. Historical Background Historically, the USCG has had a rigorous process for approving PFDs, ensuring they provide reliable buoyancy and visibility in emergency situations. However, evolving technology, changes in recreational boating, and international standards have necessitated updates to the system. Key Highlights Introduction to the USCG's Updated PFD Regulations: An overview of why the USCG revised its PFD standards and how these changes aim to enhance safety for water sports enthusiasts, including SUP users. The Importance of the New Approval System: Exploring how the new PFD regulations increase safety by ensuring products meet higher buoyancy and visibility standards, aligning with international norms. Understanding the New PFD Approval Process: A step-by-step breakdown of how PFDs are tested and approved under the new system, highlighting the focus on durability, comfort, and performance in water. Impact on Manufacturers and Consumers: Discussing how the updated regulations encourage innovation among manufacturers and what SUP enthusiasts should expect in terms of product quality and price adjustments. How to Choose a USCG-Approved PFD for SUP: Tips on selecting the right PFD for paddleboarding activities, considering the new performance levels and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Ensuring Compliance While Paddleboarding: Advice on how SUP enthusiasts can stay compliant with the new regulations, including understanding the required PFD performance level for different water conditions.

  • 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 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.

  • Jul 13, 2023

How to Master the Sweep Stroke on your Paddleboard

Key Highlights: The Essentials of the Sweep Stroke: Learn the key components that make the sweep stroke an indispensable technique for every paddle boarder. Sweep Stroke Variations: Discover how mastering both the standard and reverse sweep strokes can offer greater flexibility and control on the water. Step-by-Step Breakdown: From the setup to recovery, each phase of the sweep stroke is detailed for clear understanding and practice. Practical Tips for Mastery: Emphasize the importance of form, utilizing the right gear, and prioritizing safety while learning and perfecting the sweep stroke. Board Selection Guidance: Insights on how choosing the right paddle board, whether inflatable or solid, can significantly impact your ability to master the sweep stroke efficiently. Beyond the Sweep Stroke: An introduction to other essential paddling techniques to further improve your paddle boarding experienc Introduction Stand up paddle boarding is a sport that continues to grow in popularity due to its accessibility, fun, and versatility. Whether it's on a solid paddle board or an inflatable paddle board, learning and mastering the sweep stroke is a critical aspect of the sport. The sweep stroke allows you to easily change direction and maneuver your paddleboard, making your experience on the water more enjoyable. This article will guide you through the process of mastering the sweep stroke on your paddleboard, ensuring you have the technique down pat for your next adventure.